Chapter 179
Chapter 179: Marcus Pulls Elara Aside With Surprise
Elara’s POV
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The garden was absolute perfection, there were white peonies everywhere, strung lights creating a canopy overhead, fifty chairs arranged in neat rows with an aisle down the middle.
Elara stood at the front holding Catherine while Marcus held Alexander a few feet away. The twins were being surprisingly well-behaved, both of them watching the proceedings with wide eyes like they understood any of what was happening.
Music started and everyone turned to watch Mimi walk down the aisle on Marcus’s arm. She looked stunning, her dress was simple but at the same time expensive, the custom made pearls around it made it glitter under the soft sun that was starting to rise, her face glowing with happiness.
She looks absolutely stunning.
Dante was already crying. Elara could see tears streaming down his face as he watched his bride approach, not bothering to hide any of his emotion.
When Mimi reached the altar Marcus kissed her cheek and handed her off to Dante, then came to stand
beside Elara.
“She looks beautiful,” Elara whispered.
“She does. Though if you tell her I said that she’ll never let me hear the end of it.”
The ceremony was short and sweet. Mimi and Dante had written their own vows, both of them speaking from the heart about partnership and love and choosing each other every single day of their lives.
“I promise to always tell you when you’re being an idiot,” Mimi said, making everyone laugh. “And to love you even when you deserve it least. You’re my best friend and my favorite person and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life annoying you.”
“Girl, I’m your best friend,” Elara said from the crowd and everyone burst out another round of laughter.
“I promise to put up with your terrible taste in movies,” Dante countered. “And to make you coffee exactly the way you like it every single morning. You make me better and I’m grateful every day that you chose me.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the garden when it was time they finally kissed.
The reception was held in a greenhouse attached to the garden, long tables covered in flowers and candles creating an intimate atmosphere. Elara sat at the head table with Marcus and the twins, watching Mimi and Dante make their rounds greeting guests.
“They’re good together,” Marcus said.
“They really are. I’m glad Mimi found someone who appreciates how amazing she is.”
17 10 Mon, May 11
Chapter 179
Dinner was family style Italian, platters of pasta and chicken and vegetables passed around while wine flowed freely Speeches were made, toasts were given, and through it all Mini and Dante couldn’t stop looking in
each other.
When dancing started, Dante swept Mimi onto the floor for their first dance. Elara watched them sway together and felt her heart swell.
After everything they’d all been through, after all the chaos and pain and struggle, this moment of pure joy felt earned.
Marcus stood suddenly and held out his hand. “Dance with me.”
“We can’t both leave the twins.”
“Your mother is watching them. Dance with me, El.”
Elara let him pull her onto the dance floor, fitting against him like they’d been made for each other. They swayed to the music, not really following any particular steps, just moving together.
“I have a surprise for you,” Marcus said into her ear after a moment and held tighter onto her waist.
“What kind of surprise?”
“The kind you’re going to either love or think I’m completely insane.”
Elara pulled back to look at him. “Marcus, what did you do now?” No, I mean what did you buy because ! know you.
He smiled and pulled her off the dance floor, leading her through the greenhouse to a more quiet corner. From his jacket pocket he pulled out a set of keys.
“Remember how you mentioned wanting to open your own boutique someday, and how you love fashion so much?”
“Vaguely. That was months ago.”
“Well, I bought you a building. Prime location in SoHo, perfect for a high-end boutique. It’s yours if you want
it.”
Elara stared at him. “You bought me a full building?”
“I bought you a full building, El.”
17:10 Mon, May 11 …
Chapter 180
Chapter 180
Marcus’s POV
Marcus had been planning this for three months and somehow Elara still had no idea.
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He’d used every trick he knew to keep it secret. Meetings scheduled as “investor calls.” Dante running interference when contractors needed decisions. Mimi distracting Elara with wedding planning and baby playdates.
Now he stood in the SoHo storefront he’d purchased, looking at the keys in his hand and trying not to second-guess himself.
The space was perfect. High ceilings with exposed brick, original hardwood floors that had been refinished to gleaming perfection, massive windows that flooded the room with natural light. The previous tenant had been an art gallery, which meant the layout was already designed for displaying beautiful things.
Marcus had hired designers to build out custom shelving and display cases. Had worked with Elara’s favorite colorist to choose a palette of soft creams and golds that would make anything look expensive. Had even commissioned a chandelier that hung in the center of the space like a piece of jewelry.
All of it done in secret while Elara thought he was busy with board meetings and company transitions.
“Mr. Thorne?” The designer appeared from the back room. “We just finished installing the last of the mirrors. Do you want to see?”
Marcus followed her to what would be the fitting area. Three large mirrors in ornate gold frames created a triptych that made the small space feel enormous. Plush seating, perfect lighting, hooks for hanging
garments.
“It’s perfect,” Marcus said. “Better than I imagined.”
“Your wife is going to love it. When are you telling her?”
“Tonight. I’m bringing her to Mimi and Dante’s reception and then we’re making a detour on the way home.”
Marcus had timed everything precisely. The reception would end around nine, which meant they’d arrive at the boutique around ten when the street traffic had died down but the neighborhood was still alive with energy. He wanted Elara to see it the way future customers would, lit up and inviting against the dark street.
He left the boutique and headed home to find Elara wrestling both twins into formal wear.
“Why do baby clothes have so many buttons?” she demanded when Marcus walked in. “Who designed this torture device?”
Alexander was squirming like his life depended on escape while Catherine watched her brother with that serious expression she always wore. Marcus scooped up his son and finished buttoning the tiny shirt with
ease.
“You just have to move faster than they do,” he said.
17:10 Mon, May 11 N
