FLASH MARRIAGE; CHARMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE CEO

With justice firmly served, a long-awaited calm descended upon both the Anderson and Shawl families.

The shadows of betrayal, heartache, and loss were gently laid to rest, spoken of no more. Instead of reminiscing on the past, all hearts leaned toward healing. Every conversations carried the melody of laughter and dreams yet to be lived.

Hope became the language of the household, and each shared smile was a quiet promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Blaze returned to island with his expectant wife by his side and his mother close at heart. There, surrounded by peace love and tranquility, they prepared to welcome thier gift of true love and bundle not happiness.

Meanwhile, Gregory devoted himself to rebuilding the legacy of the Shawls, brick by brick and memory by memory, never letting go of the growing bond with his daughter.

He kept in touch with Amelia every single day, intimating her with his growth and listening to her sweet tales of the island and the current book she was writing.

Henry remained steadfast and true to his word, standing by Sarah through every step of her journey. He took her on countless adventures, all the while making sure her dream of graduating at the top of her class never slipped out of sight.

The days slowly unfolded gently, slipping into weeks, and the weeks into quiet months, as the world around them danced through seasons, until the scent of cinnamon and pine whispered the arrival of the festive season, while carrying with it the warmth of new beginnings.

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It was the twentieth day of December.

The air carried a wintry bite, mingled with the crisp scent of pine and the unsaid promises of a season wrapped in memories yet to be made. The Shawls' mansion pulsed with a rare and vibrant energy; one born of excitement, anticipation, and the sacred bond of family.

Suitcases lined the elegant hallways like colorful soldiers awaiting orders. Passports were being double-checked with eager hands, and laughter danced freely through the air.

The long-awaited family trip was finally upon them, a journey not just across oceans, but into a beautiful chapter of new beginnings.

In a few precious hours, they would soar aboard a private jet to an island paradise, a secluded haven where Gregory Shawls was about to welcome the birth of his very first grandchild.

Already dressed in plush winter layers, Gregory descended the stairs with a quiet dignity and a visible glow of pride. A small suitcase was clutched in his right hand, his shoulders were squared with purpose and his every step echoing the joy of an expectant grandfather.

In less than four days, he would be called "Grandpa," and that sweet title danced on the tip of his tongue like a long-lost song.

"Henry…" he called out, scanning the room filled with cheerful commotion.

"He already left for the airport, Uncle Greg," Sarah replied warmly, lifting her suitcase with grace. "He said he needed to handle a few last-minute travel logistics before we arrive."

"Oh… thank you, dear," Gregory said with a soft smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes.

"You're welcome, Uncle."

"Is everyone here and accounted for?" he asked again, his sharp gaze sweeping the room where voices overlapped in joyful chatter.

"Not everyone, Mr. Shawls," Stacy responded, glancing at her wristwatch for what seemed like the hundredth time. "Kayla's running a bit late, but she said she'll be here in less than ten minutes."

"Call her again. We need to be on the road."

"There'll be no need for that, Stacy," came Nicole's crisp voice from the foyer. "Kayla just arrived."

"Oh, thank goodness!" Stacy exhaled in relief.

"If that's the last of us, then we can begin moving," Gregory gestured toward the grand entrance. "Before someone suddenly remembers they haven't fed their pet."

A wave of laughter rippled through the group, followed by the gentle rumble of rolling luggage and excited footsteps as they exited the mansion.

The thirty-minute drive to the airport passed in a flurry of conversation and shared anticipation.

Soon, the jet soared into the skies, carrying them towards their island destination.

Onboard the private jet, the air in the cabin was filled with warmth. It was the kind of warmth that comes from togetherness, from wine shared between loved ones, and from stories retold like treasured fairy tales.

"It looks so beautiful out there," Sarah whispered, her fingers entwined with Henry's, her eyes lost in the snowy expanse beyond the window.

But Henry wasn't looking outside. His gaze was fixed on her, captivated by the softness of her smile, the glow of her skin in the cabin light, and the love that radiated from her being.

"Not as beautiful as you," he murmured, eyes drinking in every part of her.

Sarah turned, surprised by the weight of his affection. "What?"

"I said…" he took her hand gently, pressing his lips on the back of it with such reverence it made her heart flutter, "nothing compares to your beauty, my love."

Sarah blushed, the color rising to her cheeks like rose petals in bloom.

"You and your honey-coated tongue," she teased, her giggle like music in his ears.

She leaned in and brushed a soft kiss to his lips, filled with unspoken vows.

Gone were the days of timid glances and stolen affections. Ever since she had declared Henry to the world as hers, love had become her favorite adventure.

"But seriously," she whispered, resting her head against his, "isn't it peaceful out there?"

"Mmm," Henry nodded, his chin on her shoulder, eyes watching the clouds drift by. "It's like silence wrapped in beauty."

"It reminds me of our skydiving adventure," she breathed, her voice a thread of memory. "That moment in the sky… the wind in your face… the earth a painting below… everything felt so still and so magical."

"Yeah… but nothing was more magical," Henry whispered into her neck, "than kissing you after the jump. That moment… that kiss… it stole my breath, forever."

Sarah eyes shimmered as she turned to face him fully.

"I'd jump out of a thousand planes with you, sweetheart," she whispered back, "because you steal my breath every single time."

Their lips met again, this time slower, deeper, tender with truth.

"Ahem…" came a pointed cough from nearby.

They pulled apart, laughing, caught in the act by Sarah's older brother.

"Is something the matter, Mikey?" Henry asked playfully.

"I hate to interrupt this… very cinematic moment," Michael replied with exaggerated politeness, "but you're needed at the cockpit."

Sarah waved it off with a grin. "Take him, big bro. I'll be right here."

"I won't be long," Henry said, brushing a kiss to her cheek before walking away.

Moments later, Annabelle slipped into the seat beside Sarah, eyes sparkling.

"Hey, girlfriend."

"Hey, babygirl."

The two best friends indulge in their signature greeting amid giggles and a tight hug.

"I can't believe I'm going on a family trip with not only my best friend but my future sister-in-law!" Annabelle squealed, flashing her dazzling engagement ring.

"This is just the first of many family memories we'll share," Sarah cooed, squeezing her hands. "I'm so happy my brother found you."

"And it's all because of you," Annabelle beamed, her laughter soft and joyful. "Your friendship brought me to the love of my life."

They leaned into each other with that quiet kind of joy only real friendship brings.

For the next few minutes, the cabin was filled with cheerful chatter, soft laughter, and the gentle hum of an aircraft sailing through dreams.

Then the pilot's voice crackled overhead, asking everyone to prepare for landing.

"We're here!" Sarah gasped in awe, peering out the window.

A breathtaking island blanketed in snow, surrounded by shimmering waters, welcomed them like a fairytale brought to life.