The excitement in the air was palpable as Leia and Nathan sat at a round mahogany dining table with his grandmother and her parents. Nathan's grandmother, a woman full of wisdom and love, smiled warmly as she reached out to pat Leia's hand.
"I'm so happy to finally see my grandson settling down with such a wonderful girl," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "Leia, you have always been a part of this family in my heart."
Leia's mother, who had been quietly listening, nodded in agreement. "We couldn't be happier either. We've watched Leia grow up, and knowing that she has found someone who truly cherishes her puts our hearts at ease."
Nathan, ever the composed man, looked at Leia with a smirk before lacing his fingers through hers. "I'll make sure she's the happiest woman in the world," he promised. Leia felt a warm rush of affection spread through her chest as she squeezed his hand back.
–
With the formal blessings of their families, the wedding planning went into full swing. Nathan's grandmother, with her impeccable taste, took the lead in selecting an opulent venue—a grand ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked a pristine garden filled with blooming roses. Leia's mother insisted on adding small personal touches: handwritten place cards, soft fairy lights, and a photo montage of the couple's journey from high school to now.
Their guest list included close family, business partners, and, of course, their high school classmates. When the invitations were sent out, many of them eagerly RSVP'd, excited to see the high school sweethearts finally tie the knot. However, one name was conspicuously missing—Lina had declined the invitation. Leia wasn't surprised, nor did she feel disappointed. There was nothing left unresolved between them.
Nathan, noticing Leia's expression when she saw Lina's response, leaned in and whispered against her ear, "I couldn't care less about anyone else being there. As long as I have you, that's all that matters." His warm breath sent a shiver down her spine, and she tilted her head to give him a small kiss on the jaw.
–
The day of the wedding arrived in a flurry of excitement. Leia stood in front of the mirror, dressed in an elegant ivory gown, intricate lacework adorning the bodice and cascading down into a flowing train. Her hair was styled in soft waves, a delicate veil pinned at the back. Nathan's grandmother, standing beside her, wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
"You look breathtaking, my dear," she said. "Nathan is going to lose his mind when he sees you."
Leia laughed softly. "I hope so," she murmured, her heart pounding.
Meanwhile, in another suite, Nathan stood in front of a full-length mirror, adjusting his tie. His best man, one of his closest university friends, smirked. "You look like you're about to pass out, man. Nervous?"
Nathan chuckled. "Not nervous—just impatient. I've waited long enough for this moment."
When Leia finally walked down the aisle, their eyes locked instantly. Nathan's breath hitched in his throat. She was radiant. The soft melody of a piano played in the background, and every step she took felt like a dream. When she finally reached him, Nathan leaned in and whispered, "You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
Their vows were full of emotion, spoken softly but with unwavering sincerity. And when the officiant finally declared them husband and wife, Nathan wasted no time pulling Leia into a deep, passionate kiss, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers.
–
After days of wedding festivities, the newlyweds finally escaped to a secluded luxury villa on a private island. The moment they arrived, Nathan scooped Leia into his arms, carrying her over the threshold.
"Mr. Gu, what are you doing?" Leia giggled, her arms wrapping around his neck as he carried her toward the lavish bedroom, the soft glow of candlelight dancing against the white silk canopy draped over the large bed.
Nathan smirked, his deep gaze filled with mischief and love. "Enjoying my honeymoon privileges," he murmured against her ear before placing her gently onto the bed.
Leia's heart pounded as Nathan hovered above her, his dark eyes smoldering with desire. The golden flicker of candlelight reflected in his gaze, his face full of love and longing. He cupped her face, his thumb grazing her cheek before tilting her chin up.
"I finally have you all to myself," he whispered, trailing slow, feather-light kisses down her jawline, then lower, pressing lingering kisses against the delicate curve of her neck.
Leia shivered under his touch, her fingers instinctively threading through his hair. "Nathan…"
The sound of her voice sent a rush of warmth through him, his lips curving into a satisfied smile. "Do you know how long I've waited for this?" His voice was husky, sending a delicious shiver down her spine. "For the moment I could hold you like this, touch you like this… love you like this?"
Leia's blush deepened, her breath hitching as Nathan's fingers moved to the sash of her robe. With deliberate slowness, he untied the knot, letting the silky fabric glide off her shoulders, pooling around her. His hands traced the contours of her bare skin, his touch both reverent and possessive.
"You're beautiful," Nathan murmured, his lips hovering just above hers, teasing, waiting.
Leia's hands rested against his firm chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. She had dreamed of this moment, of being his in every sense, but reality was so much more intense, so much more breathtaking than she had imagined.
