Chapter 226: Epilogue (Five Years Later)
The warm June sun bathed the sprawling university campus, its golden light glinting off the ivy-covered buildings. Beneath a wide, white canopy adorned with blue and silver ribbons, rows of chairs filled with families and friends of the graduating class stretched out in neat lines. The air buzzed with excitement, a mixture of whispered conversations and bursts of laughter.
At the center, the proud graduates stood in flowing navy gowns and mortarboards, their tassels swaying gently. At the front of the stage, Maya, poised and elegant in her valedictorian's gold stole, delivered her speech. Her confident smile radiated pride and gratitude; her voice was clear and strong.
She spoke of resilience, growth, and gratitude—of her journey, her supporters, and her bright future. Her words touched everyone, eliciting laughter and tears.
Seated near the stage, Evelyn and Derek were the picture of happiness. Evelyn, her hair swept up in an elegant chignon, wore a flowing floral dress. Derek had one arm casually draped over the back of her chair, the other resting lightly on their five-year-old daughter, Nathalie, who clutched a small doll. Nathalie squirmed excitedly, her curly hair a mirror image of her aunt Maya's. Beside them sat their son, Nathan, now eleven, and Samantha, tall and proud, holding a small bouquet of daisies. Next to Samantha sat the twins, restless and kicking their legs. Derek's parents sat in the front row, beaming with pride at Maya, their legally adopted daughter. Beside them sat Evelyn's parents, also smiling proudly. Claire giggled as Nathalie tugged on her hair. "Want your favorite grandma to carry you?" Claire asked, turning to Nathalie with a wide smile. Rebecca snorted. "Who made Natalie the favorite?" she teased. Natalie giggled, enjoying the playful competition between her grandmothers.
Behind Derek and Evelyn, Rayna and Ethan managed their own three children: a four-year-old boy, a two-year-old girl, and a ten-month-old baby. The youngest sat on Ethan's lap, gnawing on a teething toy, while Rayna whispered stern instructions to the older two. Despite the chaos, their faces radiated pride.
"And to my family," Maya's voice carried across the crowd. Her eyes scanned the audience, landing first on her parents, then on Evelyn and Derek. Her voice softened. "Thank you for your unwavering support and love. This achievement wouldn't have been possible without you." Her gaze flicked to Liam, seated a few rows back, who offered a subtle nod.
As Maya concluded, the crowd erupted in applause. Derek cheered loudly, Evelyn clapped vigorously, Samantha whistled, and Nathalie waved her flag enthusiastically (almost hitting Rayna). Evelyn's eyes shimmered with tears. "I'm so proud. She's incredible," she murmured. Derek squeezed her hand. "She is," he said, his eyes twinkling.
The ceremony concluded with the graduates tossing their caps. As Maya made her way through the crowd, Liam intercepted her, a smile brighter than the sun on his face. He was dressed in a crisp navy suit.
Maya paused, playfully narrowing her eyes. "What's that look for?" she teased.
Liam dropped to one knee, pulling out a small velvet box containing a diamond ring. "Babe," he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, "you've been my best friend, my inspiration, and my heart. I've been waiting for this moment, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Maya gasped, tears welling up. "Yes," she whispered, then louder, "Yes!"
The crowd roared its approval as he slipped the ring onto her finger. Maya threw her arms around Liam, laughing through her tears. Samantha squealed with delight; Nathan and Nathalie shouted, "Aunt Maya said yes!" Evelyn leaned into Derek, her own tears flowing. "It's a perfect ending to a perfect story," she whispered. Derek kissed her temple. "Yes, it is."
As the sun dipped lower, casting a warm amber glow, families gathered for photos and laughter. Rayna's youngest tugged at Nathan's shirt, prompting him to share his toy airplane; Natalie held Samantha's hand, peppering her with questions about Aunt Maya's wedding.
Evelyn watched, her heart swelling. It wasn't perfect—tantrums, spills, and endless noise—but it was her family, and she wouldn't trade it. Derek's arms wrapped around her. "What are you thinking about?" he asked.
She smiled, leaning into him. "Just how lucky we are," she said.
He kissed her cheek. "That we are." They watched as their family posed for photos—the twins on Liam's back, Rayna battling ice cream, Ethan chasing after balloons.
As the sun set, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, the family gathered for one last group photo, capturing every laugh, smile, and joyous moment.
Thanks for reading.