Chapter 169: Forever Hold Your Peace

The grand cathedral glowed beneath the soft light pouring through its towering stained-glass windows.

Every pew was adorned with cascading arrangements of fresh white roses, peonies, and baby’s breath, intertwined with delicate satin ribbons that fluttered gently in the breeze drifting through the open doors.

The sweet fragrance of fresh blooms lingered in the air, mingling with the faint scent of burning candles.

As the first notes of the wedding march echoed through the sanctuary, every guest rose to their feet.

Charlotte appeared at the entrance.

A collective gasp swept across the church.

She looked as though she had stepped out of a dream.

Her ivory mermaid gown embraced her figure before flaring gracefully below her hips into a breathtaking cathedral-length train that glided effortlessly over the crimson carpet.

Every step sent ripples through the luxurious fabric, the embroidered lace shimmering beneath the sunlight filtering through the stained glass.

The bodice was a masterpiece of hand-appliquéd Italian floral lace that climbed elegantly into a modest high neckline and flowed seamlessly into delicate long sleeves.

Tiny pearls and crystal beads caught the light with every movement, making it appear as though the silver moonlight had settled upon the gown.

A sheer veil cascaded from the intricately woven floral comb nestled within her softly curled hair, trailing several feet behind her like a cloud of white silk.

Her makeup was soft and timeless, enhancing rather than concealing her natural beauty. A gentle blush warmed her cheeks, while tears of happiness glistened in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

She had never felt more beautiful.

On either side of her stood her parents.

Her father held her arm with quiet pride, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Beside her, her mother smiled through her own emotions, occasionally reaching over to smooth an imaginary wrinkle from Charlotte’s sleeve as though she still couldn’t believe her little girl was getting married.

Charlotte wished the aisle would never end.

Time itself seemed to surrender to the moment.

Every heartbeat slowed.

Every step felt suspended between reality and eternity.

Ahead of her, the flower girls skipped happily down the aisle in tiny ivory with crimson accent dresses, scattering white rose petals that danced across the carpet like drifting snowflakes. They looked like little fairies, giggling softly as they carried out their important task.

Yet Charlotte barely noticed any of it.

Not the guests or the flowers.

She did not hear the music.

She was not awed by the magnificence of the cathedral.

They all faded into the background.

Because standing at the altar...

Was Kristoff.

The world ceased to exist the moment their eyes met.

He looked devastatingly handsome in a bespoke black suit crafted by one of the world’s finest master tailors.

The impeccably cut ensemble blended some of the rarest luxury fabrics ever woven, fitting him with effortless perfection. A crisp white shirt, silk bow tie, and a single white rose on his lapel completed the timeless look.

But it wasn’t the suit that stole Charlotte’s breath away.

It was the look in his eyes.

His gaze was overflowing with warmth.

With admiration...

With adoration...

With love.

Then he smiled.

Not the polite smile he reserved for business associates.

Not the confident smile that intimidated his rivals.

This smile belonged only to her.

It was gentle. Tender. Beautiful.

Unable to wait another second, Kristoff stepped away from the altar and walked toward her.

His gaze never left hers.

By the time he reached her, Charlotte’s vision had already blurred with tears.

Her father took her trembling hand and placed it into Kristoff’s.

"Take care of my daughter," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

"I’ll cherish her for the rest of my life," Kristoff answered without hesitation.

His promise settled deep within Charlotte’s heart.

Slowly, he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss against her fingers before cupping her face with impossible tenderness.

"You look breathtaking, Charie," he whispered.

Charlotte laughed through her tears.

"So do you."

Unable to resist, Kristoff leaned forward and captured her lips in a soft, lingering kiss.

The church erupted into warm laughter and gentle applause.

When they finally parted, he rested his forehead against hers for the briefest moment before offering her his arm.

Charlotte slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow as naturally as though it had always belonged there.

Together, side by side, they walked toward the altar where the priest waited.

Toward the vows they had dreamed of.

Toward the future they had promised each other.

Toward forever.

At least...

That was how Charlotte had always imagined it.

...

"If any of you know of any lawful reason why these two should not be joined together in holy matrimony..."

The priest’s solemn voice echoed through the cathedral.

Charlotte stood before him, her hand safely tucked into Kristoff’s as warmth spread through her chest.

"...speak now..."

A faint ringing drifted through the sanctuary.

She frowned.

Where was that sound coming from?

"...or forever hold your peace."

The ringing persisted.

Soft at first. Then louder. Shriller.

It echoed against the cathedral walls until it drowned out the music and the priest’s voice alike.

Charlotte blinked in confusion, her smile slowly fading.

Why was no one else reacting?

The ringing became relentless.

Piercing.

Almost painful.

Then—

"I object."

A woman’s clear voice sliced through the cathedral.

A collective gasp rippled through the congregation.

Charlotte’s heart lurched.

She slowly turned around.

A lone woman stood at the entrance of the church.

She wore an exquisite white gown—more luxurious, more breathtaking than her own. Layers of shimmering lace cascaded to the floor, while an impossibly long veil concealed her face.

The ringing grew louder and louder

Charlotte took an uneasy step forward.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice trembling.

"How dare you interrupt my wedding?"

The mysterious woman remained silent.

Instead...

She slowly lifted the edge of her veil.

A beautiful smile curved her lips.

One Charlotte recognized instantly.

Charlotte’s blood ran cold.

"No..."

The ringing exploded in her ears.

Her eyes flew open.

Darkness greeted her.

She lay motionless in bed, her heart pounding wildly against her ribs as her phone continued to ring on the nightstand beside her.

For several long seconds, she could do nothing but stare at the ceiling, trying to steady her breathing.

It had only been a dream.

Yet the crushing ache in her chest lingered...

As though her heart had just mourned a future that had never been hers.