After All

Epilogue

Months had passed since the night in the garden when Monica had said yes to Gen's proposal. The Marino estate had been rebuilt, its grandeur restored, and the family had settled into a new normal. Though the scars of the battle with Tai Hun Kwai, the Serranos, and the Castellanos remained, the Marinos had emerged stronger, more united than ever.

The day of Monica and Gen's wedding dawned clear and bright, the sky a brilliant blue without a cloud in sight. The ceremony was held at the Marino Mansion, in the same gardens where Gen had proposed, the flowers in full bloom and the air filled with the sweet scent of jasmine and roses.

The guests were a mixture of family, friends, and allies. The Marinos, Ojedas, and Fontierras stood together, their long-standing ties now strengthened by the trials they had endured. Rafael and Kanna were at the front, watching with pride as their daughter prepared to start a new chapter in her life.

Monica stood in her dressing room, surrounded by her sisters and cousins, her heart fluttering with nervous excitement. Her wedding gown was simple yet elegant, the soft lace flowing down to the ground, a delicate veil pinned into her hair.

"Are you ready?" Kanna asked, stepping into the room, her eyes filled with warmth and love.

Monica took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm ready."

Kanna smiled softly, stepping closer to adjust the veil one last time. "You look beautiful. Your father and I are so proud of you."

Monica's heart swelled with emotion. "Thank you, Mom."

As Kanna left the room, Amy, Rio, and Kara—her bridesmaids—gathered around her, offering encouraging smiles.

"You've got this, Monica," Amy said with a grin. "Gen is going to lose his mind when he sees you."

Monica laughed softly, her nerves beginning to fade. She knew she had nothing to be afraid of. This day was a celebration of everything she and Gen had built together—their love, their strength, their partnership.

The music began to play outside, and Monica felt her heart skip a beat. It was time.

The ceremony itself was a blur of emotion. As Monica walked down the aisle, arm-in-arm with Rafael, her eyes met Gen's, who stood waiting for her at the altar, his expression filled with awe and love. His dark suit was perfectly tailored, his usually calm demeanor now giving way to a warmth that made Monica's heart melt.

When they finally stood face-to-face, everything else seemed to disappear. The world fell away, and it was just the two of them, standing on the precipice of a new life together.

The vows were simple but full of meaning. Gen spoke first, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "Monica, from the moment I met you, I knew you were different. Strong, brave, and full of fire. You've made me a better person, and I promise to stand by your side, through everything—good and bad. I love you, and I will always love you."

Monica's voice wavered slightly as she spoke her vows, the emotions overwhelming her. "Gen, you've been my rock, my constant in a world full of chaos. You've stood by me when I needed it most, and I can't imagine my life without you. I promise to love you, to fight for you, and to build a future with you. Always."

As they exchanged rings, Monica felt the final weight of the past lift from her shoulders. This was her new beginning. Their new beginning.

The officiant smiled warmly as he pronounced them husband and wife. "You may now kiss the bride."

Gen didn't hesitate. He pulled Monica into his arms and kissed her with all the love and passion he had kept inside. The crowd erupted into applause, but Monica only had eyes for Gen, her heart full as they sealed their vows with a kiss.

The reception that followed was a celebration of love, family, and unity. Laughter filled the air, and the tension that had once plagued the Marinos was replaced with a sense of peace. Monica, hand-in-hand with Gen, moved through the crowd, greeting guests and soaking in the joy of the day.

At one point, Rafael found them, a glass of champagne in his hand, his expression soft. "You've made us proud, Monica. You've been through so much, but look where you are now."

Monica smiled, squeezing Gen's hand. "We couldn't have done it without all of you."

Rafael's gaze shifted to Gen, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you for standing by her side."

Gen nodded. "It's where I belong."

As the night wore on, the stars began to appear in the sky, twinkling above the estate like diamonds. The music played softly in the background, and Monica and Gen found themselves alone for a brief moment, standing in the garden where everything had started.

Monica leaned into Gen, resting her head on his shoulder as they swayed gently to the music. "We did it," she whispered, a smile tugging at her lips.

Gen kissed the top of her head. "We did."

And as they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Monica knew that this was just the beginning of their story—a story filled with love, strength, and the promise of a future built together.

Epilogue End.