"Will you marry me?", Sophia said looking into his eyes this time, leaving Daniel tongue-tied.
Sophia could see that he was surprised with her words. She waited for a few minutes and when she didn't get his reply she spoke understandingly, " It's okay. I understand that what I asked you is quite bizarre. You can say no...".
Before she could finish her words, Daniel came out of his stupefied self and extended his hand towards her. Sophia looked at him and then his extended hand confused.
"You asked me to marry you right?", Daniel said seeing her confusion and Sophia nodded her head.
"Will you?", Sophia asked again.
"Sure. Let's go.", Daniel spoke with his hand still extended towards her, silently asking her to hold it.
"Once you hold my hand them there is no backing off. So this is your last chance to think it through.", Daniel said not wanting her to feel like she has no way out. He gave her and himself a last chance.
Sophia understood what he meant and she too didn't ask him to marry with the thought of divorce in near future. She will try make this marriage work.
She was rather surprised that he agreed but she still held his hand feeling this doesn't feel so wrong. 'Maybe, destiny got something better planned for me.', Sophia encouraged herself internally.
They started walking towards the wedding hall where all the guests were present. They stopped by the gate for a couple of minutes before entering to adjust their emotions.
"Let me introduce myself.", Sophia said with a little embarrassment. After all she proposed him without even basic introduction.
"I am Sophia Miller. The only daughter of Miller family of City A. I have my own IT company which I started last year so I am financially independent.", she said trying to convey that she won't be a burden to him.
"I am Daniel Rodriguez.", Daniel said. He didn't give his full introduction fearing that Sophia might back out. He will tell her after she became his wife. He knew he was being selfish but when he was ready to let go, she held his hand and now there is no way he will let her go, ever.
'She will be his wife in this life and his widow after his death.' Daniel was ready to respect and cherish the love of his life till eternity.
Sophia thought he was too embarrassed to tell his background which might not be so glorious. But she wasn't disappointed. She earned enough for them to lead a happy and stable life. They could work things out together moving forward.
Meanwhile inside the hall, Anna and Edward were feeling anxious. Noah was doing a happy dance in his mind.
Mr. And Mrs. Wilson got Liam's text saying he won't be coming today after their endless calls. He didn't even bother picking up their call and this made Mr. Wilson angry. He was also afraid that the Miller family would come to seek revenge on them so he quietly and stealthily asked his wife that they better leave now.
As soon as they left through the side gate, the main entrance of the hall opened and there stood a couple holding hands, the bride Sophia and a man, who must be the groom.
They looked perfect together. Both complemented each other. Daniel was 6'3 feet in height and Sophia was 5'7 and along with a little heels she reached above his shoulders. The bride was looking as beautiful as a fairy and the groom was looking devilishly handsome.
Anna and Edward were shocked to see the groom changed and turned to look at each other. They both walked towards Sophia and the man with her but stopped before the aisle, seeing the guests around.
Sophia could see her parents wanted answers but she wasn't sure how to tell them. Also the setting wasn't right for the question answer session. She just gave them a assuring nod and walked down the aisle.
Noah was standing on his place stupidly looking at his sister with his mouth agape. He was more shocked seeing the man beside her. 'I have to accept that this man is way better than her previous choice.', Noah said to himself.
After Sophia and Daniel walked towards the officiant standing on the stage at the end of the aisle. Daniel helped Sophia walk steadily in her gown. As soon as they walked down the aisle, the guests sat in their respective seats.
By now Anna and Edward too were seated in their positions. The officiant began his speech. And soon it was time for the vows.
The officiant asked looking at Daniel, "Do you take Sophia Miller to be your lawfully wedded wife from this day forward - to have and to hold, in good times and bad, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health; will you love, honor, and cherish her for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do.", Daniel said looking at Sophia with silent promise to abide by the vows. He would rather die than even think about hurting her ever.
Edward saw the way this man looked at his daughter and his years of experience said that he is a reliable man. He was somewhat relaxed now than a few minutes earlier. He also gave Anna a assuring pat oh her clasped hands lying in her lap.
The officiant turned towards Sophia and said, "Do you take Daniel Rodriguez to be your lawfully wedded husband from this day forward - to have and to hold, in good times and bad, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health; will you love, honor, and cherish him for as long as you both shall live?"
Sophia took a long look at Daniel as if she was promising him and herself to give this marriage a chance with her whole heart, she spoke," I do."
"Congratulations to Mr. And Mrs. Rodriguez. I declare you husband and wife.", The officiant said and the hall erupted in applause.
"Now you may kiss the bride.", the officiant said looking at Daniel.
Sophia was clearly taken aback. She totally forgot this part. She was nervous and a little hesitant too.