The Divorced Military Queen Awakens (by Sadie Baxter) novel Chapter 528

Chapter 528 The Vows

“You can’t be serious,” Laura whispered, eyes narrowing. “Quinn loves Julius. You can’t break that just because you feel like it. Did you bribe someone inside, or–don’t tell me–you’re thinking of an abduction?”

Harlan regarded her with the flat disbelief one reserves for fools. “You honestly think I’d stoop that low? I was kidding. Can’t believe you bought it.”

Laura stared at him, speechless.

Can you even joke about that?

“Come on. Let’s go congratulate them.” He pivoted and strode through the doors of the registry office first.

Laura hurried after him, the click of her heels chasing his long strides.

As they entered the tiled lobby, a new round of gossip floated over the counter toward them.

“Hey, see that couple over by the oath desk? The guy is unreal. So handsome. Who is he?”

“And he’s crazy about her. Her shoelace popped loose, and he literally kneeled to tie it for her.”

“They’re adorable. Look at the size of her diamond. If it’s real, they must be, like, from prominent families.”

“If they belonged to some famous dynasty, though, the news would be all over TV. Haven’t heard a peep.”

Laura and Harlan exchanged a knowing glance.

They both suspected the buzzing voices were describing Quinn and Julius.

With that, they headed toward the desk.

“I do!” Julius declared, voice ringing with unguarded certainty.

The officiant turned. “Ms. Quinn Bridger, do you take Julius Whitethorn as your husband?”

Quinn met Julius‘ eyes, a soft smile blooming. “I do.”

Across the room, Harlan watched her, and despite himself, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

He managed a gentle smile anyway. The curve of his lips belonged to her, a silent blessing that she had finally found someone who loved her without reserve.

Deep down, he still bristled with regret, yet more than anything, he wanted her happy. Even if that happiness no longer came from

him.

The registrar cleared her throat, her voice formal against the high ceiling. “Will the two of you please read your marriage vows?”

Julius and Quinn turned toward each other, sharing a smile that trembled like light on water. “We willingly become husband and wife, from this day forward…”

Each promise rang through the declaration hall, steady and unwavering.

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Even the still air felt scented with solemnity, every breath thick with reverence.

These were vows to guard the rest of their days.

They were testimony meant to last a lifetime.

When the vows ended, and the clerk handed them the marriage certificate, Laura stepped forward, her eyes bright. “Congratulations, both of you!” she said, squeezing Quinn’s hands.

Quinn answered with a soft laugh that crinkled the corners of her eyes. “Thank you.”

Harlan stepped closer, tension tightening his shoulders even as warmth lingered in his gaze. “Quinnie, congratulations.”

“I truly hope you chose the right man.” He glanced at Julius. “You’d better make her happy–she deserves nothing less.”

If Julius ever lets her down, next time I will never step aside.

Julius looked Harlan square in the eye, voice firm yet calm. “Quinn will be happy with me. I’ll give her more joy than she’s ever known, happiness no one else could offer.”

The two men faced each other, an invisible current sparking between them. For a heartbeat, the room seemed to shrink, air growing sharp with challenge.

Laura clapped her hands, breaking the static charge. “All right, that’s enough! Since the paperwork’s done, let’s grab a meal together and celebrate the newlyweds!”

Quinn nodded. “Sounds good.”

Julius and Harlan exchanged curt nods; neither objected.

Outside City Hall, sunlight spilled across the steps. Harlan drew a brocade box from his coat and offered it to Quinn. “A wedding present. I hope you like it.”

“A present?” Quinn echoed, lifting the lid. The moment she saw what rested inside, she froze, breath caught midway.

Nestled on velvet lay an aged manuscript scroll–the very copy she had once admired at an auction. She had mentioned it to Harlan in passing, hardly more than a wistful sigh.

“This book is far too expensive,” she murmured, recalling its hammer price–about seven million.

Harlan smiled. “If you like it, keep it, Quinnie.”

“But I only mentioned it in passing–I never truly intended to own it,” she protested, still stunned.

Harlan’s smile widened, faint yet determined. “I know.”

He simply wanted to place in her hands every treasure that had ever sparked her eyes.

Even if it meant scattering fortune to the wind, a single smile from her would be worth it all.

“I bought it for you from the start,” he said softly. “Take it as a wedding gift. With what I earn, a scroll like this won’t break me–not

even close.”

Quinn drew a steady breath, lifted the velvet box Julius pressed into her palms, and after a beat, allowed a grateful smile to soften,

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her face. “All right then. Thank you.”

On the way to the restaurant, the city lights sliding across the windshield like fleeting fireflies, Quinn pulled out her phone and dialed Everett first, then Rowan. Her voice brimmed with excitement as she told them she and Julius had just collected their marriage license.

Chapter 529 Family Calls