Celina smiled, moved to tears.“You’re going to make me cry again, Zoe…”“Now you can cry all you want,” Zoe teased, winking. “The mascara’s waterproof.”“Congratulations, you two,” Arthur said, rising and extending his hand toward Thor. “May you be even happier than you already are.”“Thanks, brother,” Thor replied, shaking his hand firmly, sincerity shining through his smile.Celina turned to Gabriel and Ava, who had also stood. Gabriel embraced her tightly, the way a brother would.“You looked incredible, Celi. The kind of beautiful that makes time stop.”“Thank you, Biel…”“Congratulations, Celina,” Ava added, extending her hand with a poised smile. “May this new chapter be full of peace and balance.”Celina couldn’t help but laugh softly.“Only you would wish balance in a marriage. You’re one of a kind, Ava. But I loved it—thank you, really.”Everyone took their seats as the servers moved discreetly around them, setting down plates from a menu that was both refined and comforting

After lunch, the celebration stretched on until nearly nine in the evening—filled with conversation, laughter, toasts, and countless photographs. Gabriel left with Ava for her apartment, while Arthur took Zoe back to the hotel where they were staying, despite Thor’s insistence that they spend the night at the mansion. Arthur simply wanted some privacy with his fiancée.Celina and Thor took a quick shower and set off for their honeymoon. Thor helped her into the car, and she was still smiling, wrapped in a warm sense of peace and gratitude. Sitting in the passenger seat, she absently traced the gold ring on her finger, her gaze lost on the road ahead, unaware of what was waiting for her.At the wheel, Thor remained calm. There was something in his eyes—something that hinted at a secret—but he said nothing. Every now and then, he reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers as he drove down increasingly unfamiliar streets. Celina glanced at him, curious, but chose not to ask

After lunch, the celebration stretched on until nearly nine in the evening—filled with conversation, laughter, toasts, and countless photographs. Gabriel left with Ava for her apartment, while Arthur took Zoe back to the hotel where they were staying, despite Thor’s insistence that they spend the night at the mansion. Arthur simply wanted some privacy with his fiancée.Celina and Thor took a quick shower and set off for their honeymoon. Thor helped her into the car, and she was still smiling, wrapped in a warm sense of peace and gratitude. Sitting in the passenger seat, she absently traced the gold ring on her finger, her gaze lost on the road ahead, unaware of what was waiting for her.At the wheel, Thor remained calm. There was something in his eyes—something that hinted at a secret—but he said nothing. Every now and then, he reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers as he drove down increasingly unfamiliar streets. Celina glanced at him, curious, but chose not to ask

After lunch, the celebration stretched on until nearly nine in the evening—filled with conversation, laughter, toasts, and countless photographs. Gabriel left with Ava for her apartment, while Arthur took Zoe back to the hotel where they were staying, despite Thor’s insistence that they spend the night at the mansion. Arthur simply wanted some privacy with his fiancée.Celina and Thor took a quick shower and set off for their honeymoon. Thor helped her into the car, and she was still smiling, wrapped in a warm sense of peace and gratitude. Sitting in the passenger seat, she absently traced the gold ring on her finger, her gaze lost on the road ahead, unaware of what was waiting for her.At the wheel, Thor remained calm. There was something in his eyes—something that hinted at a secret—but he said nothing. Every now and then, he reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers as he drove down increasingly unfamiliar streets. Celina glanced at him, curious, but chose not to ask

Thor kissed her neck, her collarbone, the curve of her breasts, whispering molten words against her ear.“You’re mine, Celina. Only mine. And tonight, I’m going to make you forget the world.”“Thor…” she moaned, surrendering completely.He made her feel powerful, desired, irreplaceable. His touch carried reverence and hunger in equal measure. She pulled him closer, gasped his name, bit her lip. Between them existed only skin, soul, sweat, and unspoken vows.“You’re my home, Celina. You always have been. Since the first kiss. Since that hotel. I can’t live without you.”They made love with fury and tenderness, with obscene words and whispered declarations, with body and heart intertwined. When pleasure finally consumed them—foreheads pressed together, eyes closed—Thor cupped her face and murmured,“I’m yours. Body, soul, in life and in death. And I’ll spend every day proving it.”Celina smiled, tears sliding down her cheeks.“I already know. I’ve always known.”That night, they redisco

