The wedding’s grandeur and joy filled the King and Foster families with a warmth that could only come from love, reunion, and forgiveness. Yet, amidst the laughter and dancing, Tristan sat outside in the garden, cloaked in the quiet night. The stars above twinkled, but his mind was heavy with emotions he could no longer suppress.

He buried his face in his hands, his usual cold and composed demeanor shattered by the overwhelming reality—his parents, thought to be dead, were alive. Tears he hadn’t allowed himself to shed in years streamed down his face as he struggled to process the revelation.

Irene spotted him from afar, her heart aching for the man she loved. Quietly, she approached and knelt in front of him, cupping his face with her hands. “Are you okay?” she asked softly, her voice tender and full of concern.

Tristan looked up, his tear-streaked face meeting her loving gaze. “My strong and cold-hearted man is crying. What a sight to see,” Irene teased gently, trying to lift his spirits. She wiped his tears with her thumbs, her touch soft and reassuring.

Unable to hold back any longer, Tristan wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, resting his head against her stomach. Irene instinctively ran her fingers through his hair, stroking him gently as she whispered soothing words. “It’s going to be okay. You should be happy, Tristan.”

“I am,” he mumbled against her, his voice muffled but heavy with emotion. “I just missed them. It’s a lot to process.”

“I know,” Irene replied, holding him tighter. “But you’re not alone. I’m here. Cry it all out; you’re safe with me.”

After a few moments, Tristan’s tears subsided. He looked up at Irene, her comforting presence grounding him. With a newfound resolve, he pulled her onto his lap and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, then her lips.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“I’m always here for you,” Irene said, her voice warm and full of promise.

“You are my greatest blessing,” Tristan replied, his expression filled with gratitude and love. “I promise to make you happy every day of our lives.”

They held each other for a while longer, the world around them fading as their bond deepened. Finally, they stood and returned to the wedding, hand in hand, ready to face the future together.

From a distance, Evander observed the couple, a smile tugging at his lips. He was genuinely happy for Tristan and Irene. Seeing his friends find happiness made him feel content, though he couldn’t help but wonder about his other friend.

“Hey!” Adrien’s voice broke through Evander’s thoughts as he smacked him on the back.

“Stop being annoying,” Evander said, laughing as he rubbed his shoulder.

“Ouch, that hurts,” Adrien said, feigning pain. “You better hurry back to your bride. Everyone thought I was the groom.” Adrien winked, then bolted as Evander’s glare turned into an angry shout.

“Get back here!” Evander yelled, chasing after him.

Adrien laughed as Evander caught up to him. “By the way, where’s Anthony?” Evander asked, his frustration momentarily forgotten.

Adrien smirked. “Chasing some girl named Hazel Lewis.”

Evander raised an eyebrow. “That’s your girlfriend’s sister, isn’t it?”

Adrien flushed slightly but played it cool. “Yeah, that’s her.”

“I thought so,” Evander teased. “Wait. We aren’t officially dating yet. What’s with calling her my girlfriend?” Adrien protested.

Evander burst out laughing. “There might be another wedding soon.”

“Shut the fuck up! That’s a secret. People will hear you,” Adrien scolded, looking around nervously.

“Fine, fine,” Evander said, winking. “I’m going back to my wife.”

Elsewhere at the wedding, Edward was on his knees before Elina, apologizing profusely for talking to other women earlier.

“Don’t speak to me,” Elina pouted, crossing her arms and glaring at him.

“I promise it won’t happen again,” Edward said, his voice earnest. “Please forgive me.”

“This is your last warning,” Elina said firmly. “Next time, we’re done for good.”

Edward nodded, taking her hand and placing a gentle kiss on it. “Thank you, my love.”

In another corner, Hazel and Madeline ran into each other and greeted each other with excitement.

“It’s been so long!” Hazel said, hugging Madeline.

“Nice to meet you,” Madeline said, introducing her fiancé, Kai.

Adrien walked over, his attention immediately drawn to Kaylee. The group talked for a while before parting ways.

Meanwhile, Alex sat with Eva’s friend Lucas, sipping his wine and lamenting his single status.

“Everyone’s paired up except me,” Alex groaned.

Lucas laughed. “You’ll find someone, Alex. Don’t worry.”

Just then, Dahlia walked over and greeted Lucas. “There you are,” she said warmly.

“Dahlia, this is Alex,” Lucas introduced her. “Alex this is my fiancé.”

Alex groaned dramatically. “Even you have a girlfriend. I’m such a loser.”

Dahlia laughed and patted Alex on the shoulder. “You’ll find someone soon. You’re a catch!”

“Thanks for the pep talk,” Alex said, rolling his eyes.

As the wedding festivities continued, the air buzzed with laughter, love, and new beginnings. Families and friends came together, celebrating not just a union but also the healing and growth that came with it. For some, the night marked the start of a new chapter, while for others, it reaffirmed the bonds they had built.

And as the stars twinkled above, love wove its magic, bringing hearts together and promising a brighter tomorrow.