The question hung in the air, steady as a rock.
No yelling, no demands, just... calm.
But under that, something else stirred. Not pressure, not a threat, but like... a heads-up.
I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I managed.
A flicker of a smile touched his lips. Not quite there, but close enough. "That's good enough."
I put my hand in his.
His grip was firm, warm, and it grounded me in a way I hadn't expected.
As we started walking towards the door, he spoke again, quiet enough that only I could hear.
"There'll be more people than you think."
I blinked, thrown off. "More?"
"My mother is... enthusiastic," he said evenly.
"She was really excited about this whole wedding thing."
Something in the way he said it almost made me smile.
"She invited pretty much everyone.
The big families. Business partners. People I barely remember from way back."
I almost tripped. "Big... families?"
"Yep."
My heart did a little jump.
He glanced at me, saw the tension in my face.
"You don't need to be nervous."
"Easy for you to say," I mumbled under my breath.
"I deal with them all the time," he replied, calm as ever.
"You just need to walk beside me."
We got to the car, all sleek and shiny, with guards already in place.
Before opening the door, he stopped and turned to me. His face was serious.
"Listen," he said.
I looked up at him.
"No matter who's there, no matter who comes up to you, you're my wife today."
The word hit different this time. Wife.
He went on, voice steady.
"They won't mess with you.
And if they do, they answer to me."
My breathing slowed a little.
"My mother might have invited the whole world," he added, almost dryly, "but she's actually happy. She's been looking forward to this."
That surprised me. "She has?"
"Yeah."
A beat.
"So try not to look like you're heading to a firing squad."
My eyes widened. "Do I look that bad?"
His gaze softened – just a little.
"No," he said quietly.
"You look perfect."
My face warmed.
He opened the car door, helping me in, making sure my dress didn't get caught. As he got in beside me, the door shut with a soft click, and the engine started. The car started to move.
Silence for a few seconds.
Then he turned to me.
"One last time," he asked, voice calm but serious, "are you sure you want to do this?"
Not as an order. Not a threat. Just... checking.
I looked at him. At the man who'd taken care of all my problems without a second thought.
At the stranger who was about to be my husband in front of everyone.
My pulse evened out.
"...Yes," I said softly.
He held my gaze for a moment. Then he nodded once.
"Good."
The city blurred past the window.
And ahead of us—
The wedding. Mine.
We got there in a blur.
One minute I was trying to slow my breath in the car, and the next, the doors swung open, and the venue… well, it was right there.
It was… a lot.
Too much, maybe?
Crystal lights, white roses everywhere, music I barely registered.
People in suits and gowns turned as Alex and I stepped out.
And just like that—
Everyone was looking at us.
At me.
My fingers tightened on my bouquet, and a wave of whispers rippled through the crowd. Curious glances, judging eyes, surprised faces.
I could almost hear them.
Who is she?
Where did he find her?
She doesn't fit…
Before I could spiral, a woman approached us.
Alex's mother.
Her eyes were already shining, and she reached out, taking both our hands.
"Oh, darling, you look absolutely stunning," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Like an angel. I knew my son chose well."
I blinked, a little overwhelmed.
"T-thank you, ma'am," I managed.
She squeezed my hand, ignoring everyone around us, like I was the only person in the world.
"Call me mother," she said with a smile, then turned to Alex. "You finally did it. I'm so happy today."
Alex gave a small, respectful nod. "I know."
Soon, we were being led toward the altar.
I stood beside him, the white of my dress pooling on the floor. He was so tall, his frame so lean.
And for some reason…
My heart started hammering.
Was it the crowd? The ceremony? Or just… him?
His voice, low and amused, came from beside me.
"Nervous?"
"I am not!" I whispered back, even though my palms were already a little damp.
The priest cleared his throat, beginning the ceremony.
"Mr. Alex, do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?"
There wasn't a second thought.
"I do."
Simple. Solid. Done.
My heart did a weird little flip.
Then the priest turned to me.
"Miss Lily, do you take this man to be your husband, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
For a beat, my brain just… stopped.
This was it.
For real.
Not a play.
Not a movie.
Not a dream.
Real.
"...Yeah," I mumbled, then a little stronger, "I do."
Alex leaned in close, and his voice was low, just for me.
"I promise, Lily, you won't regret this."
My breath hitched.
The priest smiled.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife.
You may kiss the bride."
My eyes went wide, like, .instantly.
"Kiss?" I whispered, freaking out a little. "But we—"
Alex leaned closer, his voice dropping, calm, in control.
"What's wrong?"
"I… we said this was just…" I stumbled.
He raised an eyebrow, just a little.
"Just what? A game?"