Chapter 20
Morning mist drifted through the air as sunlight broke through the clouds, casting golden light on the ancient chapel’s spires.
Victoria stood in front of the full–length mirror in the bridal suite, her fingers tracing the intricate lace on her wedding dress.[]
This gown had been hand–sewn by Paris’s most exclusive designer, every inch covered in pearls and crystals that sparkled like stars in the morning light.
u nervous?” Askhan’s voice came from behind her
“You
She turned to see her groom in a perfectly tailored white tuxedo, a fresh white rose pinned to his lapel
Sunlight streamed in behind him, creating this golden halo effect that made his already gorgeous face look almost ethereal.
A little,” Victoria admitted honestly, unconsciously fidgeting with her bouquet.]]
Then she smiled, her eyes lighting up: “But seeing
eeing you makes me fer
feel better.”
Askhan walked over and gently took her hands
His palms were warm and steady, radiating this calm strength: “I’ve been dreaming about this day since I was
“Sixteen?” Victoria’s eyes went wide. “But we barely knew each other then….]
sixteen.
“Actually… it was even earlier than that Askhan’s thumb brushed over her wedding ring, his voice carrying just a hint of nervousness.
“Sixth grade talent show. You wore this red dress and played piano on stage.”
“The
was hiring you through the windows, and I remember thinking–that girl has the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen.”
Victoria’s memory suddenly flashed back to that afternoon.
She’d messed up a note and was blushing furiously, but some random boy in the audience had stood up and clapped like crazy for her.[]
“That was you?”
“That was me.” Askhan smiled softly. Then I transferred to your school and realized you and Kerian were attached at the hip.”
“I could only watch from a distance and dream about you.”
His voice was quiet, but it made Victoria’s heart race.
She suddenly remembered all those little moments she’d overlooked over the years-
Water bottles that appeared during track meets, extra umbrellas showing up on rainy days, and how he always seemed to be around. whenever she was sick
“Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
Askhan leaned down and kissed her fingertips: “Because you looked at him the same way I looked at you“]
He paused. T’d rather see happy, even if that happiness didn’t come from me.“]
Those words made Victoria’s eyes burn with tears.
She remembered that heartbreaking, restrained kiss he’d given her the night Kerian proposed.[]
kiss the woman he loved, knowing it might be the only time?
How much courage had it taken for him to
finally kiss th
Victoria stood on her tiptoes and kissed him for the first time as the one making the move: “Well, now you’re my happiness.”
J
The chapel bells chimed twelve times as white doves were released into the sky, and all the guests rose to their feet.
Victoria walked down the aisle on her father’s arm to the Wedding March, each step perfectly timed.]
Sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting her beautiful face in this soft, almost holy glow
Every step she took was confident and sure, leading her to that tall figure waiting at the altar-
Askhan stood there with tears in his eyes but the happiest smile on his face.
They couldn’t help but grin at each other.
During the ring exchange, Askhan took her hand, his voice shaking slightly:]
“Vic, I never imagined I’d actually get to be your husband. I’ve been waiting for this day… God, I’ve been waiting so long.T
“I mean, I didn’t even think I had a chance in hell.”
He pulled out a faded paper crane from his pocket: “You made this in high school art class and threw it away. I kept it all these years.”
Victoria’s tears immediately started flowing
That was just some random homework assignment she’d forgotten about, but it had been someone’s treasure for years.
“Vic, I promise to protect you and let you always be free to fly.” Askhan shipped the ring onto her finger, his voice breaking.
“I want you to always be happy, always growing into the best version of yourself, and rll be right there supporting you every step of the way.”
When the minister announced that the groom could kiss the bride, Askhan carefully cupped her face and leaned down for the gentlest kiss.
He handled her like she was made of glass.
Their first kiss as husband and wife was tender and careful, but it moved everyone in the chapel.[]
Nobody noticed the tall man in sunglasses quietly slipping out from the back
Kerian stood under an olive tree outside the chapel, watching the newlyweds embrace in a shower of flower petals []
The sunlight was so bright it made his eyes water.
His phone buzzed with a text from Marcus: “Boss, the jet’s ready whenever you want to head back.“]
He took one last look toward the chapel
Through the stained glass, he could just make out Victoria’s radiant smile.
That smile that used to be only for him now belonged to someone else.
Kerian turned and walked toward the parking lot, his steps heavy as lead.
He suddenly remembered when they were eighteen, making promises under the stars-
“When we’re old, we’ll have our own place with a garden where we can grow flowers and just enjoy the sunshine.”
The flowers still bloomed every spring[]
But his girl was never coming home
again.
Om
