I woke up to a gentle tap on my cheek.
“Sweetie, wake up. We’re here already.”
I opened my eyes, but darkness greeted me. I suddenly remembered the blindfold. I was about to remove it when Mom stopped me.
“Not yet, sweetie. Let’s go.”
I huddled myself a bit, hearing the car door open from where I sat, before they assisted me out.
I was immediately embraced by the cold breeze as I stepped out, prompting me to hold onto myself for warmth. But my attention was caught by the faint sound of waves crashing not far away.
Wait. Are we on a beach? Then why are we formally dressed?
As we began walking, my heart rate accelerated. I caught my breath when I heard Mom’s soft sob beside me, as if she was trying to hold it back.
I didn’t want to think about it. I didn’t want to assume. But the growing suspicion in my mind was becoming more and more likely.
We continued walking slowly until I felt the sand beneath my feet.
When they came to a stop, I did as well. I felt Mom kiss my cheek before slowly removing my blindfold.
Tears began to stream down my face as soon as I saw the red carpet, with Stephen standing at the far end of it, looking as handsome as ever in his black tuxedo.
My eyes swept over the scene, and I noticed that all our friends, families, and even members of our respective organizations were present. Even Don Isaac was there. I even recognized the model, Sabrina Alonzo, with her fiancé, Tyler Fortalejo, who happened to be friends with Stephen.
It was only now that I realized we were at their private resort in Zambales. So, after a garden wedding, it’s a beach wedding this time.
With trembling knees, I forced my feet to move forward in time with the soft playing of a song. Fortunately, Mom was there to support me, and Dad quickly approached me as well.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” Dad whispered to me with admiration.
“This time I can’t be happier because you’re finally getting married to the man you love.” Mom was almost teary-eyed.
I bit my lower lip to hold back tears of my own. This moment is far from the first time we got married. Back then, as I walked towards him, I trembled out of fear. Even my family’s eyes were filled with apprehension. But now, I tremble out of the overflowing joy that I feel. And my parents were both happy, just like me. Because I’m finally getting married out of love. Not out of fear.
I couldn’t help but be amazed because it’s Rhyz himself who’s singing now. He really loves music. I hope someday he’ll be free to do what he truly wants.
I smiled broadly as we finally came to a stop in front of the altar. Stephen immediately reached for my hand.
“Please take care of our daughter, or else we’ll take her away from you,” Dad said to Stephen seriously.
“I will, Dad.”
Dad was clearly surprised by Stephen’s address to him. So Mom quickly moved him away before he could say anything else.
“Hey, my wife.” He grinned.
“Hey, my mafia boss. You didn’t tell me that this is your kind of celebration.” I raised an eyebrow at him.
“Well, that’s because you’re worth it, and there’s no sweeter celebration than to renew our vows,” he said sweetly. His eyes look so sincere.
I bit my lower lip before we turned to face the priest together. It wasn’t long before the ceremony began.
“Stephen Anderson, do you take Nathalia Anderson to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
“Yes, I do,” he answered with a smile before looking at me.
“Nathalia Anderson, do you take Stephen Anderson to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“Yes, I do.” I turned to look at him and smiled.
The priest handed us the rings. “You may now say your vows to each other.”
Stephen took one of the rings and placed it on my finger. This is a new one.
“I believe you don’t have an idea about this, but the very first time I saw you, it felt like a lightning strike hit me. I suddenly got so nervous and couldn’t bring myself to let out even a single word when you greeted me. To think that you were just five years old back then.” He looked directly at me.
Our friends and guests laughed.
“Right at that moment, I never thought that you’d become a special person in my life. I kept on bugging you so that you’d notice me and give me your attention. I never imagined I’d act like an asshole just to get a kid’s attention.”
My eyes widened, and I gently patted him on the shoulder. This guy’s mouth really knows no filter.
“And now that I finally got my chance to be with the first and only girl who caught not just my eyes but also my mind, heart, body, and soul, I promise to hold your hand tightly and never let go. To be with you through your darkest hours and happiest moments in life. I promise to protect you with all my heart, even if it means giving my life for you. I promise to be patient and love you beyond forever.”
I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore. I never thought he could be this sweet and sincere.
I took the ring and placed it on his finger, then looked directly into his eyes.
“Truth be told, I don’t really know what to say. Because, you know, it feels like a shotgun wedding.”
They all laughed.
“Kidding aside, I bet you didn’t know this as well, but among the group that my mother introduced to me, you’re the only one who caught my attention. I was like, hey, I’m cute, and you just ignored me when I greeted you.”
Laughter filled the surroundings again. I shook my head before I continued.
“Then the time passed by and you did nothing but annoy me. I was really pissed and sad at the same time because I thought you didn’t like me at all. So, I promised myself not to like you as well.” I chuckled when he pouted.
“Though it seems that destiny has a different plan, our paths crossed again, and by that time, I didn’t remember you. Still, I was pissed off with you because of your dirty games and annoying deals that left me with no choice but to be stuck with you. But you know what, that’s a great deal that I have closed so far.” I let out a deep sigh.
“And now that I have the greatest deal of my life, I promise not to let go as well. That even if I lose my memory all over again, my heart will always find its way back to you. I promise to be by your side, and I intend to stay until beyond forever. To protect you at all costs, to cheer you up when you’re feeling down, and to make you happy when you’re feeling sad. I promise to be your number one supporter and to give you everything that I can offer. I promise to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and body.”
He gently wiped away the tear that escaped down my cheek.
“And now I have pronounced you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride,” the priest announced.
Slowly, Stephen leaned in and gently kissed me. It was a tender, unhurried kiss—the most passionate kiss I had ever felt.
But I quickly pulled away from him and held onto my stomach as I felt a sensation like my stomach was turning upside down. Even the people around us suddenly fell silent.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” he asked, concerned, as he quickly supported me.
I was about to answer when suddenly I felt the urge to vomit. A collective gasp went through the crowd.
“Oh, my God. Could it be…” Mads covered her mouth in shock.
My eyes widened, and I looked at Stephen as a realization struck me. It’s been a few months since my menstrual period, and I've been feeling nauseous all morning.
His expression went from shock to pure joy. Then he even pumped his fist in the air.
“Finally!”