Arthur’s thoughts were exactly the same as Ashley’s. When he reached her, Spencer reluctantly placed his precious daughter’s hand into Arthur’s. His eyes brimmed with tears as he choked out the same words over and over: “Ashley, Arthur, you must be happy—always be happy!” Beside Ashley, Nancy’s mother, Natalie, echoed him with equal fervor. “You must be happy—both of you!” They had all been through so much. Now, the only wish left in the hearts of her parents was for their future to be filled with happiness. Arthur and Ashley both nodded firmly. Arthur spoke with solemn conviction. “Dad, Mom, don’t worry. I’ll take care of Ashley. I’ll protect her as if she were my own life.” Then, after a pause, he added, “No—Ashley is more important than my life.” Ashley had once shielded Arthur from a bullet, risking her own life without hesitation. And if the situation were reversed, Arthur would do the same without a second thought. They had already placed each other at the very center of their hearts. Nothing—no person, no event—could take that place, not even their own lives. The guests’ eyes filled again. Nina, watching from the crowd, began to understand that what existed between the two of them was far deeper than friendship—something rarer and more beautiful. Arthur took over from Spencer, pushing Ashley carefully to the center of the stage. Then he stood facing her. This time, not only Hugo had come—Ashley’s mentor, Devon, was here as well. The two men argued over who would serve as the official witness, and in the end, neither gave in. They stood side by side in the middle, both in festive red, an unlikely pair that somehow carried a hint of comedy. Each took a microphone and recited the marriage blessings they had prepared—passionately, with great flourish—filling in the blanks with their own improvised lines whenever they forgot. The original officiant from Heaven Island kept casting them sidelong glances, which they ignored entirely. Without intending to, they became the comedic duo of the ceremony. Arthur couldn’t quite understand how two people usually so serious could turn into a double act. But the crowd was clearly enjoying it; the mood lifted even higher. At last, they came to the heart of the ceremony. Their expressions grew solemn. Hugo asked, “Arthur, no matter what the future brings—illness or hardship—do you vow to take Ashley as your wife, to cherish her and treat her as your most precious treasure?” Arthur met Ashley’s gaze and nodded with deep sincerity. “I do.” The room fell quiet. Then Devon asked, “Ashley, whether in poverty or wealth, do you vow to stay by Arthur’s side, to know and cherish him, never to abandon him?” Ashley’s eyes softened as she looked at him. She nodded with equal seriousness. “I do.” “Good!” Hugo and Devon’s voices rang out together, their eyes shining with tears. Many in the audience were discreetly wiping at their own. When the two men had steadied themselves, Hugo declared, “Next, the bride and groom will exchange rings.” A ceremonial officer stepped forward with a luxurious case. Inside lay a pair of exquisite matching rings—each crowned with a flawless crimson gemstone of the highest quality. Finding such a perfect matching pair had taken Arthur considerable effort. Even the most jaded guests were dazzled by the craftsmanship and rarity of the stones. Arthur picked up one of the rings, then knelt before Ashley, his expression earnest. “Ashley, let me put this ring on you. From now on, you’ll be my wife. Will you?” Ashley’s eyes curved into a smile, glistening with tears. Then—her legs moved. Slowly, she lifted them from the wheelchair’s footrest and lowered them to the floor. Arthur froze, stunned, watching as her feet touched the ground and—though it was difficult—she began to stand. And then, steadying herself with a deep breath, Ashley rose to her feet.