Valentine’s Billionaire Auction

Extended Epilogue

Kaira

I couldn’t resist. I had to see what the wedding planner had managed to pull off. All week I had been kept out of the ballroom, but I was determined to sneak a peek. Carla was off getting me a drink from the kitchen, giving me a minute to sneak out.

I crept down the back stairs wearing my robe with “Mrs.” emblazoned across the back. We weren’t doing the big traditional wedding in a church or hotel. Although that had been on the table. We were keeping things relatively small. Yes, there would be a lot of guests, but the wedding party itself was small, just Carla as my maid of honor and Simon as Roman’s best man.

Roman and I met with a wedding planner to discuss what our dream wedding looked like. It was hard to picture it. I wanted something that was us and not a big party for the guests—but there would be one hell of a party. After visiting several venues, I realized the ballroom in the mansion was perfect. Roman had been a little reluctant. He wanted to give me the whole castle and fairytale wedding. But this was what I wanted.

With a twist.

I passed some of the catering staff as I walked down the hall. If they saw me, they pretended they didn’t. I pulled open one of the doors at the back of the room and stepped inside. My breath caught in my throat. I would have slapped a hand over my mouth, but Carla would have killed me if I smeared the very carefully applied lipstick.

The ballroom had been transformed into a dream.

My dream.

Rows of books in shiny covers lined the walls, stacked in decorative arrangements that almost looked like sculptures. Quotes from famous romances were written in elegant calligraphy on small cards tucked among flowers and candles. Everywhere I looked, it felt like a love letter to us, to the things we held dear, and to the life we were about to start together.

When I told Roman my idea, he thought I was crazy. Then I reminded him of the many hours we had spent in the library. That was where I really fell in love with him. I loved books. He had certainly developed a taste for literature.

The wedding planner was reluctant at first, but she too saw my vision. And she had done it. She had exceeded my expectations. I wandered deeper into the ballroom. The soft lighting perfectly accentuated each quote and book. The planners had interwoven strings of delicate lights above and around the book stacks, casting a warm, inviting glow over the entire scene.

Tears pooled in my eyes as each detail spoke so clearly of our journey together—every hardship and victory. It wasn’t just a room; it was a narrative about us, entwined with promises of the future.

Suddenly, Roman’s arms encircled me from behind. “Do you like it?” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

“It’s more than I could have imagined,” I managed to say, turning within his embrace to face him.

“I wanted this to be perfect for you,” he said.

“It is.” I gasped when I realized I was in his arms. I pushed back. “You’re not supposed to see me before the wedding.”

“I think I’m not supposed to see you in your dress before the wedding.” He grinned. “Besides, I saw you this morning. In bed. And I saw every inch of you.”

I slapped at his chest. “Stop it.”

He swatted my ass. “You better get back upstairs. Carla is on the hunt for you and she isn’t happy. I had a feeling you would be in here.”

“I couldn’t resist seeing it before it’s filled with people.”

“I get it. It’s cool as hell. Now go. I’m supposed to be meeting you here in an hour. Don’t be late.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

With a mischievous smile, I nodded and squeezed his hand quickly before slipping away. The thrill of our stolen moment bubbled inside me as I made my way back up the stairs. I felt like a character in one of those grand romantic novels lining the walls below.

As I re-entered our suite, Carla was emerging with a tray bearing two flutes of champagne and a stern look that softened when she saw me. “There you are! I turn around for one second, and you’re halfway across the mansion. Do you have any idea how much work it took to get your hair just right?”

I grinned and accepted a glass. “Sorry, couldn’t help it. You know how curious I get. But don’t worry, I didn’t mess up my makeup.”

She eyed me suspiciously but relaxed. “Well, at least you’re still in one piece, and so is your hairstyle. Come on, let’s get you in that dress.”

I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement mix with a twinge of nervousness. The dress hung there—a masterpiece of fabric and dreams, its sequins catching the light like tiny stars. It was more than just fabric; it was a symbol of a new chapter in my life.

“I can’t believe this is all happening,” I murmured as Carla helped me step into the gown. The silk felt cool against my skin, its weight grounding yet ethereal.

“You deserve every second of today,” Carla said, her hands expert in adjusting the fit, smoothing down layers, and perfecting every detail. Her eyes met mine in the mirror—a look filled with years of friendship and the unspoken words of sisters not bound by blood but by experiences.

As she zipped up the back, I had to blink back tears. I wasn’t usually sappy, but I was so filled with joy, it just leaked out. Carla spent another fifteen minutes tugging and twisting the dress until it was perfect. And then it was a minor touchup of my makeup.

She adjusted my veil for what felt like the millionth time. “Okay, stand still, Kaira,” she said, gripping my shoulders. “You look perfect, but if you move one more time, I swear I’ll glue you to the floor.”

