Chapter 183

Morning light streamed through stained glass windows, painting rainbow patterns across the white marble floor of St. Thomas Cathedral. Outside, photographers jostled behind velvet ropes as New York’s business elite, dressed in their finest, filed into the church. Security personnel with earpieces stood at every entrance, their eyes constantly scanning the crowd.

In a private room off the main chapel, Camille stood before a full-length mirror, barely breathing as her mother fastened the last pearl button on her dress. The gown, a masterpiece of ivory silk and handmade lace, hugged her curves before flowing out in a gentle train.

“Almost done,” Margaret whispered, her fingers trembling slightly as she worked. The past months had brought a fragile peace between them – not full forgiveness, but a bridge being built one careful step at a time.

Camille met her mother’s eyes in the mirror. “Thank you.”

The words held weight beyond the dress, and Margaret blinked bac