Nathan grinned like a kid on Christmas morning and ran around screaming, "We're getting married!" His excitement was infectious, though the guests seemed confused by Sylus's sudden announcement. Nonetheless, they slowly took their seats, whispering among themselves while Nathan dashed off to get ready.
I turned and rushed back to Valerie, her pale face still streaked with tears. "Come on," I said softly, taking her hand. "Let's get you freshened up."
Valerie nodded weakly, and we hurried to the dressing room. I helped her fix her makeup, smoothing out her dress and tying up her hair. The nerves were still there, but something shifted in Valerie's expression—she seemed relieved.
When it was finally time for her to walk down the aisle, Valerie took a deep breath and we both stepped forward.
As we got closer, I leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "Nathan's a good-looking groom, isn't he?"
Valerie glanced toward the altar, her eyes finding Nathan. A soft blush crept across her cheeks as she bit her lip, trying to suppress a giggle. I couldn't help but smile with her, and we both shared a quiet laugh as we moved forward.
When we reached the front of the room, I handed Valerie off to Nathan, who was practically beaming. His eyes locked on Valerie as he whispered, "You look absolutely stunning."
Valerie's lips quivered, and a soft "thank you" escaped as her eyes glistened with tears. Nathan's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining as the ceremony began.
I took my place behind Valerie as her maid of honor and the officiator began.
It was now time for the vows to be exchanged, the room stilled. Nathan, standing tall and confident, looked deep into Valerie's eyes. His voice, steady yet brimming with emotion, carried through the room.
"Valerie, I don't have a poetic way with words or a grand gesture to express how much you mean to me. I know this marriage wasn't planned but it makes me so happy knowing I'm the one standing here today. I know I'm not the man you love and it might take years for you to love me… I don't mind waiting and until you kick me out, I promise you this—I will stand by you, every day, through every storm and sunny day. You are the reason my heart beats, and I will love you, protect you, and make sure you never feel alone. I will be the man you deserve Valerie Kingsley."
Tears fell down Valerie's cheeks as she listened. She took a breath, her voice soft but clear. "Nathan, you might not have been the man I planned to call my husband today, but I'm so grateful it's you out of everyone else. I do not know what the future holds but I do know that I want to try. I want to try and have that beautiful romance with you, the one that makes everyone jealous. You showed me the love that's not born of grand gestures but the little moments—the way you hold my hand when I'm scared, the way you make me laugh when I want to cry. You've given me strength, and I vow to do my best by you every day. To be the woman you deserve everyday for the rest of my life."
Their vows wrapped around the room like a warm blanket, bringing tears to more than a few eyes, including mine. Sylus, standing behind Nathan, caught my gaze, a smirk playing on his lips. His eyes never leaving mine, his lips moved silently, but the words felt like loud in my ears. "You're next." Heat flared in my cheeks. My heart skipped, and a blush crept up my neck. I quickly looked away, flustered by his gaze and his words. But the heat of his stare lingered.
The officiator wiped his eyes and continued. "You may now kiss the bride."
Just as Nathan dipped Valerie for their kiss, causing her to giggle into his lips, the doors to the hall flew open with a bang, and the room froze.
"What the fuck is going on?" Ethan's voice boomed, his eyes wild with fury. He stormed down the aisle, his face twisted with rage, while Caitlyn trailed behind with a scowl, her eyes burning with spite.
No one paid him much attention at first—everyone's eyes were still on the newlyweds. That only made Ethan angrier. He stalked up to Valerie and grabbed her arm, yanking her toward him. "What the fuck are you doing, Valerie?"
Nathan's expression darkened. He stepped forward, grabbing Ethan by the collar and lifting him off the ground like he weighed nothing. "Get the fuck out. Valerie is my wife now."
Ethan snarled, struggling in Nathan's grasp. "Your wife? She's nothing but—" He didn't get to finish. Nathan's fist slammed into Ethan's jaw, knocking him to the floor.
Nathan glared down at him. "Say anything about my wife again, and I'll break every bone in your body. You're done here, Ethan. Leave." He reached for Valerie, pulling her close as they walked away, leaving Ethan crumpled on the floor.
The reception, held in the garden, didn't go exactly as planned. Many of the guests had already left, likely after the first outburst, but Valerie and Nathan remained in good spirits. Guests came over, offering congratulations, though the atmosphere felt more less festive than before.
Valerie's shoulders slumped as she watched the reducing crowd. I couldn't let her feel like her wedding day had been ruined. Stepping forward, I grabbed a microphone and tapped it gently, drawing everyone's attention. "Excuse me, everyone," I began. "I know today didn't go as smoothly as we all hoped, but Valerie deserves to have the wedding she imagined."
Valerie blinked up at me, surprised, as I continued. "Valerie, I know things might not have gone as you imagined, but you have to admit, Nathan makes a much better groom than Ethan could ever be." Nathan nods and Valerie smiles. "You guys look so beautiful together and I hope you guys have a lovely married life. Valerie you're one of the strongest, most beautiful souls I've ever met. So so beautiful. And now that you have a man who loves you with all his heart by your side, I know you'll achieve incredible things. Nathan, you're lucky to have her. If you hurt her, I'll find you and end you. And Valerie, keep an open mind."
Tears welled up in Valerie's eyes as I spoke, her lips trembling with emotion. I turned to her, smiling softly. "You're not just a bride today, Valerie. You're the bride and someone who deserves every bit of happiness coming your way. So here's to love, new beginnings, and never letting the past define you."
The crowd clapped, and Valerie wiped at her tears, mouthing a "thank you" to me. As I handed the microphone back, I caught Sylus's eye. He was smiling—genuinely—and it made my heart skip a beat.
As I walked back to my seat, a middle-aged couple nearby leaned toward us, their eyes twinkling. "You two make such a lovely couple," the woman said warmly.
Before I could correct her, Sylus's lips brushed my cheek, a slow, deliberate move that sent a jolt of warmth through me. His breath warm against my skin, he whispered, "We do, don't we?" The words, possessive and low, made my heart stutter. I couldn't even remember what I was about to say.
My face burned, and I glanced at Valerie, who caught my eye and gave me a teasing look. But then her smile faded, her gaze shifting behind me.
I turned to see a the same woman who had ruined Valerie's dress approaching our table—Valerie's mother. Her face was stern as she stopped in front of us, her eyes locking on Valerie.
"I need to speak with you," she said coldly. "Privately."