The long-awaited day has finally arrived, the day that my parents have been eagerly anticipating. My wedding is not extravagant, with only a select few attendees.

"Rae, you look absolutely stunning," my friend Karla exclaimed as she enveloped me in a warm hug.

"I can't believe you're the first one among us to tie the knot," Clarice chimed in, tears welling up in her eyes.

Karla and I burst into laughter at Clarice's emotional reaction. "Thank you both for being here. Your presence means the world to me," I expressed my gratitude.

"This is such a momentous occasion in your life. We wouldn't have missed it for anything," Karla affirmed, with Clarice nodding in agreement.

I smiled at them, allowing the guests to capture a picture of the radiant bride before the ceremony commenced. We managed to take a snapshot with my parents, and even though I haven't seen Blade yet, I'm certain he'll look just as dashing.

We discussed how my Villa would be the perfect honeymoon destination, much to my parents' delight. They had stocked up on food just yesterday for our stay. Blushing at the thought that Blade had suggested it, I found it incredibly endearing that he wanted our honeymoon to take place in my Villa.

It would be wonderful to spend time at the beach, and he was even willing to sleep on the sofa since the villa was designed for couples and had only one room.

After the friends and shareholders of both companies wrapped up their photo session, the ceremony commenced. My parents walked me down the aisle.

"Dad, you're making me emotional," I chuckled as tears welled up in his eyes.

"Don't worry, sweetheart," he replied, trying to hold back his own tears.

As we reached the altar, my mom gazed at me with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. The doors opened, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the moment I had been dreaming of - my wedding day.

[Music Playing]

I’m not sure if you know this.

But when we first met

I got so nervous I couldn’t speak.

At that very moment,

I found the one and

My life had found its missing piece.

The moment had arrived, and I felt utterly powerless to halt the unfolding events. A sense of unease crept over me as I noticed the intense gazes fixed upon me.

My anxiety grew, but my eyes couldn't resist stealing glances at the dashing man standing patiently by the altar. His captivating smile only added to his charm.

So as long as I live, I love you.

Will have and hold you.

You look so beautiful in white.

And from now ‘til my very last breath

This day I’ll cherish.

You look so beautiful in white.

Tonight

If only our paths had crossed earlier, it would have made everything so much better. The thought of being married because of a genuine connection is truly incredible. I'm grateful for this opportunity to experience such deep emotions, because if our wedding felt like a mere business transaction, I would have second thoughts about tying the knot.

As my father handed my hand to him and they exchanged a firm handshake, he spoke with a sense of trust and responsibility, "Please take care of our precious jewel."

With those words, we proceeded with the ceremonies. Standing before everyone, the officiant began, "In the name of God, I, Blade Armstrong, take you, Alessia Rae Williams, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. This is my solemn vow." And with that, he slipped a ring onto my finger, sealing our commitment.

“In the name of God, I, Alessia Rae Williams, take you, Blade Armstrong, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.” As I did the same.

“By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” As he gently placed his hands on my cheeks and leaned in closer, my heart raced with anticipation. His lips met mine in a tender kiss, causing a wave of emotions to wash over me. The room erupted in cheers and applause, but all I could focus on was his smile and the connection between us.

Exiting the hall ahead of the crowd, we were met with a sea of faces at the reception. The time had come for the parents to share their sentiments.

"My little girl used to be in my arms, but now she's starting a new chapter," my father's voice cracked with emotion. "Please, take care of her, Blade."

Feeling the blade graze my hand, I couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort. It was just a formality, but deep down, I held onto a glimmer of hope that it meant something more.

The joy and excitement of the guests filled the air, and I couldn't help but be swept up in the whirlwind of emotions that come with marriage.

"Having a good time?" he asked with a smile.

I couldn't help but smile back, although there was a hint of longing in my eyes. "Of course, I just wish it were real. I mean, marrying the person I love," I replied.

His expression took me by surprise. Shouldn't he be happy that I was going along with his plan? I shrugged it off and continued eating.

After the ceremony, I quickly changed into my outfit for the day. We were heading to the villa, and my dad insisted on leaving as soon as possible. He had everything prepared in his extravagant Bugatti La Voiture Noire car. I wouldn't be surprised if the car cost as much as their entire company building.

As we boarded the car, exhaustion suddenly took over me and I fell asleep. When I woke up, it was dark and I found myself alone in the room.

I stood up, enticed by the delicious aroma of food. To my surprise, he was there, wearing an apron.

"You're awake," he said, and I simply nodded.

"I've already cooked. Sit here," he gestured towards the table.

"I didn't know you could cook," I mumbled, still feeling groggy.

"Because you don't know me," he replied with a mischievous grin.

"Well, it's not exactly written all over your face," I teased.

We ate in silence, savoring the delicious meal he had prepared. When we finished, I started clearing the table. As I turned around to grab the remaining dishes, I was startled to find him standing right in front of me.

He lifted me off the counter, his hands firmly holding my waist.

"Remember the contract? We're supposed to take care of each other's needs," he whispered.

I blushed, unable to tear my eyes away from him. I nodded, my heart racing.

"Good. Because I need you," he said, his voice barely audible.

"Show me, Mrs. Armstrong."