THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 454: A Few Harmless Reporters

The wedding day dawned bright and clear. It was as though nature itself was celebrating the union as the sun rose over the sparkling waters surrounding the island, casting a golden glow across the shoreline and painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.

A gentle breeze drifted through the trees, stirring the leaves just enough to create a soft rustling sound that was in slight contrast to the way Lauren had felt when she had woken up that morning.

Looking exceptionally gorgeous in her wedding gown, Lauren stood by the window, gazing at the serene ocean with a slight frown creasing her forehead.

She took a deep breath, letting the peaceful scenery soothe her, but beneath her calm exterior, a flicker of anxiety still persisted.

Kathleen noticed something off about her as soon as she entered the room. She smiled in understanding as she joined her, gently resting a hand on her shoulder.

"Nervous?" Kathleen asked softly.

Lauren let out a shaky laugh. "More than I thought I’d be," she admitted. "I keep thinking about last time I was dressed like this." She looked down, her fingers tracing the edge of her dress.

"What if something goes wrong again?" She asked in apprehension. The memory of a gun aimed at her and Steffan slumping as the bullet went off hung in the back of her mind, casting a faint shadow over her excitement for today

Cheryl joined them, reaching out to take Lauren’s hand. "Lauren, look at me," Cheryl said firmly. "That was in the past. Today is different. It’s only family and our closest friends here. everyone have all worked hard to make sure this day is safe. Besides, the people that were after your man had all been dealt with."

Kathleen chimed in, "Cheryl’s right. You’re surrounded by people who love you and Steffan. And we’re all here to celebrate this beautiful day with you. Nothing is going to happen to spoil your special day, girlfriend."

"All we want from you and is to focus on Steffan, on your love, and on this beautiful day you’ve waited so long for, okay?"

Lauren offered a small smile, feeling her anxiety ease a little as she looked at the comforting faces of her two friends. She took a deep breath, and nodded slowly. "Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you both."

"That’s what best friends are for," Kathleen said, nudging her playfully. "Besides, you look like a vision, Lauren. Steffan’s jaw is going to drop when he sees you."

With a laugh, Lauren gave her friends one last hug. "Okay," she said, her voice now steadier. "Let’s do this."

Meanwhile, at another part of the house, Steffan was also surrounded by his men of honour; his best friend, Shawn; his elder brother, Stanley; his soon to be brother in-law, Killian, and last but not in any way the least, George, his pain in the ass newly identified cousin-law.

But unlike the encouragement Lauren was getting from her friends, Steffan was more or less in a battle field as they showed him no mercy when he’d mistakenly asked Stanley how tight the security was.

"Don’t make me regret my actions of entrusting my sister to you," Killian snapped, even though the question had not been directed at him.

"You won’t, brother," Steffan hurriedly said.

"Then stop being so chicken hearted and show my dear Ren the man you are. Otherswise we’ll get her a more deserving gentleman. There’s still time for a quick replacement," George threatened.

"In your dreams. I’m the only man worthy of Lauren and I’ll kill any man who comes even a mile close to her."

Shawn who had been more or less quiet all through, sneered. "Stop looking for who to kill and step out already. It’s almost time," he said as he adjusted the white Rose on Steffan’s suit and steered him towards the door.

As soon as they stepped outside, they heard a faint sound from the distance which kept getting louder and louder. The five men looked up and almost at the same time, four heads, turned in sync to stare at Killian who looked unperturbed. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"A few harmless reporters," he announced casually, "and they’ve been warned to keep their distance."

"Oh," Stanley said in relief and they continued on their way.

They walked with Steffan down a lantern-lit path leading to a secluded grove on the island.

Lush greenery surrounded the space, and the air was filled with the scent of jasmine blending with a soft sea breeze.

The grove opened to a canopy of tall trees, their branches draped with fairy lights that sparkled like stars in the evening sky.

Lanterns of various sizes also hung from above, casting a gentle, golden glow over a path lined with scattered white rose petals.

