The wedding was small, intimate, exactly what Emma wanted. No press, no publicity, no performance for an audience of strangers. Just family and close friends, gathered in the garden of their coastal home, celebrating a love that had been forged in fire and emerged stronger for it.

Alex carried the rings, his face serious with the importance of his role. Sophia designed the invitations, simple and elegant, reflecting her mother's aesthetic. Liam walked Emma down the aisle, his arm ...