Vanessa's New Beginning
Chapter 17 - Vanessa's New Beginning
A year after the wedding that never happened, Vanessa returned to St. Matthew's Church.
Not for another marriage.
For a charity event.
The white roses were gone.
The memories remained.
She found Caleb outside.
For a moment, neither knew what to say.
Then Vanessa laughed.
“We really know how to ruin formal occasions.”
Caleb smiled.
They walked down the same marble stairs where Eli had appeared.
Vanessa had started her own consulting company.
Smaller.
Independent.
No family name on the door.
“Are you happy?” Caleb asked.
“I'm learning.”
She looked at him.
“You?”
Caleb glanced toward the street.
Mara and Eli were approaching.
Vanessa understood immediately.
“You love her.”
Caleb didn't deny it.
“I think part of me always did.”
Vanessa nodded.
There was sadness.
But no bitterness.
“My father tried to design our entire lives.”
She looked toward Mara.
“Don't let what he did make you afraid to choose yours.”
Before leaving, Vanessa hugged Caleb.
The woman he almost married had become the person who helped give him back the life stolen from him.
As she walked away, Mara approached.
“What was that about?”
Caleb smiled.
“She told me to stop being an idiot.”
May you like
Mara raised an eyebrow.
“I always liked her.”
