SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan) novel Chapter 184

Chapter 184

Morning light streamed through stained glass windows, painting rainbow patterns across the white marble floor of St. Thomas Cathedral. Outside, photographers jostled behind velvet ropes as New York's business elite, dressed in their finest, filed into the church. Security personnel with earpieces stood at every entrance, their eyes constantly scanning the crowd.

In a private room off the main chapel, Camille stood before a full-length mirror, barely breathing as her mother fastened the last pearl button on her dress. The gown, a masterpiece of ivory silk and handmade lace, hugged her curves before flowing out in a gentle train.

"Almost done," Margaret whispered, her fingers trembling slightly as she worked. The past months had brought a fragile peace between them – not full forgiveness, but a bridge being built one careful step at a time.

Camille met her mother's eyes in the mirror. "Thank you."

The words held weight beyond the dress, and Margaret blinked back tears as she nodded.

A knock at the door broke the moment. Victoria entered, wearing a steel-blue dress that made her silver hair shine like polished metal. Though still thin from her cancer treatments, she moved with purpose, energy returning to her frame week by week as the experimental treatment continued to shrink her tumors.

"It's time," Victoria said, then stopped, her usual composure slipping as she took in Camille's appearance. "Oh, my dear."

Camille turned, suddenly shy under Victoria's gaze. "Is it too much?"

Victoria shook her head, words failing her. Instead, she approached with a velvet box in her hands. "I want you to have this today."

Inside nested a platinum necklace, a delicate chain supporting a diamond-encrusted phoenix. The craftsmanship was extraordinary, each feather etched with perfect detail.

"It was meant for Sophia," Victoria admitted quietly. "For her wedding day."

Camille's throat tightened. "Victoria, I can't..."

"You can. You must." Victoria lifted the necklace. "This belongs with you now. My daughter in every way that matters."

Camille bent her head, allowing Victoria to fasten the clasp. The metal felt cool against her skin, a gentle weight settling just above her heart.

When she straightened, both Victoria and Margaret were watching her, these two women who had shaped her in such different ways. One who had given her life, the other who had given her rebirth.

"Ready?" Victoria asked, her eyes bright with maternal pride.

Camille nodded, gathering her bouquet of white roses and phoenix flowers. "Ready."

*** ***

Alexander stood at the altar, his back straight, his hands clasped before him to hide their slight trembling. Stefan Rodriguez sat among the guests, a surprise addition to the invitation list, but Camille had insisted. His testimony at the trial and the bullet he'd taken for Camille had earned him, if not forgiveness, then at least acknowledgment.

The weight of the silver pocket watch pressed against Alexander's chest, hidden in the inner pocket of his tuxedo. He'd carried it every day since discovering it in that storage unit. A reminder. A question still unanswered.

The organ music swelled, and the cathedral doors swung open. First came Hannah Zhao, Camille's chief engineer and now friend, walking slowly down the aisle in deep burgundy. Then his gaze found Camille, and everything else faded.

She was radiant, her dark hair swept up with tiny diamond pins, her face partially hidden behind a whisper-thin veil. Richard Lewis walked beside her, his face a mix of pride and lingering regret.

As Camille approached, each step bringing her closer, Alexander felt the watch grow heavier against his heart. The truth it represented loomed between them – the revelation that Victoria had destroyed his uncle's company, indirectly causing his suicide. A secret he'd chosen to carry alone rather than shatter their happiness.

When Camille reached him, Richard placed her hand in Alexander's with a formal nod before stepping back. Through the veil, Alexander could see her eyes shining, full of trust and certainty.

The priest began the ceremony, his voice resonating through the vaulted space. Alexander's responses came automatically while his mind raced with questions. Was he wrong to keep this from her? Would the truth tear them apart in the future?

"The couple has written their own vows," the priest announced, nodding to Alexander to begin.

Alexander unfolded a paper from his pocket, though he knew the words by heart. He looked at Camille, this woman who had survived so much betrayal, who had fought her way back from the edge of destruction.

"To Camille and Alexander," Victoria continued, her glass held high. "May your foundation be built on trust, your walls made of respect, and your roof crafted from unwavering love."

Everyone drank, while Alexander sipped his champagne, feeling the weight of his secret with every heartbeat.

Later, during their first dance, Camille rested her head against his shoulder. "Happy?" she whispered.

"More than I thought possible," he answered truthfully, holding her closer as they swayed to the music.

Across the dance floor, Victoria watched them with maternal satisfaction, her eyes shining with pride and joy. She raised her glass slightly when Alexander glanced her way, a gesture of approval and blessing, blind to the conflict hidden behind his smile.

Alexander watched her from across the room, thinking about how differently she might look at him if she knew what he knew. But tonight was not for such revelations. Tonight was for celebration, for hope, for the beginning they had fought so hard to reach.

The secret of Unit 237 could wait. For now, at least.

Camille looked up at him, eyes bright with happiness, untroubled by the shadows he kept hidden. "I love you, Alexander Pierce."

"And I love you, Camille Pierce," he replied, the name still new on his tongue.

Around them, guests clapped and cameras flashed, immortalizing their perfect moment. Victoria stood nearby, glowing with pride, believing she had witnessed the culmination of everything she'd hoped for when she first brought Camille into her life.

The dance ended. The celebration continued. And beneath it all, like the steady ticking of a pocket watch, the truth waited for its moment to be heard.