Chapter 2211

Jason didn’t remember leaving the hospital. By the time he reached the street, he was still light-headed, replaying that kiss and her whispered promise on an endless loop.

He’d always prided himself on being a gentleman—but he was still a man. How could he not long for something deeper with the woman he loved?

Even so, one fear kept tugging at him: what if moving too fast, giving in to passion, ended up hurting her?

But her parents had given their blessing. And he had finally proven he could stand on his own, earn a living, build a future. Hope spread through him like sunrise breaking over a long night.

Before he realized it, he was lost in daydreams—vivid, intoxicating, impossible to shake.

A week later, Cecilia arrived at Charlotte’s wedding surrounded by a circle of close friends.

The ceremony was held at the city’s most luxurious hotel. Charlotte drifted across the suite in an ivory gown that looked as if it had been spun from starlight.

She stopped in front of Cecilia, nerves flickering in her voice. “Boss, do I look okay?”

Cecilia looked her over, her smile soft and reassuring. “More than okay. You’re stunning.”

“Thank goodness.” Charlotte paced carefully in her heels, one hand pressed to her racing heart. “My heart is beating so fast.”

“Breathe,” Cecilia said gently. “Your only job today is to be beautiful. Let everything else take care of itself.”

Charlotte exhaled slowly and nodded, her composure gradually returning.

Just then, the door swung open.

Sven Lindberg stood in the doorway, impeccable in a charcoal suit, his cool gray eyes settling first on Cecilia.

“Ms. Smith,” he said, his tone polished as ever.

Though they’d known each other for years, his formal courtesy toward her had never faded.

Cecilia accepted it easily. Everyone carried themselves in their own way. “Congratulations to both of you,” she said warmly.

“Thank you,” Sven replied, a rare softness lifting the corners of his mouth.

He inclined his head toward her, lowering his voice. “Someone’s waiting for you outside.”

Waiting for me?

Cecilia stepped into the hallway. Sunlight spilled across the polished marble floors, and within a few steps, she spotted the man Sven had meant.

He was dressed in relaxed weekend clothes, but there was something winter-cool about the light around him. Compared to the warm, easygoing boy she remembered, this version of him felt carved from river stone—sharper, steadier.

“Calvin!” The name slipped out before she could stop it.

At the sound, Calvin turned. His smile was gentle, familiar—soft as morning fog. “Ceci.”

She hurried toward him, her breath catching. “You came.”

He nodded, hands resting casually in his pockets. “The company’s quiet right now. I thought I’d come to our friend’s wedding… and steal a little time with you.”

Nearly two years had passed since they’d last seen each other. The moment felt almost unreal.

“How have you been?” Calvin asked, his eyes searching hers—not for small talk, but for honesty.

“Pretty good. Honestly, not much different from before.” Cecilia gave a small shrug and a brave, steady smile.

Time had stretched between them, yet when she looked at him, it didn’t feel like there was any distance at all.

“And you?” she asked, tilting her head.

“The same… more or less.” He left the harder parts unsaid. The struggle was behind him now, though faint traces of exhaustion still lingered in his eyes.

“When are you heading back to Tudela?” he asked.

“Tomorrow. Today’s Lottie’s wedding—I want to stay with her as long as I can.”

“Then after the ceremony, tonight… would you take a walk with me?” he asked carefully.

Sven’s hometown was nestled among lush hills and clear streams. Cecilia had already planned to explore a bit, and Calvin’s invitation felt almost like fate arriving right on time.

She nodded. “Sure.”

“It’s a promise.” A flash of genuine joy lit his eyes, softening the cool edge she’d noticed earlier.

They stood there a while longer, trading updates, stitching together two lost years with laughter and quiet sighs.

When the wedding music finally began, they made their way back into the lobby, now alive with celebration.

Side by side, they found their assigned table, where Lucille, Madeline, and the others were already seated.

The moment they spotted Calvin, the group reacted. Vivian’s eyes went wide.

“Wow, Mr. Reese, you’re here too!” she blurted out.

Madeline quickly rose to her feet. “Mr. Reese.”

Calvin had once helped her, and gratitude still shone clearly in her lifted gaze.

“Hi, everyone. It’s been a while.” He ran a hand through his dark hair and greeted them with an easy, effortless smile.

That smile lit up the entire room. Handsome didn’t even begin to cover it. He looked like something a master sculptor might have carved with the sole intention of stealing the breath from anyone who looked his way.