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Chapter 6 - SILENT VOWS

Wedding Day Luxurious Venue

Chandeliers sparkled above the grand ballroom, casting a soft golden glow across the crowd. Classical music played in the background as guests in tailored suits and glittering gowns mingled and exchanged polite smiles.

Suddenly, the large entrance doors creaked open.

In walked a teenage boy whose presence stood out from the rest of the polished crowd.

Jamie.

Wearing a white shirt with the top two buttons undone, a worn-out sling bag, faded jeans, and slightly dirty sneakers, he looked like he'd just walked out of a street corner, not a wedding.

His hair was freshly trimmed but still messy in that typical "I-don't-care" way.

Some guests turned to glance at him—some raised eyebrows, some chuckled quietly. Jamie didn't care. Hands in his pockets, he strutted into the ballroom like he belonged.

He stopped by a server carrying hors d'oeuvres and casually grabbed one.

"Finally seeing a rich people's wedding from the inside," he mumbled as he chewed. "Not just delivering food for once."

In the Bridal Room – Celestine

Celestine sat in front of a large mirror, dressed in a stunning white gown. But her eyes looked distant, her fingers slightly trembling. A makeup artist was fixing her eyeliner.

"You look breathtaking, miss," the artist said softly.

Celestine gave a small nod, lips pressed tight. Her mind raced. "Is this really happening? I'm getting married today?"

A knock on the door.

Jamie stepped in.

"Yo," he greeted casually.

Celestine turned sharply. "Jamie! You showed up… looking like that?!"

Jamie looked down at himself. "This is premium," he said proudly. "I ironed it and everything."

He looked at her again and grinned. "You look amazing, by the way. But… are you sure about this?"

Celestine took a deep breath. "I don't know. But they say life's about fighting fate, right? So I'm trying."

Jamie walked over and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. If anyone messes with you, I'll knock them out—even if they're rich."

They both laughed softly. But behind that laugh, they both felt the same quiet unease.

Behind the Wedding Aisle – Grand Ballroom

Guests were seated in silence, a soft hum of classical music floating through the luxurious air. White flowers adorned every corner, and a long white carpet stretched from the entrance to the altar.

Then, a side door opened.

Yeager walked in.

The young CEO wore a tailored black tuxedo with silver detailing, a crisp white shirt, and a simple, elegant tie. His hair was perfectly styled—neat but still effortlessly charming. His face was calm, sharp yet gentle. A quiet authority radiated from him.

"He looks like a real-life prince," a woman whispered to her friend.

Yeager walked with grace, every step calculated yet natural. He didn't smile, but his eyes—calm and unreadable—held an intensity that made it impossible to look away.

At the Main Entrance – Celestine

Celestine stood frozen, clutching her bouquet tightly. Her heart raced. In front of her, the large double doors that would soon reveal her to the world... and to him.

Jamie stood beside her. Despite his casual outfit, there was something grounding about him. "If you don't wanna go through with this, just run. But if you're gonna face it... hold your head high."

Celestine glanced at him, a tiny smile breaking through. "You've gotten real wise all of a sudden."

"I practiced that in the bathroom," Jamie muttered.

They both chuckled.

Then—

The doors opened slowly.

The wedding music began. All eyes turned to the bride as she stepped forward.

Yeager looked at Celestine.

He didn't smile, but the intensity in his eyes said more than words ever could. Power. Fascination. Or maybe... obsession.

Celestine walked steadily, her eyes meeting his. And deep down, something stirred in her.

"You're not just some random CEO… are you?"

At the Altar

Yeager and Celestine now stood side by side. The chandelier above cast a soft glow over them. Celestine's white gown shimmered under the light, while Yeager stood composed by her side—like a dream man out of a storybook.

The officiant stood before them, reading the sacred vows.

"Mr. Yeager Aldric, do you take Celestine Aveline Moore to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, until death do you part?"

Yeager locked eyes with Celestine—deep, piercing, but calm.

"I do," he answered, his voice deep and steady.

Celestine swallowed hard. Her hands, wrapped around the bouquet, trembled slightly.

The officiant nodded, then turned to her.

"Miss Celestine Aveline Moore, do you take Yeager Aldric to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, until death do you part?"

Celestine was silent for a moment.

Her eyes met Yeager's. There was no smile on his face, but something about his gaze—it was like a challenge.

"...I do," she replied softly, yet clearly.

The guests smiled and applauded gently.

Yeager slowly reached for her hand and slipped a ring onto her finger. It was elegant, with a single diamond at the center.

Celestine did the same—though his hand was cold and stiff, she remained composed. For a brief moment, Yeager looked at her with a rare softness.

The officiant gave a final nod.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Yeager leaned in. Celestine instinctively pulled back just slightly—but only for a second. Then Yeager gently pressed his lips to her forehead.

Not her lips.

But her forehead. Warm, tender, yet… meaningful.

The guests clapped. Soft, romantic music began to play.

Amid the Wedding Reception

The chandelier lights sparkled above the ballroom. Soft music played in the background as guests mingled and enjoyed their food. Celestine sat with a few female guests, wearing her elegant white gown, while Yeager conversed with some of his business associates who had attended.

On the other side of the room...

Jamie had just grabbed a soda, standing by himself with his signature side bag.

Then his eyes froze.

A girl in a light blue dress stepped into the room—her long hair flowing, her face glowing, and her smile... still the same as he remembered from the school hallways.

Jamie quickly turned around, muttering under his breath, "Dammit," as he hid his face with his hand. "Why is she here?"

The girl—Elora—moved gracefully into the center of the room, accompanied by her father, who turned out to be one of Yeager's colleagues.

Flashback quickly flashed in Jamie's mind:

Yesterday. At school. Jamie had tossed a box of chocolates into Elora's locker and then bolted like a ninja. And now... she's here. At his brother's wedding.

Jamie looked up at the ceiling. "Please, tell me this isn't a dream."

Elora looked around the room... and then—her eyes met Jamie's.

They locked gazes for a moment. Elora squinted, then smiled lightly, as if remembering something.

Jamie immediately ducked his head, his heart racing.

"Crap. Crap. Crap," he muttered, quickly heading toward the garden outside.

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