"I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride," the officiator announced. Tiana, thirty-six years old and about to experience her first kiss, felt her heart racing. Nervousness overwhelmed her, causing her legs to shake with fear. Sensing her unease, David leaned closer and gently grasped her waist. In a soft, loving tone, he whispered reassuring words, calming her racing heart. Tiana relaxed as she felt his presence, knowing she was no longer alone. David leaned in and tenderly kissed her lips, marking the beginning of their married life.
The wedding was attended by Tiana's friends from work, some family members, and her mother. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of FOT, the extravagant party was a memorable experience for everyone. Tiana's father, Mr. Walker, was moved by the beautiful wedding photos showcasing his daughter in her gown, but his anger remained.
After the festivities, the couple embarked on their honeymoon in Moonlight City. During the journey, they engaged in small talk, getting to know each other better before consummating their marriage. Conversations about school, friends, work, and other aspects of life made the experience exciting for Tiana, although she realized she lacked experience with dating and small talk. Fortunately, FOT had prepared them for such situations, teaching them how to make conversations enjoyable even with the most introverted individuals.
When they finally arrived at their hotel in Moonlight City, it was nearly 9 PM. David exclaimed, "Oh! Finally, we are here. That was a long journey. You must be tired." Tiana replied, "I am a little exhausted." David playfully responded, "I didn't know 'exhausted' could be paired with 'a little.' Why don't you take a nap? I'll wake you up after they prepare something to eat." Tiana mentioned her intention to shower first, feeling the awkwardness of being alone in a room with a man for the first time. Nervousness permeated her entire being, but David appeared comfortable, making the situation even more challenging for her.
"That's fine. Should I join you?" he asked, looking into her eyes. Momentarily frightened, Tiana contemplated fleeing the hotel out of fear. "Sorry?" she responded, perplexed. He continued, "Should we shower together?" Tiana questioned inwardly if he was serious or perhaps a pervert. Awkwardly, she replied, "Oh! Um... I mean... It's just that I am sweaty, and it will probably take me a long time to shower!" David reassured her, "I don't mind. But go ahead and shower first; I'll go after you."
After both had showered separately and enjoyed a meal, they settled into bed. Nervously, Tiana greeted David with a shy "Hi!" He reciprocated, and sensing her hesitation, he kindly said, "Hi. We don't have to do this if you're not ready." Tiana reassured him, "No, it's fine." Curiosity prompted David to ask, "Is this your first time being with a man?" She confirmed, "Yes, what about you? Have you ever been with a woman before?" Surprisingly, he admitted, "No, it's my first time too." Tiana expressed her skepticism, based on his demeanor and observations thus far, suggesting he was experienced with women. He insisted, "I'm not lying. It's true; this is also my first time." As Tiana conversed with David, she felt herself becoming more relaxed and at ease.
"I have been studying for as long as I can remember. My parents always wanted me to become a lawyer. I worked tirelessly, dedicating myself to my studies, leaving no time for dating or leisure activities," he explained.
Curious, Tiana asked, "So what happened? Why didn't it work out?"
"After graduating from college, I put in even more effort to find a job. However, I faced financial difficulties and had to live in an expensive city. Major law firms required more than just academic achievements; they demanded connections, which I lacked. After an extensive search, I finally landed a job at a startup with no reputation. We were only four people, starting from scratch. I tried my best, but expenses began to outweigh our income. I didn't want to burden my parents anymore. Then, a friend of a friend reached out and recruited me for FOT as a pier. They pitched the idea of becoming a family man and leaving behind the hardships of trying to get rich. So, I thought, why not?" he shared with her.
"Wow! Have you ever regretted your decision?" Tiana inquired.
"So far, no. To be honest, I never really wanted to be a lawyer in the first place. My true dream was to become a chef. There's something about cooking that brings me immense joy. So, when I heard I had the opportunity to be a 'stay-at-home husband,' taking care of our home and cooking for my lovely wife, it was an added bonus for me," he revealed.
"What about your parents? Do you still keep in touch with them?" Tiana asked.
"I know my parents only want what's best for me. But if I had told them the truth, they wouldn't have agreed to let me pursue this path. So, I may have lied to them, telling them I found a stable job and that they should stop sending me money. As far as they know, I am happily living the life they always wanted for me," he explained.
"I understand how you feel. I also regret telling my parents about this. My mom was supportive, but my dad was extremely angry and even stopped talking to me," Tiana shared her own experience.
"I'm sorry to hear that. But there's no need to feel nervous or guilty about seeking happiness. Pursuing love and finding joy should never be considered a crime. We have all the time in the world. I am yours, and you are mine. Whether it's now or later, I will always be there for you," he expressed affectionately, gazing into her eyes.
"Thank you for saying that," she responded.
"You are incredibly beautiful, Tiana Walker. Words can't express how happy I am to marry such a wonderful and beautiful woman like you," he continued. "And I genuinely mean it! In all my life, I never thought I could have something so precious without any cost. For a gift as lovely as you, I am willing to work tirelessly to earn it," he added.
"I find you very attractive and pleasing as well," she shyly replied, looking into his eyes.
After their heartfelt conversation, they consummated their marriage. They spent a delightful week celebrating their honeymoon and fell deeply in love with each other. Upon returning home, their happy married life began. David took care of the house, while Tiana worked to bring in income.