With calm steps, the groom's parents entered the wedding area. Nathalia looked so elegant in a navy gown with stunning gold embroidery details. The sparkle of the diamond necklace around her neck, complete with matching jewelry, further emphasized her aura of authority. By her side, her husband looked equally dignified in a black suit and bow tie. Holding hands and smiling, they walked together. A round of applause greeted them, a sign of warm welcome. They sat in the front row, ready to witness this sacred moment.
At the end of the aisle, a man was seen walking toward the altar. All eyes were on him. Applause filled the air as the man entered. Alexa didn't blink at the blue eyes that were now staring at her, their gazes locked as if diving into memories that refused to fade. The man smiled, his gaze seeming to convey that he was happy and hoped Alexa would find her happiness too.
Alexa, realizing this, could only nod and return his smile. Alexa didn't know how she felt at that moment, somewhere between sadness and happiness. Before she knew it, tears were streaming down her face as she watched the man walk toward the altar. Alyssa, seeing this, patted Alexa on the shoulder and handed her a tissue.
The man who had always teased Alexa had now found his soulmate. The man who used to help her whenever someone was mean to Alexa would now become her protector. The man who used to treat Alexa so well would now focus on his wife. The man who used to always have time for her would now spend his time with his wife.
Shortly thereafter, the bride appeared accompanied by her father. Not only did he accompany his daughter, but he also symbolized love, blessings, protection, and sacred surrender by giving his daughter to the groom. This is a form of responsibility for the father, who has cared for and loved his daughter since childhood, to give his daughter to the man of her choice with the hope that she will be loved and happy.
The woman was very elegant, walking slowly but surely down the center aisle, which now bore witness to her journey toward a new life. All eyes were on her. A smile never left her beautiful face, as if to show how happy she was today. Beside her, her father was unable to hold back his tears. Every now and then, he looked up, holding back the tears that were about to fall.
He arrived at the altar and handed his daughter over to the man. The father whispered something to the man who was about to become his daughter's husband.
You must remember. I was the first person to hold her. I was the first person to kiss her. I was the first to carry her. My name was the first word that came out of her little mouth when she first learned to speak. I was the first person to guide her when she took her first steps. I was the first person to guide her when she first entered school. I was the first she sought out when she felt pain. I was the first person to teach her how to ride a bike.
Please don't ever hurt her feelings. And if at any time you no longer love my daughter, please send her back to us. I am still capable of taking care of her and providing for her.
Hearing her father's words, the man nodded and hugged him. He promised to take care of and make his daughter happy.
They stood in front of the altar, facing each other.
The pastor opened the event with prayer and scripture. Everyone listened quietly, but in their hearts, those promises began to take root.
Then the moment arrived. The pastor looked at the two of them and said.
"Will you take him/her to be your lawful spouse, and promise to love, honor, and be faithful to him/her all the days of your life?"
One by one, they answered.
"Yes, I am willing."
Then the bride and groom looked at each other and exchanged vows that came from the heart. Word by word flowed, about love, loyalty, and faith to live together in light and darkness, in laughter and tears.
The rings were exchanged.
Hands were clasped together.
A prayer was said.
And the priest spoke the sacred words.
"I hereby declare that you are now legally husband and wife before God. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder."
The blessing ceremony has ended. The congregation's applause fills the room. They are now legally husband and wife. After that, the altar becomes a backdrop for visual memories. The event will then continue with a photo session. Photos full of love and emotion will be taken as proof that this day is a beautiful beginning. The photo session begins, with Sean and Liora standing close together, their arms around each other's waists. They smile at the camera, framing their happiness in a meaningful portrait. A brief moment that will be immortalized in a frame and in memories. Seeing this makes her heart ache. Alexa is reminded of Sean's last words.
Two weeks ago
"ENOUGH, ALEXA!" Sean felt Alexa had gone too far in insulting Liora.
"Why? It's true that Liora is not suitable to be a daughter-in-law of the Sterling family." Alexa passionately poured out her heart.
"You have no right to talk like that. Anyone who insults Liora will have to deal with me. You will never be like her. It's not about social status, but the purity of her heart. You are nothing compared to Liora. You're just a spoiled girl," Sean said clearly in a low voice, holding back his anger.
"Any of you who dare to insult Liora, I'll show you that she's good enough for me. I'll marry her as soon as possible." said Sean, pointing at all his friends.
"Lexaa." Becca's pat woke Alexa from her reverie. Alexa turned with a questioning look on her face.
"Nathalia's mom is calling you to take a photo together," said Becca, pointing to Nathalia, who smiled and said hi to her. Alexa, who saw this, just nodded.
Alexa and Becca walked to attend the family photo session. Although they were not related by blood, their long-standing relationship was just like that of a family. To Alexa's right were Alaric and Nathalia, while Julian and Becca were to her left. The photographer directed the family to pose casually. Julian put his arm around Alexa and smiled at the camera. They looked like a couple. This was not lost on a pair of eyes with a sharp, cold gaze that had been watching their movements all along.
Then, the photographer changed positions, and now Alexa was sandwiched between Sean and Julian. Just as the photo was about to be taken, Julian's hand, which was ready to put his arm around Alexa, was pushed away by another hand that put its arm around her instead. Sean was the culprit. Julian was very upset and looked sour, the sound of the camera shutter snapped him back to reality. Julian hadn't posed properly. Julian protested because he wasn't ready, the photo must have been terrible. Julian's protest drew laughter from everyone there.
After the photo session was over, Alexa walked towards the groom. She cried in his arms, and he responded with laughter. He patted Alexa on the head like she was his little sister.