Chapter 201. The Handover

Author POV

The wind moves softly through the buckwheat field, turning the pale stalks into waves of gold. White silk ribbons are tied to the wooden chairs, fluttering gently. Somewhere far away, music fades into quiet as June and Hermes stand facing each other beneath a simple arch of wildflowers.

There is no palace or cathedral. Only sky, earth, and a love that survived fire.

June’s dress glows against the field — soft, flowing, intimate, resting over the small curve of her stomach like a promise. Hermes stands opposite her in a dark tailored suit, his hands trembling just enough to betray how much this means to him.

For a man who once believed love was a weakness, he has never been more exposed.

The officiant’s voice fades into the background as Hermes lifts his eyes to June.

He has stared down boardrooms, scandals, enemies, and his own father — but nothing has ever frightened him the way loving her does.

“June,” he begins, voice lo