Chapter Text
The morning of your wedding dawned crisp and cool, the December air carrying with it the faint scent of pine and the magic of the festive season. Outside, snowflakes fell gently, blanketing the world in a serene hush, as if nature itself was holding its breath for your special day. Inside the quaint chapel at Golden Isle, the warmth of glowing candles and twinkling fairy lights created a cocoon of enchantment, a stark yet comforting contrast to the chill beyond its stained-glass windows.
You sat in a quiet preparation room, surrounded by the people who meant the most to you. Their chatter and laughter filled the space like a comforting melody, blending seamlessly with the soft notes of a piano playing in the distance. Yet, amid the joyful chaos, you felt a fluttering in your chest—a mix of nerves, excitement, and disbelief.
Your wedding dress, so carefully chosen, now draped over you like a second skin. The lace clung delicately to your figure, the layers of fabric flowing down like liquid snow. You caught your reflection in the mirror—was that really you? The girl who once stumbled over her own feet at university events, now standing here, ready to start the next chapter of her life? Your heart swelled, but doubt flickered in the corners of your mind.
"Do you think it's too much?" you murmured, smoothing the cascading folds of the skirt with trembling fingers.
Nilou crouched beside you, her smile radiant. “Too much? No way. You look like a dream—like you stepped out of a snow globe. Alhaitham is going to lose it when he sees you.”
Faruzan and Collei fussed over the train, carefully fluffing it out while grinning like conspirators. “She’s right,” Faruzan chimed in, her tone firm with certainty. “This is perfect. You’re perfect.”
From her chair near the window, Alhaitham’s grandmother’s soft voice broke through the flurry of compliments. “You look so beautiful,” she whispered, her gaze faraway, as though seeing another time entirely. Her hands, worn with age and wisdom, trembled slightly as she reached for yours. “If your parents were here…” She paused, her voice catching, but the tears glistening in her eyes said all the words she couldn’t.
Your chest tightened, a wave of bittersweet longing crashing over you. You squeezed her hand, trying to steady your own voice. “I hope they’d be proud,” you said, barely above a whisper.
“They would be,” she assured you. “More than you could ever know.”
The door creaked open then, and your brother stepped inside. His tuxedo was immaculate, the deep navy fabric sharp against the warmth of his expression. He stopped when his eyes fell on you, his face softening in a way that turned your chest tight with emotion.
“Wow,” he said simply, his voice thick. “You’re stunning.”
You stood, your knees a little wobbly, and turned to face him fully. His steady presence grounded you, as it always had. He walked up to you slowly, his hands reaching out to grasp yours. His palms were warm and familiar, the same ones that had held yours as a child, guiding you through the world.
“They’d be so proud of you,” he said quietly. “Not just today, but for everything. For the life you’ve built. For the love you’ve found. They’d be over the moon if they could see this.”
Tears pricked your eyes, and you fought the lump rising in your throat. “Thanks,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “You’ve always been there for me, even when I didn’t deserve it. Even when I messed up.”
A small, lopsided smile tugged at his lips. “That’s what brothers are for. Besides, you turned out alright… even without me.” He gave your hands a reassuring squeeze. “Now,” he added, his smile widening, “are you ready to walk down that aisle?”
You inhaled deeply, your nerves swirling with the overwhelming love you felt for the people around you. For your grandmother, your friends, your brother—for Alhaitham, who was waiting for you on the other side of that door. The fluttering in your chest settled, replaced by a quiet but resolute certainty.
You nodded, your lips curving into a soft smile. “Yeah. I’m ready.”
And as your brother offered his arm and you looped yours through his, a single thought crystallized in your mind: this was it. The moment you had dreamed of, the culmination of all the struggles, the victories, the love that had brought you here. Your parents might not have been there to see it, but you could feel them in every step you took. You weren’t walking alone. You never had been.
In the chapel, Alhaitham stood tall at the altar, his presence commanding even in stillness. The tailored suit he wore seemed to reflect his character—sharp, precise, and effortlessly elegant. Beside him, his groomsmen—Kaveh, Cyno, Tighnari, and the Wanderer—formed a striking tableau. Their camaraderie played out in the occasional smirks and subtle jabs, a shared humour that lightened the charged atmosphere.
Kaveh leaned closer to Alhaitham, his grin as irrepressible as ever. “Bet you’re nervous, huh? Don’t worry. I’ve got tissues in case you bawl your eyes out.”
Alhaitham arched an eyebrow, his calm demeanour unwavering. “Why would I cry? If anything, I should be annoyed. She’s the one keeping everyone waiting.”
Before Kaveh could fire back, the music began—the timeless strains of the wedding march flowing from the chapel’s organ like a gentle tide. The soft murmur of the guests ceased as they rose, all eyes turning to the grand double doors.
