Rejected Me Once Never Fool Me Twice (Watt) novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39

A Wedding, A Promise, A New Beginning

I stare at the guests gathered on the beach, waiting for the wedding to begin.

Marcus and Crystal opted for a classic beach wedding, and I made sure everything was perfect for them. It’s a small, intimate ceremony with just family, close friends, and a few coworkers.

Marcus never searched for his parents or family-he says he wants nothing to do with them. So today, I have the honor of walking him down the aisle.

I glance back at Marcus and notice the nervous look on his face.

“Don’t tell me you’re nervous,” I tease, chuckling. “Weren’t you the one running your mouth just a few minutes ago?”

He smiles but keeps his eyes on the guests. “I’m not nervous. I just feel like… none of this is real. Like I’m going to wake up one day, and it’ll all be a dream or a lie.” He pauses, a tear slipping down his cheek. “If someone had told me fifteen years ago that this orphan-unloved, unwanted-would be standing here today, a CEO, a millionaire, and about to marry the woman of his dreams, I would’ve laughed in their face.”

I feel my own tears threatening to spill. “Me too. If someone told me back then that I’d be a mother after everything I went through… I would’ve slapped them right across the face.”

Marcus turns to me, his expression filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Serene. Thank you for saving me that day, for giving me a new purpose in life. I wouldn’t be here without you. I will forever owe my life to you. I love you so much.”

I pull him into a hug, squeezing him tightly. “I love you too, Marcus. You’re my brother, and I’d do anything for you. Blood or not, siblings for life.”

We hold onto each other a little longer, savoring the moment.

Suddenly, the soft melody of the piano begins to play.

“That’s our cue,” I sniff, pulling away.

We wipe our tears, replacing them with genuine smiles. Marcus hooks his arm through mine, and together, we walk down the aisle.

My silk satin dress sways in the breeze, and my heels sink slightly into the sand with each step.

A few minutes later, after leaving Marcus at the altar and taking my seat next to my mother, I watch my son and Crystal’s son-who are the ring bearers-walking hand in hand with an adorable with Crystal’s daughter, Dera, as flower girl. He gently helps her along, being the perfect gentleman.

Liana was the made of honor since my sister had no friends.

“Hey, Mama!” he waves at me excitedly.

I smile, my heart full.

Moments later, the music shifts, and Crystal begins her walk down the aisle with Mom.

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Chapter 39

+25 Bonus

She is breathtaking in one of Marcus’s own designs-a halter-neck ball gown with a 53-inch veil and a handmade bouquet. 1

Her hair is styled in a sleek ponytail, adorned with a floral headpiece reminiscent of Princess Catherine’s.

The ceremony is everything we hoped for-beautiful, emotional, perfect. Marcus cries. Crystal cries. Mom cries.I cry. We laugh at his witty remarks, and before we know it… they are married.

The Reception

The reception venue offers a stunning view of the sea, the waves shimmering under the evening sky.

“Let’s welcome the newlyweds!” the MC cheers, and the crowd erupts in applause as Marcus and Crystal step in, both having changed into something more comfortable.

Marcus wears a crisp dress shirt and khaki pants, while Crystal stuns in a flowing tulle dress paired with Gucci heels.

We celebrate, they share their first dance-to Forever and Ever, Always-and soon, it’s time for the speeches.

After Liana’s speech, which was heartwarming by the way, it made Marc tear up, I take a deep breath and step

forward.

“Hello, everyone,” I begin, smiling warmly. “I hope you’re all enjoying the evening. My speech is going to be short and simple.”

I glance at Marcus, my heart full of love for my best friend.

“Marcus and I have been friends since our teens, and it hasn’t been easy for us. We grew together, faced life together, cried and laughed together. We shared both happy and painful memories. He is my better half, but today, I’m so glad he found his soulmate. They truly deserve each other. He thought me the true meaning of forgiveness. He thought me there are more than two chances because everyone needs a chance in life.

Life gave us another chance, and I believe chances are worth taking. Marcus taught me that. And that’s why I’ve taken his advice to heart and decided to give myself a chance at love again.

I wish nothing but the best for these two. Cheers to Marcus and Crystal!”

I raise my glass, and the room bursts into applause.

As I step down from the stage, my eyes lock with Zander’s.

He’s watching me with a sad smile, something deep and unreadable in his gaze.

He takes a step forward. “Can I have this dance?” he asks softly.

I hesitate for only a moment before nodding, slipping my hand into his.

As we sway to the music, he leans in slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Did you really mean what you said? In your speech?”

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