By the time the expensive vintage champagne reached Ava Knox’s plain black heels, nearly forty wealthy guests in the grand ballroom were laughing.

Six months later.

The summer sun shone brightly over the blooming gardens of the Sterling Estate in Greenwich.

The grand lawn was decorated with thousands of white orchids and roses—the very same flowers Ava had been repairing on the night her life changed forever. Two hundred guests sat along the white aisle, including Lady Eleanor, who wore a brilliant smile, and Ava’s former colleagues from Bellmere Events, who had been invited as honored guests.

Near the altar stood Alexander Sterling, wearing a classic black tuxedo, his eyes fixed entirely on the glass doors at the end of the stone walkway.

The doors opened.

Ava Knox stepped out onto the carpet, holding a bouquet of fresh orchids. She wore a custom-designed silk wedding gown that flowed around her like liquid light, her long hair adorned with tiny diamond pins that sparkled in the afternoon sun.

She looked breathtaking. Powerful. Confident. A queen standing beside her king.

As she walked down the aisle, her eyes met Alexander’s. The stoic, unreadable billionaire had tears glistening in his eyes as he held his hand out to welcome her.

When she reached the altar, Alexander took both her hands in his, leaning down to whisper softly, "You take my breath away, Ava."

"No champagne on this dress?" she teased playfully, her eyes shining with joy.

"Never again," Alexander smiled, pressing a kiss against her knuckles.

The minister stepped forward, opening the golden book.

"We are gathered here today to unite Alexander Sterling and Ava Knox in holy matrimony," the minister read, his voice carrying over the peaceful garden. "Do you, Alexander, take Ava to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and protect her, in wealth and in hardship, for as long as you both shall live?"

Alexander looked into Ava’s eyes, his voice steady, deep, and filled with absolute devotion. "I do. With all my heart."

"And do you, Ava, take Alexander to be your lawfully wedded husband, to honor and cherish him, through every storm and every victory, for as long as you both shall live?"

Ava smiled, her heart soaring higher than it ever had before. "I do."

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the minister declared. "Alexander, you may kiss your bride!"

Alexander pulled Ava into his broad arms, dipping her slightly as he pressed his lips against hers in a deep, passionate kiss that sent a roar of cheers and applause echoing through the grand estate.

Later that evening, as the stars twinkled above the terrace, Alexander and Ava stood together near the marble balcony, looking out over the glowing lights of the city in the distance.

Alexander wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin gently on her shoulder, his hands resting over hers—and over the simple, elegant diamond wedding band that was now permanently hers.

"Happy, Mrs. Sterling?" Alexander whispered into her ear.