Chapter 26 " And now , let's welcome today's bride - Jessica ! " The banquet hall doors parted slowly , a spotlight illuminating her path . To the grand strains of the wedding march , Jessica , bouquet in hand , made her way to Simon . Jessica was all dolled up for the second time in her life for a big event . The last time she had done that , she had ended up utterly humiliated . This time around , she was not exactly brimming with confidence about her chances for happiness either . Right then , she was seriously considering just turning tail and running . Up on the stage , Simon's hands were a bundle of nerves , his fingers twitching . " Jess ! " Down below , at her family's table , her parents were looking up at her , their eyes glistening with tears . Sharing the table were the Sullivans , her classmates , and her closest friends . They were all waving and calling out their congratulations , their voices a warm chorus . Jessica was rooted to the spot , overwhelmed , as tears streamed down her face . The emcee was about to nudge her along when Simon , with a simple hand gesture , stopped him . Simon adjusted his bow tie and strode confidently toward his bride . " Jess , I know you're worried , " he said , " but trust me , everything's going to be okay . " Jessica looked up into Simon's earnest face , and memories came flooding back . She remembered the boy in white waiting for her at the school gates every day , ready to walk her home . She remembered their hands clasped tight , running from a gang of toughs , ducking into a cramped alley , their breaths mingling in the close air . The face of that young boy overlaid itself onto Simon's , standing before her at this moment .. Jessica could not deny that old saying , ' The right people , no matter the detours , will always find their way back to each other . ' She had taken a wrong turn once , but it was Simon who had gently guided her back to the right path . " My parents … and my friends … " Simon gently lifted his hand to dry her tears . " They couldn't possibly stay mad at you . They've always adored you . And your friends , they were over the moon to hear you're back . " 1/2 Chapter 26 He held her hand tightly and walked her to the center of the stage . +25 Bonus Taking the mic , he said , " Thanks , everyone , for being here at Jessica's and my wedding . I want to tell my wife something- " Simon faced Jessica , holding her gaze and her hands . " Jess , I'm the luckiest guy alive to have married you . " Thank you for teaching me how to love . I love you , Jess ! " The crowd burst into a roaring applause , and their friends started chanting playfully . " Kiss her , kiss her ! " Simon's cheeks blazed a fiery red . He fumbled his words , " Jess , they … I … " Jessica could not help but laugh , her tears turning to joy . Before he knew what was happening , she reached up and pressed her lips to his . In the corner of the stage , the secretary watched her usually assertive boss turn sheepish and let out a sigh . " Love hits him like a spell , and marriage ? It turns him into his wife's biggest fan . There goes my once formidable CEO . " They had planned for a light - hearted affair , but the wedding was not even over before Simon whisked Jessica away to a hidden spot in the office . They stayed in for three full days . Anthony had been sentenced , and Jessica paid him a visit in jail . The once high - flying whiz kid was then just another number , a fallen star behind bars . Simon had taken over Harris Group , and Anthony's meager shares could not even cover his fines . His real estate and cars were seized , and he was drowning in debt to the bank . When he saw Jessica , tears streamed down his face , a mix of guilt and sorrow . " Jess , I'm so sorry . Can you ever forgive me ? " Holding the phone , Jessica's voice was steady , " I forgive you , Anthony . Not because I have any feelings left for you , but because I've moved on from our past . " Anthony's tears flowed freely . " Jess , Linda and I are done . Could you maybe … " Without a word , Jessica rose , pulled out her wedding photo with Simon , and pressed it against the glass . " I've finally seen what a real marriage certificate looks like . Goodbye . " 2/3 Chapter 26 She walked away with grace , leaving Anthony pounding on the glass , only to be pinned to the wall by the cops on his tail . Leaning on his car , Simon twirled the ice cream in his hand as Jessica approached . " Got your favorite , taro . " Come on , wifey , let's grab some sushi ! " Jessica lifted her gaze to the sky , basking in the beautiful sunlight . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!