'I Do' For Revenge-Chapter 258: Starting Over

LAYLA’S POV

Three months had changed everything.

I stood in front of the full-length mirror in the Duke’s country estate, staring at my reflection. The custom wedding gown had been designed specifically to accommodate my growing belly, which was now clearly visible at nearly four months pregnant.

The ivory silk dress was flowing and elegant, with soft lace on the sleeves and neck. It made me look like something out of a fairy tale.

"I look like a bride," I whispered, touching the fabric. "A real bride."

The door opened behind me, and the Duke stepped in, leaning on his cane. He stopped when he saw me, his eyes misting over.

"You look like your grandmother on our wedding day," he said softly. "She wore ivory too. She said white was too presumptuous."

I laughed through sudden tears. "I wish I could have known her."

"She would have loved you," he said, coming to stand beside me. "And she would have been so proud of the woman you’ve become."

Outside the window, I could see the sprawling gardens of the estate. Autumn had painted everything in shades of gold and crimson. Workers were setting up a massive tent, arranging chairs, and hanging lights from the trees.

Tomorrow, I would marry Axel again. But this time, it would be real.

"How are you feeling?" the Duke asked.

"Nervous. Excited, and a little overwhelmed," I admitted. "Is this normal?"

"Completely normal," he assured me. "But this time, you’re choosing him knowing everything. That makes all the difference."

A knock at the door interrupted us. I turned to see Helena poked her head in, holding a clipboard.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I need to confirm the flower arrangements. They’re asking if we want roses or peonies for the centerpieces?"

"Peonies," I said. "They were Axel’s mother’s favorite."

Helena made a note. "Perfect. Oh, and the caterer wants to know about the vegetarian options."

"Helena, breathe," I said, laughing. "Everything is going to be fine."

"I’m your maid of honor," she said seriously. "It’s my job to make sure everything is perfect."

The Duke patted her shoulder. "And you’re doing wonderfully, my dear. Now, I believe someone is here to see Layla."

"Who?" I asked.

"Your cousin," the Duke said. "Julian."

I tensed. Julian, Isabelle’s son. I hadn’t seen him since the memorial.

"He’s waiting downstairs," Helena said gently. "You don’t have to see him if you’re not ready."

"No," I said, making a decision. "I’ll see him."

I found Julian in the library, standing by the window. He turned when I entered, and I saw how much he’d changed. He looked thinner, older, with dark circles under his eyes.

"Layla," he said. "Thank you for seeing me."

"What are you doing here, Julian?"

"I know I don’t deserve to be here," he said quickly. "But I wanted to congratulate you. You’re my cousin, and I... I should have protected you from my mother like family should."

I studied his face, seeing genuine remorse there. "You were trapped too, weren’t you?"

"That’s no excuse," he said. "I knew what she was doing. I knew about the poisoning, about her plans. I could have stopped her, but I was too afraid."

"Fear is powerful," I said quietly. "I understand that better than most."

"Still, I should have been braver." He looked down. "I came to apologize. And to tell you that I’m testifying against her. Full cooperation with the prosecution. She’s going to prison for a long time."

"Good," I said simply.

"Also..." He pulled an envelope from his pocket. "This is my official renunciation of any claim to the Hunington estate. The lawyers have it all documented. I don’t want anything that she touched. And more importantly, everything should go to you. You’re the rightful heir."

I took the envelope, surprised. "Julian, you didn’t have to..."

"Yes, I did," he interrupted. "It’s the least I can do. Plus, I’m starting over. New job, new life, away from all of this."

I looked at him, this cousin I barely knew, and made a choice. "We’re both victims of the same poison: your mother’s manipulation. If you’re serious about changing, about being better, then I forgive you."

His eyes widened. "You do?"

"Yes. But Julian, if you ever hurt this family again..."

"I won’t," he said quickly. "I swear. I just want a chance to be better."

"Then you have it," I said. "Now, would you like to stay for the wedding?"

"Really?"

"Family should be here," I said simply. "Even complicated family."

—

That evening, Helena organized a small gathering in the estate’s sitting room.

It was nothing elaborate, just her, a few reformed society friends who’d stood by me, Jennifer, Victoria and Ellen Vance from the Lakeview retreat, and copious amounts of sparkling cider since I couldn’t drink wine.

"Tell us about Axel," one of the women said. "We want embarrassing stories."

Helena grinned. "Oh, I have so many. Did Layla tell you about the time he tried to make her breakfast and set off the fire alarm?"

"That was one time!" I protested, laughing.

"Or the time he spent three hours choosing the perfect nursery paint color, then changed his mind the next day?"

"He’s very particular," I said defensively.

"He’s completely devoted," Helena corrected. "I’ve never seen anyone more in love. It’s actually kind of disgusting."

Everyone laughed.

"Speaking of the nursery," I said, pulling out my phone. "I have something to show you."

I pulled up the ultrasound photos from my last appointment. "We found out last week. We’re having a girl."

The room erupted in squeals and congratulations.

"A daughter!" Helena grabbed my hands. "Oh, Layla, that’s wonderful!"

"I know," I said, smiling. "Axel cried when we found out. Full-on tears in the doctor’s office."

"What are you naming her?" someone asked.

"We haven’t decided yet," I admitted. "But we’re considering Sarah, after Axel’s mother, and Eleanor after my foster mother."

—

Later, after everyone had gone to bed, I found the Duke in his study.

"Can’t sleep?" he asked, looking up from his book. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Too much excitement," I said, sitting across from him. "My mind won’t shut off."

"That’s natural before a wedding." He closed his book. "Are you happy, my dear? Really, truly happy?"

I thought about it, about everything that had happened. The manipulation, the lies, the broken trust. But also the love, the forgiveness, the choice to build something real.

"I am," I said. "Really, truly happy. For the first time in my life."

"That’s all I ever wanted for you," he said softly. "Your grandmother and I, we had our struggles. But we chose each other every day. That’s what marriage is: the daily choice to stay, to fight, to love."

"Thank you, Grandfather. For everything. For coming back."

"Thank you for finding me," he said. "Now go. Get some sleep. Tomorrow is a big day."

Back in my room, I couldn’t sleep despite the exhaustion. Instead, I pulled out a blank journal and began to write.

Dear Baby Girl,

Tomorrow, I’m marrying your father. Again. The first time was rushed, built on half-truths and manipulation. But tomorrow will be different.

Your father and I didn’t start perfectly. We made mistakes. We hurt each other. But we built something real from those broken pieces.

You were made from love, not convenience. Not manipulation. Just two people who chose each other despite everything.

I promise you’ll grow up knowing you’re wanted, cherished, and free. You’ll never be a pawn in someone’s game. You’ll never be used for someone else’s ambition.

You’ll just be you. Perfect and loved.

Love, Your Mom

I placed my hand on my belly, and suddenly, I felt a flutter like butterfly wings.

"She’s moving," I whispered.

The flutter came again, stronger this time. My daughter, dancing inside me. "She’s dancing," I said, laughing through tears. "She knows tomorrow is special."