Destiny's Revival

Chapter 17 Beneath The Sunset 

It's been a year since Jayden was arrested, and it was hard for Parel to move on. The memories lingered, but instead of letting them consume her, she focused on work, helping her father grow the business. The long hours became her way of coping, and slowly, she found a sense of purpose again.

At the company, she met Owen Weaver, a kind and patient man. After three months of thoughtful courting, she finally agreed to date him. Owen listened without judgment and gave her the space she needed.

One day, Parel felt ready to share her past. She opened up about Jayden and how hard it had been to move forward. Owen listened and then said, "Everyone has a past, whether it's happy or sad, and it shapes who they are today. Right now, I see you as smart, modest, unique, and a woman with self-respect. You're the one I want in my life forever, if you'll let me."

Hearing those words made her heart swell. Owen's acceptance had given her hope, and for the first time in a long while, she felt lighter. She smiled, realizing she could finally allow herself to be happy again.

Meanwhile, Silver and Charlie's relationship was going well too. After everything that happened, she formally introduced him to her family. They accepted him, but her father was a little upset, feeling like Charlie was taking his little princess away.

One day, Charlie took Silver to his parents' graves to introduce her to them. After that, they went to have dinner at Lily's parents' house.

Today was a special day because it was Parel and Owen's wedding day.

The ceremony took place in a beautiful garden filled with colorful flowers and warm sunlight.

Parel looked amazing in her wedding dress. It was a classic white gown that flowed to the ground and had delicate lace detailing. The bodice was fitted, and the lace extended down the sleeves, giving the dress a timeless feel. The skirt was made of soft fabric that shimmered in the sunlight, and the back had a beautiful train that trailed behind her, making her look like a princess. She wore a simple veil that framed her face, and her hair was styled in soft waves.

Owen looked handsome in a classic black suit with a white shirt and a black tie.

As they stood at the altar, the officiant began the ceremony.

"Will you have Parel Miller as your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health; for richer and for poorer, and keep yourself only to her, so long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Owen said, his voice strong and full of love.

"Will you have Owen Weaver as your lawfully wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health; for richer and for poorer, and keep yourself only to him, so long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Parel replied, smiling brightly.

"Now you may kiss," the officiant announced.

Parel and Owen shared a sweet kiss as everyone stood up and clapped for them, celebrating their love. The guests wore a mix of nice dresses and suits, filling the garden with laughter and joy.

At the bouquet toss, Mrs. Miller playfully pushed Silver into the group of girls who were waiting. The bride smiled as she watched Silver look confused. Then, she turned around and tossed the bouquet into the air. It landed perfectly in Silver's hands.

Her mother winked at her and then at Charlie, who stood nearby, looking surprised. The crowd erupted in cheers and laughter, creating a lively atmosphere as everyone celebrated the moment, teasing Silver and Charlie about what it might mean for their future.

After an early dinner, Charlie and Silver sat on the beach, watching the sun set. The reception was happening behind them.

"What is it?" Silver asked, glancing at Charlie, who was staring at her instead of the beautiful view.

"You look beautiful," Charlie said.

"How many times have you told me that today?" Silver replied, turning back to watch the view.

"It's not my fault," Charlie said, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's your fault for looking so beautiful."

Charlie, I had a dream last night," Silver said, her voice trembling slightly. "Jayden hadn't raped me or Ruby. It was one of the men he hired. He was out taking a call when it happened. In that dream, I remember Jayden being so angry as he killed that man, and then he killed us too."

Silver took a deep breath. "I think that's what happened back then."

Charlie looked at Silver, his expression serious. "Can you describe that man?"

Silver felt uneasy, but she took a deep breath and started to recall the details. "He was tall, maybe six feet or more, with a strong build. His hair was dark and messy, like he hadn't bothered to comb it. I remember he had a scar on his left cheek and a tattoo on his right arm of a snake. That's all."

"I remember that after two days of your case, we found a body in a river. What you described—it matches that body. He had a snake tattoo on his right arm as well," Charlie said, his voice steady but filled with concern. "This means that after Jayden killed him, he threw him there."

"I don't know what to feel," Silver said, turning her gaze back to the beautiful view of the sunset. The colors blended together, creating a stunning display of oranges and pinks.

"Marry me," Charlie said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Silver turned to face him, her eyes wide with surprise. "What?" she asked, her heart racing.

"Marry me. I can't live without you," he said, moving closer. He gently cupped her face and leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips.

Silver's mind raced as she processed his words. The kiss was tender and filled with emotion, but she pulled back slightly to look into his eyes. "Charlie, are you serious?"

He nodded, his expression steady. "I've never been more serious. You mean everything to me, and I don't want to waste any more time."

Silver felt warmth spreading in her chest. "Okay," she said softly, a smile breaking across her face. "Yes, I'll marry you."

Charlie beamed with happiness as he kissed her again, sealing their promise under the fading light of the sunset.