She lifted her head slightly, pressing her lips to his, savoring the way he instantly deepened the kiss, the way his hands explored her with both passion and restraint. His touch ignited something deep within her—a desire that burned brighter than the golden glow surrounding them.
Her fingers traced the hard lines of his shoulders, his back, feeling the strength beneath his warm skin. Nathan groaned softly as her touch grew bolder, his control slipping as he pressed her body flush against his.
As the night stretched on, their kisses turned into whispered confessions, their touches transformed into a language only the two of them understood. Every caress, every shared breath, every tender embrace spoke of a love that had been years in the making.
Their bodies moved together like a perfect melody, a slow, intoxicating rhythm of love and devotion. Time ceased to exist as they lost themselves in each other, surrendering to the raw emotions, the deep connection that bound them together.
Wrapped in the warmth of each other's arms, tangled in silk sheets, Leia rested her head against Nathan's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. His fingers traced lazy circles along her bare back, his lips brushing against her temple.
"Leia," he whispered against her hair, his voice laced with exhaustion and utter contentment. "Do you regret anything?"
Leia lifted her gaze to meet his, a soft, loving smile playing on her lips. "Not a single thing," she whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to his jaw. "I wouldn't change anything about us."
Nathan's heart swelled at her words, his hold tightening around her. He pressed a lingering kiss to her lips, his voice low and full of devotion. "I love you."
Leia sighed happily, snuggling closer to him. "I love you too, Nathan."
Outside, the waves continued to crash against the shore, the moon casting a silver glow over the villa. But inside, within the warmth of their love, time stood still.
–
The honeymoon was everything they had dreamed of—breathtaking views, luxurious indulgences, and most importantly, uninterrupted time together. Nestled in their secluded villa, Leia and Nathan spent their days exploring the crystal-clear waters and their nights wrapped in each other's arms.
One evening, after an intimate dinner by the beach, they retreated to the terrace of their villa. The night air was warm, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of the sea. The stars above them twinkled like scattered diamonds, the waves crashing softly in the distance.
Leia leaned against the cushioned lounge chair, sipping on a glass of wine, while Nathan sat beside her, his fingers absentmindedly tracing circles along her wrist. His gaze was thoughtful, a flicker of hesitation in his expression.
"Leia," he began, his voice quieter than usual.
She turned to face him, noticing the seriousness in his eyes. "Hmm?"
He exhaled, staring out at the horizon for a moment before speaking again. "If I had remained poor after high school, would you still have liked me?"
Leia blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected question. "Nathan, what do you mean?"
He shifted slightly, turning his full attention to her. "Back in high school, I wasn't the Nathan Gu you see today. I was just a student, someone trying to get through life with my mother running a small café. I had no inheritance, no guarantee of success. If we had met again before I built my career, before I had anything to offer... would you still have loved me?"
Leia placed her glass down and reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers. "Nathan," she said softly, squeezing his hand, "I liked you when I thought you didn't even know I existed. I admired you before I knew anything about your family or wealth. I was drawn to your determination, your kindness, and the way you carried yourself."
She shifted closer, bringing her free hand up to his cheek, her thumb brushing lightly against his skin. "If you had never become a CEO, if you were still running your mom's café, I would still be here, sitting beside you, loving you just the same."
Nathan's gaze darkened with emotion, his lips parting slightly as if her words had struck something deep within him. He pulled her into his lap, his arms wrapping around her tightly, as if afraid to let her go.
"Leia," he murmured against her temple, his voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea how much that means to me."
Leia smiled, pressing a lingering kiss to his jaw. "Well, let me show you then."
Nathan barely had time to react before Leia cupped his face and kissed him deeply, pouring every ounce of love and reassurance into that kiss. His hands instinctively roamed her back, pressing her closer as he responded with equal fervor.
The world around them faded away, the only thing that mattered was the feel of each other, the warmth, the passion, and the love that had existed long before wealth and status.
Nathan gently lifted her in his arms and carried her inside, his eyes filled with both love and desire. "I want you to know," he whispered against her lips, "that no matter what happens in life, you are the greatest treasure I have ever found."
Leia's breath hitched, her heart swelling at his words. She traced her fingers along his jaw before whispering, "Then let me remind you just how much you mean to me."
That night, beneath the soft glow of moonlight, they made love in the most tender and passionate way, their bodies and hearts intertwined, reaffirming that their love was not built on wealth or status—but on the unwavering connection they had shared since the very beginning.
And as they lay tangled in the silk sheets, their fingers laced together, Nathan whispered, "Even if I lost everything tomorrow, as long as I have you, I will still be the richest man alive."
Leia smiled, pressing a kiss to his chest. "And as long as I have you, Nathan, I have everything I need."
The End.