"I've known Silas for years," Pavel continued. "Honestly, I thought he'd die single. That icy face could scare off ten women. His temper would scare off the other twenty."
More laughter filled the hall.
Silas made a low sound beside me, but I felt his grip on my hand tighten slightly.
"But then Anthea showed up." Pavel looked at me. "First time I met her, she saw my fucked-up face and still smiled and said hello. That's when I knew—this woman's different."
Heat crept up my neck as I remembered those early days at the manor, how I'd worked up the nerve to speak to Silas despite everything.
"Over the years, I've watched Silas change. He became a man who makes breakfast and puts his kid to bed." Pavel raised his glass. "So let's toast the newlyweds. May they have nothing but happiness ahead."
Glasses lifted all around. I clinked my champagne against Silas's.
Sarah stood next, making her way to the stage.
"Alright, my turn," she said. "As the maid of honor and friend, I feel obligated to say a few words."
She looked at me, eyes dancing with mischief.
"Anthea, remember what you told me that night at the bar, crying your eyes out?"
My face went hot. Of course I remembered. I'd sobbed to Sarah about what a bastard Silas was, how he'd hurt me, how lost I felt.
"Honestly, when she was crying about her asshole ex that night, I never imagined I'd be at their wedding." Sarah continued.
The guests roared with laughter. My face could fry an egg.
Sarah raised her glass. "To Anthea and Silas—may you be happy forever!"
I lifted my glass again. Then Olei was invited up.
He wore a little suit, dark brown hair carefully combed, looking like a tiny gentleman. He stood nervously on stage.
"Olei," the host knelt down, "what would you like to say to your mom and dad?"
Olei thought carefully. Then he spoke, voice clear. "Thank you, Mom and Dad, for giving me a complete family."
The room went quiet.
"Dad didn't used to be very good at taking care of people," he said, small body standing straight. "He didn't know how to be with me."
My eyes started to sting.
"But Dad kept learning." Olei's voice stayed serious. "He learned to make breakfast, even though he burned it at first. He learned to ask about my day at school, even though his face looked stiff."
I turned to Silas. His eyes were wet too.
"After Mom came back, Dad smiled more. Mom changed Dad." Olei's voice softened. "I used to be the only kid in class without a mom. But now my mom came back."
He looked at me, eyes shining with tears.
Mine spilled over.
"So now I'm the happiest kid in the world." He smiled through the tears in his voice.
I couldn't hold back anymore. I rushed to him and pulled him tight. Silas came over too, wrapping both of us in his arms. I held them close, vision blurred.
After the reception ended and guests filtered out, we changed into comfortable clothes and returned to the manor. Olei could barely keep his eyes open—the nanny carried him off to bed. Silas took my hand and led me through the long corridor to our bedroom.
