Married Your Girl Bestie as a Dare? Congrats You're Stuck with her now novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Three years later.

The results of the city’s first “Most Dedicated Civil Service Professional” selection were announced, and my

name was on the list.

The award ceremony was held at the City Cultural Center. Dressed in a tailored suit, I stepped onto the stage and accepted the trophy and certificate from a senior official. Applause thundered through the hall as

camera flashes went off one after another.

During my acceptance speech, I said, “Marriage registration may look like simple paperwork, but it concerns the happiness of countless families. Behind every marriage certificate is a promise of love.”

“Behind every divorce certificate is the end of a family as it once was. As public servants, all we can do is

respect every choice and safeguard every ounce of sincerity.”

After the ceremony, I was interviewed backstage by reporters.

“Director Sullivan, we’ve heard that the cooling-off period you helped implement has saved many couples

from impulsive divorces,” a young reporter said.

I smiled. “The cooling-off period isn’t meant to stop divorce. It’s meant to give people a chance to think things through. Marriage is not a game. It deserves careful consideration.”

“And what about your personal views on marriage?” another reporter pressed.

I thought for a moment, then answered seriously. “Marriage should be a voluntary union between two independent individuals.”

“It should be about supporting each other, not restraining one another. Most importantly, before choosing marriage, you must first become a complete person on your own.”

After the interviews ended, I walked out of the Cultural Center holding my trophy.

The sun was setting, bathing the entire city in a golden glow.

“Chloe!”

I turned around and saw a familiar figure standing at the foot of the steps. It was Mason.

He looked much thinner. He was dressed simply in a shirt and slacks, holding the hand of a little girl who looked two or three years old. She had big eyes and two tiny pigtails. She was adorable.

“This is…” I said, surprised.

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“My daughter. Lily Carter,” Mason said softly. “Harper gave birth to her. She… suffered from severe postpartum depression. She left the child with me and went abroad.”

I crouched down and smiled at the little girl. “Hello.”

The girl shyly hid behind Mason’s leg.

“Chloe, I…” Mason hesitated.

I stood up and shook my head. “There’s no need to say anything. It’s all in the past.”

“I saw the news,” he said sincerely. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” I glanced at my watch. “I have another meeting. I should go.”

“Chloe,” he called after me. “If… I mean, if one day I become good enough, could we…”

“Mason,” I interrupted calmly, “look at the gardenias over there.”

He followed my gaze. In the flowerbed outside the Cultural Center, the gardenias were in full bloom, their white petals striking against the dusk.

“Last winter, I thought the gardenia on my balcony had died,” I said. “The leaves had all turned yellow, the branches were dry. I almost threw it away, but in the end, I kept it. When spring came, I changed the soil, pruned the branches, watered it every day, and let it soak up the sun.”

I turned to look at him. “Guess what? This summer, it bloomed. Better than it ever had before.”

The light in Mason’s eyes dimmed.

“Some things,” I said softly, “once dead, are truly dead. But new life can grow again from the ruins.”

I walked down the steps. As I passed him, I waved at the little girl. “Goodbye, sweetheart.”

“Goodbye, Auntie,” the girl said timidly.

I walked toward the car parked by the curb. The driver had already opened the door for me.

Before getting in, I glanced back one last time. Mason was still standing there, the sunset stretching his shadow long across the ground. He lowered his head, looking at the child in his arms. His back looked

lonely.

But this time, my heart remained perfectly still.

The car pulled away from the Cultural Center and merged into the evening traffic.

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My phone buzzed. It was Emily.

[Chloe! Check the group chat! Daniel is getting married and wants us to be bridesmaids!]

[Congratulations!] I typed back. [Let me know if you need any help.]

[Absolutely! I’ve already picked out the bridesmaid dresses!] Daniel replied instantly.

I watched the stream of congratulatory messages flood the screen, a smile unconsciously forming at the

corner of my lips.

The car crossed an overpass as city lights flickered on one by one. In shop windows and on TV screens, advertisements for Valentine’s Day were everywhere. It was almost that time of year again.

“Pull over at the flower shop ahead,” I said suddenly.

After getting out of the car, I went inside and bought a bouquet of pure white gardenias.

Back in the car, I placed the flowers carefully on the seat beside me.

My phone rang again. This time, it was my mom. “Chloe, are you coming home for dinner this weekend?

Your dad made your favorite ribs.”

“I am. Of course I am,” I said with a smile.

Outside the window, the city lights glittered like stars, stretching endlessly toward the horizon.

And my road continued forward too, carrying the fragrance of gardenias, and a heart that was whole and

free.