Chapter 7 - The Vows That Shook Wall Street
With Ethan removed and the atmosphere transformed from scandal to an awe-inspiring spectacle, Julian and I turned to face Bishop Harrington. The energy in the cathedral shifted dramatically. This was no longer a tragic betrayal; it was the historic coronation of an unstoppable alliance.
Julian took both of my hands in his. For the first time, I felt the slight tremor of genuine emotion in his fingers—not from fear or calculation, but from a profound reverence that Ethan had never once possessed.
“I, Julian Vance, take you, Ava Montgomery, to be my wedded wife,” Julian spoke each word with deep, resonant conviction. “I promise to honor your brilliance, protect your legacy, and stand beside you as an equal partner in all things. Where others saw a decorative pawn, I see the queen. My empire is yours, my loyalty is yours, and my heart is yours for all the days of our lives.”
Tears pricked my eyes—not of sorrow, but of overwhelming vindication and unexpected tenderness. Julian wasn't just performing a legal takeover. He was offering a genuine sanctuary built on mutual strength and deep-rooted respect.
“I, Ava Montgomery, take you, Julian Vance, to be my husband,” I said, looking directly into his grey eyes. “I promise to stand with you against every storm, to build an empire of integrity, and to honor the trust we forge today. We are unbroken, and we are invincible.”
Bishop Harrington smiled warmly, swept up in the undeniable authenticity of the moment. “By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Julian wrapped an arm gently around my waist, pulling me close with protective strength, and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was not a hurried show for photographers; it was deep, breathtaking, and filled with a fierce promise that sent shivers racing down my spine.
As we pulled back, the entire cathedral erupted into a standing ovation. High-ranking board members, ambassadors, and my mother Eleanor clapped with joyful tears in their eyes. Julian took my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine, and together we walked down the flower-strewn aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Julian Vance.
Outside, the steps of the Grand Monroe were swarmed with hundreds of international journalists. Within minutes, breaking news alerts flashed across Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, and every major social media platform: “THE WEDDING SWITCH OF THE CENTURY: JULIAN VANCE MARRIES AVA MONTGOMERY AFTER EXPOSING ETHAN DRAKE’S FRAUD.”
Drake Capital’s pre-market stock was already in freefall, plummeting thirty-five percent within forty-five minutes of the news leak. Meanwhile, Vance Global’s market capitalization surged by eight billion dollars on the announcement of the formal Montgomery Arts and Logistics merger.
Sitting in the plush leather interior of Julian’s Maybach as we departed the cathedral, I let out a long, cathartic breath.
May you like
Julian looked over at me, pouring two glasses of vintage champagne. “How does it feel, Mrs. Vance?”
I took the glass, tapping it against his with a bright chime. “It feels like justice, Julian. But our work is just beginning.”
