Chapter 7 - THE ELEVENTH DAYTen days had passed.
The mansion had been thoroughly swept, repaired, and fortified. Every security protocol had been rewritten, every camera upgraded, and every potential vulnerability eliminated.
Outside, the estate grounds were transformed into a fairytale landscape. Thousands of white roses cascaded down the grand staircases, imported orchids lined the glass walkways, and string lights glittered like fallen stars across the sprawling lawns.
It was the morning of the eleventh day.
The wedding day.
In the east bridal suite, Claire stood before the full-length mirror, adjusting the folds of her breathtaking, custom-made ivory lace gown. Her reflection showed a woman who had walked through fire and come out the other side forged in steel.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
The door opened, and four-year-old Lily stepped inside, wearing a tiny flower-girl dress and clutching her stuffed rabbit. Behind her stood Paige, looking healthy, smiling, and free of the terror that had haunted her weeks ago.
"You look pretty, Miss Claire," Lily whispered, walking over and tugging at the edge of the white gown. "Are you going to cry today?"
Claire smiled, kneeling down to look her niece and little Lily in the eyes. She brushed a stray curl from Lily’s forehead.
"No, sweetie," Claire whispered, her voice steady and clear. "Today, we don't cry. Today, we smile."
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"Mr. Hale is waiting in the garden," Paige added with a wide grin. "And he looks very serious, even for him."
Claire stood up, took a deep breath, and picked up her bouquet of white calla lilies.