I laughed, unable to keep still. My nerves were making me jittery, fidgety. “Can you blame me? I’m about to marry Roman Kelly.”

Carla rolled her eyes, though she was smiling. “You’re about to marry Roman your husband,” she corrected. “The guy who loves you so much it makes everyone around him a little nauseated. And for the record, you’re the real prize here.”

I grinned, feeling tears threatening my makeup. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’d manage,” Carla said, though her voice wavered. “But I’m glad you don’t have to.”

She stepped back to admire me one more time, nodding with satisfaction. My dress was a masterpiece. It fit like it had been made for me—and it had. Roman insisted on nothing less. It was custom. We sat down with a designer and expressed exactly what we were looking for. Three months later, the dress was finished.

Money really did move mountains.

A knock at the door announced my father. He stepped in, his eyes immediately glistening as he took me in. “Kaira,” he said softly, his voice full of emotion. “You’re breathtaking.”

I walked over to him, careful not to trip over my train. “You clean up pretty well yourself, Dad.”

He laughed, but his voice cracked. “Are you ready?”

I nodded, my heart swelling. “More than ready.”

I linked my arm with my father’s. My heart pounded with anticipation and joy as we walked to the staircase. White ribbon had been wrapped around the banister. My grand entrance was a little hazardous, but I was sure my dad would keep me from falling.

My father squeezed my arm gently. “I’m so proud of you, Kaira,” he murmured, his voice trembling slightly. “Today you start a new chapter. I never had any doubt you would find your way.”

The team of professional photographers took what felt like a million pictures. Once we were in the foyer, one of the assistants rushed over to fix my train. More pictures.

The doors to the ballroom stood closed. Behind them awaited Roman, our families, our friends—our future. Piano music drifted through the doors. The wedding planner spoke softly into the headset she was wearing. The music changed and the doors slowly opened. Everyone stood and looked at me.

The gentle melody of the processional filled the air. Whispers of admiration rustled through the crowd as I began my walk down the aisle.

Each step was measured, just like we had practiced. The candles flickered softly around the room, creating an almost magical path leading me to Roman. He stood there, at the altar, looking every bit the hero of our shared story—handsome, strong, and visibly moved.

I couldn’t believe it—I got my prince.

He looked devastatingly handsome in his tailored tux, but it was the expression on his face that took my breath away—like I was the only person in the world.

As we approached, I noticed the pictures in the front row—Roman’s parents. My heart squeezed at the sight. He had wanted them to be part of this day, and in a way, they were.

When my father placed my hand in Roman’s, the world seemed to stand still. “Take care of her,” my dad said, his voice thick with emotion.

Roman nodded solemnly. “Always.”

The ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt, filled with laughter and promises. When the officiant pronounced us husband and wife, Roman didn’t hesitate. He kissed me like he’d been waiting his whole life for that moment. The room erupted in applause and cheers.

The reception was a blur of dancing, laughter, and love. Carla gave a hilarious and touching maid of honor speech, managing to embarrass me with a story from our first few months living together while also making me cry with her words about our friendship. Roman’s best man roasted him mercilessly before ending with a heartfelt toast about how I’d changed Roman’s life for the better.

Ruby was there, sitting beside Roman during the ceremony and later joining us on the dance floor. She pulled me aside at one point. “Thank you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “For everything.”

“What do you mean?”

“You healed him,” she said. “For years I’ve tried to find a way to tell him how much he was loved. You got through.”

“It was my pleasure,” I said. “I hope you’ll be coming for more visits.”

“I will,” she said.

I hugged her tightly. “You’re family,” I said. “Always.”

Later that night, after most of the guests had left and the music was more love songs, Roman and I found ourselves alone on the dance floor. He held me close, swaying gently as we soaked in the quiet magic of the moment.

“Mrs. Kelly,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear. “How does it feel?”

I leaned back to look at him, grinning. “It feels like the start of something amazing.”

He smiled, his eyes full of love. “It is. You know, I’ve been thinking...”

“Uh-oh,” I teased. “That sounds dangerous.”

He laughed. “I’ve been thinking about this house. It’s been filled with so much emptiness for so long. I’m ready to change that. I’m ready for giggles and tiny footsteps running through the halls.”

My heart swelled at his words. “You mean you’re ready for lots of poop and diapers?”

He groaned, though he was laughing. “Way to ruin the moment.”

I smirked. “Just keeping it real.”

He tilted his head, pretending to consider. “You know, on second thought, maybe we should hold off. I can’t pawn off diaper duty on the house staff, and I’m not sure I’m cut out for that level of commitment.”

I smacked his chest lightly. “Oh no, you’re in this now. No backing out. You can’t dangle babies in front of me and then change your mind.”

He grinned, leaning down to kiss me. “With you, Kaira, there’s no backing out. Ever.”

This was our happily ever after—a future we’d build together. And it was only just beginning.