At the heart of the grove stood a simple altar of driftwood with a crystal vase, holding a single white lily.

Friends were seated nearby in rows of white chairs, while immediate family members of the bride and groom sat close to the altar on low wooden benches draped with soft linen cushions.

Shawn clapped Steffan on the back with teasing grin lighting up his face. "Not bad, huh? They really went all out for you two."

Steffan took in the breathtaking setting, momentarily speechless. "Yeah, this is perfect," he finally said, his voice low, his eyes glistening with gratitude. "Better than anything I could have imagined."

Jason nodded, leaning against one of the wooden pillars near the altar. "Every detail was planned to make today memorable. This isn’t just a wedding, Steffan. It’s a celebration of what you and Lauren have overcome."

Placing a reassuring hand on Steffan’s shoulder, George smiled. "Ren is going to look stunning walking down that aisle. I’m so proud of her and can’t wait to see her."

Steffan cast him a suspicious look. "And she’ll finally belong to me," he stated, earning a sneer from the other men.

"However," he continued as he glanced down the aisle. "I feel like I’ve waited my whole life for this moment. And now that it’s here..."

Shawn chuckled, giving him a nudge. "I know that feeling, buddy."

As they spoke, the soft strains of instrumental music began to drift through the air, signaling the bridal’s entry.

Steffan straightened, taking in the intimate, serene setting one last time before looking ahead, soon, the love of his life will be brought to him. He could literally hear his heart beating wildly in his chest as she waited for Lauren to emerge in all her glory.

At exactly 5:30 p.m, Lauren walked down the aisle arm-in-arm with her grandfather, the legendary Sir Rouseau.

His proud smile warmed her heart inexplicably and much more than that, the sight of the handsome man standing at the front of the altar beside the priest with an adorable smile took her breath away.

Their eyes met and held and she didn’t dare move her eyes from Steffan as she covered the distance with her grandfather to stand beside him.

Even when the priest’s gentle voice sounded from the altar, their gazes were still locked onto each other as if they were the only ones in the room.

"Dearly beloved," the priest was saying, "we are gathered here today to witness the union of Lauren and Steffan, two people who have walked a remarkable path together. This marriage is a testament to love’s resilience, its power to endure, and to heal."

"Does anyone here have any reason why these two should not be joined together in holy matrimony? Speak now or forever remain silent."

Although no one present was expected to object, Lauren’s eyes still darted around in a slight moment of doubt.

Without wasting any more time, the priest’s voice sounded, "Everyone is eager to have you married, it appears."

Lauren released a breath she wasn’t aware she’d been holding as her eyes met with Steffan’s. Her stomach fluttered with a million butterflies when Steffan smiled at her in reassurance.

The priest’s voice again broke into their intimate moment. "Steffan Rosse, do you take Lauren to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

While still holding Lauren’s gaze, Steffan said in a voice packed full with emotion. "I do. And with everything I am and everything I have, I promise to love you, Lauren. From this moment, you have become my heartbeat, my home, and my future."

A tear slipped down Lauren’s cheek as the priest turned to her. "Lauren Holmes, do you take Steffan to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

She took a deep breath, to steady her emotions in order to get the words out. "I do. Steffan, you’ve been my anchor and my light. I promise to stand by you, to cherish you, and to love you through everything life brings us."

Everywhere erupted in a happy cheer.

Candace nudged Danny who was dressed Just the same way as his uncle, and he stepped forward with the ring box.

They all watched in excitement as Steffan and Lauren exchanged rings.

The priest smiled warmly, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

"Finally you’re mine," Steffan whispered as he leaned in.

"Yeah, I’m yours, my darling husband," Lauren mumbled as she closed the distance, meeting him in a kiss that expressed in no small measure the depth of their love for one another.

Meanwhile as things were getting beautiful and exciting on the island, the regimental activities in a certain jail had been altered to accomdate a live broadcast.