James pulled her closer, wrapping an arm gently around her shoulders.“You’re a strong woman, Emma. And a brave mother. You’ve faced everything with dignity. One day, Celina will see that. Sooner or later, she’ll see the woman you’ve become—and she’ll want to know you. She’ll want to listen.”Emma rested her head on his chest, her eyes fixed on the ceiling.“And when that day comes,” she whispered, “I’ll be right here. Arms open.”The silence that followed was soft, broken only by the steady rhythm of the rain beginning to fall outside, as if the sky itself blessed that unspoken promise of reconciliation. A mother’s love—patient and unyielding—remained intact. In every beat of Emma’s heart, there was hope; and in James’s deep, quiet breathing beside her, there was the steady strength of a man who knew that true love always finds its way home.---A month had passed since Celina and Thor’s civil wedding, and their new mansion had become a nest of constant joy. The twins’ nursery was th

The big day had finally arrived.Zoe woke before the sun had fully risen, her heart racing with excitement and nerves. The soft morning light spilled through her bedroom windows, and she fought to calm the fluttering inside her chest. After a light breakfast, she left with her mother for the luxurious Palácio dos Cedros in São Paulo. The air there was perfumed with fresh jasmine, and the timeless beauty of the palace’s architecture seemed to whisper of romance and history. It was there, in that dreamlike setting, that she would marry Arthur.She had returned from the United States that week glowing with happiness. Their pre-wedding photoshoot had been pure magic—stunning pictures captured in the palace gardens, her gown flowing in the breeze, her smile reflecting all the joy of a woman who knew she was about to live the greatest love of her life.Now, the bridal suite was alive with emotion. Zoe wore a blush-pink satin robe with her name embroidered in gold across the back. Around her

Thor noticed the look on his friend’s face and approached quietly.“Are you sure you’re just nervous about the wedding,” he asked softly, “or is there something else you haven’t told her?”Arthur drew a deep breath.“I know I haven’t been completely honest with her. And it’s eating me alive inside. But I’m so afraid of losing her…”Thor didn’t press. He simply patted Arthur’s shoulder and said,“Today’s the day to celebrate love. The rest—you’ll face with maturity and courage when the time comes.”Soon, the stylists and barbers arrived to prepare the groom, his father, and the groomsmen. Hair trimmed, beards shaped, shoes shined—every detail checked with meticulous care. Otto helped Arthur into his suit, adjusting the bow tie with trembling hands.“You look perfect, son. She’s going to forget how to breathe when she sees you.”Arthur only nodded, his eyes glistening.Sensing the emotion in the air, Gabriel tried to lighten the mood.“Just don’t faint at the altar, okay? But don’t worr

Arthur took both of Zoe’s hands and began to speak, his voice steady but filled with emotion.“Zoe, from the moment I met you—with your mix of wild spontaneity and that calm, responsible side—I knew you were the woman who would change my life. Your smile soothes my soul. Your strength inspires me. You weren’t easy to win over, and that only made me want you more. You challenged me. From the start, you made your values and your boundaries clear—and that captivated me.I told myself, ‘She’s not an easy one… but I love a challenge.’ And here we are, standing together on our wedding day. I promise to respect you, to listen to you, and to take care of you. I promise to build a future with you where you’ll always feel safe, cherished, and deeply loved. I promise to be your partner, your shelter… and your passion.Forever.”The officiant smiled warmly. “Zoe, it’s your turn.”She took a deep breath, her eyes shining.“Arthur, you came into my life as the answer to a prayer I whispered long ag

Zoe pretended to throw the bouquet. Her arm went high, her body tilted slightly forward… but nothing. The crowd of women screamed and groaned in protest as Zoe turned around, feigning innocence with a mischievous smile.“Come on, girls! I was just testing my throwing power,” she said playfully.The DJ joined in on the fun.“All right, attempt number two! And this time, it’s for real!”Zoe took her position again, rolling her shoulders as if she were about to launch an Olympic javelin—and faked it once more.“Oh, no way!” some of the women shouted, laughing.“Zoe, you little scammer!” Tatiana yelled through her laughter. “There are women here desperate to get married!”Celina chimed in, teasing, “She just wants to keep the bouquet for herself!”Zoe raised her hands in surrender, still laughing. “All right, all right! This time I swear I’ll do it!”The music picked up again, and the DJ’s voice boomed with excitement.“In three… two… one… THROW!”This time, Zoe actually tossed the bouque