Callistus laughed. "I can't wait to marry you."
—
"Getting married?" Alya gasped, covering her mouth in surprise. "I've been sick for a few days, and I come back to this big announcement?"
"Yes!" Isabell said, nodding eagerly.
"When is it?" Alya asked. She was Isabell's assistant and worked with her daily, but this news caught her completely off guard.
"Next month," Star answered.
"But haven't they only known each other for about a year?" Alya asked, looking puzzled.
"Yes, but they were childhood friends before getting separated when they went to college," Star explained.
"Hey, why are you telling my story?" Callistus teased, walking over with a playful smile.
"It's bad to gossip without us," Ivan chimed in, joining the conversation with a grin. "What are you guys saying about us?"
"We're just curious about what your wedding will be like," Myeisha replied with a smirk. "You two always have a way of making things… interesting."
"It would be a typical one," Ivan answered.
—
The day had finally come. The sun was rising, and the gardens outside Ivan's house were in full bloom.
Ivan stood in his house with his groomsmen, nervously adjusting his cufflinks for the fifth time.
"Are you sure everything's set?" he asked, glancing at Danish, who is his best man, and gave him a reassuring nod.
"It's perfect, Ivan," Danish said with a grin. "Now relax, will you? You're marrying the guy you've loved since forever."
Ivan chuckled. "I know, I know. I just want everything to be perfect for him."
Meanwhile, Callistus was inside his old bedroom in his old family house, surrounded by his friends. He wore a tailored suit that hugged his frame just right, his hair neatly styled, but his usual calm demeanour had been replaced with a mix of excitement and nerves.
"Are you ready?" Mia teased, adjusting the flower pinned to his jacket. "The games won't make it easy for him to see you."
Callistus laughed, imagining the situation. "If only she was here," he said, adjusting the flower himself.
Just then, a knock on the door signalled the arrival of Ivan Chase and the start of the games—a playful tradition in Chinese weddings. Callistus waited in his room, anticipation building as he thought about his fiancé navigating the challenges set by their friends.
The games were designed to prove how much Ivan loved Callistus, starting with a quiz on everything from Callistus's favourite foods to their first meeting. Ivan stood confidently, smiling as he answered each question without hesitation.
"What's Callistus's favourite colour?" Myeisha asked with a grin.
The groomsmen exchanged puzzled looks, but Ivan didn't miss a beat. "Red! It's red!"
Star clapped, pleased with her brother's quick response.
Next came the physical challenges—push-ups, dancing, and even singing a song that Callistus loved. Ivan threw himself into each one with enthusiasm, laughing along with his friends and savouring the joy of the day.
"50 push-ups!" Isabell shouted.
Danish blinked in disbelief, but Ivan dropped to the floor, determined to complete them. Everyone cheered as he pushed through, his suit becoming slightly dishevelled, but his spirit undaunted.
"Come on, Ivan!" Star teased, "Do you really want to marry him or not?"
Ivan grinned through the effort, "I've waited this long; I'm not stopping now!"
After several rounds, Ivan was finally allowed to see his fiancé. He opened the door slowly, and there was Callistus, looking stunning in a white suit with soft grey accents. His smile lit up the room, and for a moment, Ivan forgot everyone else existed.
They walked down together, hand in hand, to where Callistus's parents stood, smiling warmly. His parents gave their blessings, welcoming Ivan into their family.
Next, they went to Ivan's parents' home for another tradition — the tea ceremony. As they served tea to Ivan's family, Star grinned and, for the first time, called Callistus her brother-in-law.
In the evening, everyone went to Chase Auctions venue, where the wedding was finally held.
The grand hall of Chase Auctions was transformed, draped in elegant white and gold. Cascading floral arrangements of lilies and roses lined the aisle, their fragrance filling the air. Soft, ambient music floated through the room as the guests settled into their seats, the excitement palpable.
The officiant began, speaking of love, commitment, and the power of finding one's soulmate. The words washed over them, but they barely heard it; their eyes were locked, sharing a silent conversation.
"I can't believe we're here," Ivan whispered softly, his voice trembling a little.
"Believe it," Callistus whispered back, a smile playing on his lips. "We can't leave now."
The officiant asked if they had prepared any vows, and they nodded. Callistus took a deep breath, looking directly into Ivan's eyes.
Callistus spoke softly, "Ivan, you've always been my best friend, my tutor, my partner in everything."
"You've been my strength, my safe place, my home," he said. "Even when life pulled us apart, my heart never forgot you. And now, standing here, I feel like I've finally come back to where I belong. I promise to love you, protect you, and annoy you with all my bad jokes for the rest of our lives."
"I never thought I'd find someone who makes me feel so complete," Ivan continued. "You're my best friend, my partner, my love, my everything. Through every challenge, every laugh, every tear, you've been there. And I promise to be here for you, always, no matter what."
Ivan held Callistus's hands tight, "Cal, you're the one who makes me feel alive. You bring chaos and peace all at once. I promise to cherish you and annoy you for the rest of our lives."
When it came time to exchange rings, they each held out a simple band. Ivan's hands trembled slightly as he slid the ring onto Callistus's finger. Callistus followed suit, his touch gentle, his smile unwavering.
"With this ring, I marry you," Ivan said.
"With this ring, I marry you," Callistus echoed.
The officiant pronounced them married, and without waiting a second longer, Ivan lifted Callistus into a spin, planting a kiss on his lips as everyone cheered. Sealing their vows with love and laughter. The guests erupted in applause and cheers.
After the ceremony, the reception was filled with joy and celebration. They cut the cake, shared their first dance to a song that had always reminded them of their childhood, and mingled with guests who wished them a lifetime of happiness.
By the end of the night, as they stood by the large windows looking out over the city, Ivan wrapped an arm around Callistus's waist. "So, how does it feel to be married?" Ivan asked with a grin.
Callistus leaned his head on Ivan's shoulder, sighing contentedly. "Like coming home," he replied softly.
Ivan kissed the top of Callistus's head. "Then welcome home, my love."
They smiled, knowing that this was just the beginning of their forever.
— The End.