The next morning, Leonard’s study was filled with a somber yet hopeful energy as the men gathered to reflect on the incredible events of the past few days. Julian dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s overwhelming to see Nora and Asher reunited with their family after so many years. They’ve suffered so much, and they deserve nothing but happiness now.”

Leonard nodded solemnly. “They’ve endured what no one should. It’s a relief to have them back. I only wish Camilla was still alive to see that she didn’t win.” His eyes burned with lingering hatred.

“Papa,” Andrew said, a calm smirk playing on his lips, “she is still alive.”

Leonard froze, his shock palpable. “What? Didn’t Matthew kill her?”

Anthony, casually leaning against a chair, chimed in between spoonfuls of ice cream. “Mr. Foster did stab her, but I treated her wounds. Couldn’t let her die just yet.”

Julian’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Why on earth would you save her, Anthony?”

Alex joined Anthony in savoring his ice cream, a mischievous grin on his face. “It’s not about saving her; it’s about revenge. Letting Asher handle her will be far more satisfying.”

Andrew chuckled, his eyes gleaming with malice. “It’s perfect poetic justice. Asher gets to decide her fate.”

Leonard shook his head in exasperation. “You’re all cruel.”

“Learned from the best,” Andrew replied with a knowing smirk. Alex raised his ice cream in agreement, their matching grins mischievous yet proud.

At the Foster mansion, Asher was sitting beside Eva, his eyes heavy with regret as he tried to reconcile lost time with his daughter. Nora, ever perceptive, sat beside him and squeezed his hand in silent support.

“I can’t help but feel I failed you, Eva,” Asher said softly, his voice laced with guilt. “Missing your wedding...I should have walked you down the aisle.”

Eva gave him a comforting smile. “Dad, it wasn’t exactly a planned event. You couldn’t have been there.”

Andrew, who had just arrived after his meeting, stood protectively beside Eva. Taking her hand in his, he pulled her close, silently affirming his support. Watching the exchange, Asher’s guilt deepened.

“I know that, but as your father, it feels like my duty was unfulfilled,” Asher said, his voice breaking slightly.

“You could never fail me, Dad,” Eva reassured him, her voice tender. “It wasn’t your fault. I’m just grateful to have you and Mom back in my life now.”

Unable to hold back his emotions, Asher pulled his daughter into a tight hug, Nora joining them as they enveloped Eva in a cocoon of love. Andrew stood back, a soft smile gracing his lips as he watched his wife beam with joy. The sight warmed his heart, sparking an idea in his mind—a second wedding, one that would celebrate their love and include the family they now had around them.

Meanwhile, in their new home, Mia stirred awake, her cheeks flushing as the memories of her romantic wedding night surfaced. Evander had been everything she hoped for—gentle yet passionate, tender yet teasing. But it was the moment she had surprised herself by taking control, pushing him back onto the bed and peppering kisses down his neck, that brought a shy smile to her lips. The memory of Evander’s wide-eyed shock made her giggle quietly.

“Mmm…good morning,” Evander’s deep, sleepy voice broke her thoughts as he opened his eyes. He smiled lazily and pulled her into his arms. “My dear wife, you’re awake.”

Mia nestled into his chest, her heart fluttering at the word wife.

“I enjoyed last night,” Evander said, kissing her cheek softly. “Are you feeling okay?”

Mia nodded against his chest, mumbling, “I’m fine.”

Moments later, her stomach growled, and she looked up at him sheepishly. “I’m hungry.”

Evander chuckled, his eyes lighting up. “No problem. Let me whip something up for my cutie pie.”

Soon, the two were sitting at their small dining table, the scent of freshly made eggs, toast, and bacon wafting through the air. Evander had insisted on serving her himself, reveling in the domestic bliss of their first morning as husband and wife.

Mia smiled across the table at him, her heart swelling with love. They were at the beginning of a new journey, one filled with laughter, love, and the promise of a bright future.

As they ate, Evander looked at Mia and thought to himself, I’m the luckiest man alive.

And in that moment, Mia silently vowed to treasure the life they were building together, one filled with moments like this—simple, sweet, and utterly perfect.