The doors opened slowly, and there you stood, arm-in-arm with your brother. The chapel seemed to hold its breath, and for a moment, you hesitated, your nerves surging in a tidal wave. But then your eyes locked with Alhaitham’s, and the world stilled.
His expression—so often guarded, so carefully measured—shifted. The stoicism melted away, replaced by something unspoken yet profoundly tender. His gaze was unyielding, his steel-grey eyes softened by a quiet awe that left your heart fluttering. You had seen him focused before, but never like this. Never with such raw emotion.
“He’s in awe,” your brother murmured, his voice quiet but steady. “I told you the dress was perfect.”
Your lips curved into a faint, trembling smile as he led you forward, each step feeling like an eternity and a heartbeat all at once.
When you reached the altar, your brother released your arm, his hand lingering on yours for a brief moment before placing it in Alhaitham’s. His touch was warm and reassuring. “Take care of her,” he said, his voice steady, yet laced with meaning.
Alhaitham met his gaze with equal gravity, his tone firm yet warm. “I will.”
The ceremony began, every word spoken by the officiant weaving the thread of a promise that bound you two together. When it was time for the vows, you turned to face him fully, your hands trembling slightly as they rested in his. He noticed, of course, his fingers gently steadying yours.
“I promise to stand by you,” you began, your voice wavering but earnest. “To share every joy and weather every storm, to be your partner, your safe haven, and your greatest ally. Today, I give you not just my hand, but my heart, my soul, my everything.”
Alhaitham’s gaze never left yours, his voice steady and sure when he spoke. “I promise to protect you, to honour you, and to cherish you. To be your strength when you need it and your calm when the world feels too loud. Today, I give you my word, my devotion, and my love—for every moment, from this day forward.”
Tears glistened in your eyes, but your smile never wavered.
When the officiant declared you husband and wife, a moment of pure silence hung in the air. Then, Alhaitham cupped your face gently, as though you were something rare and fragile, his thumbs brushing your cheeks. He leaned in, and when his lips met yours, the world seemed to dissolve. The kiss was unhurried and reverent, filled with the unspoken promises you had made long before this day.
Applause erupted around you, but it felt distant—nothing could break the spell of that moment until Alhaitham pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against yours. His lips quirked in the faintest, rarest smile, one meant only for you.
The reception followed, transforming the once-serene chapel hall into a place of celebration. Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” played as you shared your first dance, his arms encircling your waist, pulling you close. The warmth of his body against yours and the way his hands guided you across the floor felt as natural as breathing.
The guests joined in, laughter and music filling the air. Alhaitham remained by your side for much of the evening, his usual aloofness softened as he indulged Kaveh’s exaggerated tales and humoured his grandmother’s requests for a dance.
Later, as the fireflies danced in the frosty night air and the sound of the ocean waves mingled with the fading strains of music, he pulled you aside, away from the crowd. He looked at you then, his gaze as intense and unyielding as when you had walked down the aisle.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” he asked, his voice low, the words carrying more weight than they seemed.
You smiled, leaning into his warmth. “Every moment.”
“Good,” he said, his lips brushing against your temple. “Because this is just the beginning.”
The reception hall glowed with warmth, the golden light of fairy lights casting a festive shimmer across garlands of pine and red poinsettias. Snowflakes on the windows glittered in the candlelight, and laughter filled the air as your guests tucked into delicious food and sparkling drinks. It felt intimate, cosy—a gathering of family and friends who had all come together to celebrate love.
As you stood with Alhaitham near the buffet table, watching the festivities unfold, the door suddenly burst open, and a troupe of clowns tumbled in, honking horns and juggling. They marched in with exaggerated fanfare, their slapstick antics eliciting uproarious laughter.
You shot Alhaitham a playful grin, your eyes sparkling. “What? It’s tradition.”
He raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth quirking upward in rare amusement. “Tradition, you say?” He leaned in, his voice dropping to a low murmur only you could hear. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. But remember, this means I’m allowed to have my revenge when we renew our vows.”
“Oh, I’m counting on it,” you replied, leaning back with a laugh. “It’s no fun if you don’t try to top me.”
The clowns bowed dramatically and departed as quickly as they arrived, leaving behind a room full of cheer.
Later, the two of you took to the dance floor for your first dance. The soft strains of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” enveloped you, and the world seemed to slow. Alhaitham’s hands rested firmly on your waist as you swayed to the music, his touch steady and grounding.
“You’ve been smiling a lot tonight,” you teased, your voice just above a whisper.
“Observant as ever,” he replied, his gaze holding yours. “But it’s your fault. You make it impossible not to.”
Your heart swelled, and you leaned your forehead against his. “I’m glad. You look good when you smile. You should do it more often.”
He chuckled softly, the rare sound vibrating against your skin. “Maybe I’ll reserve it just for you.”
The song ended, but the dance floor came alive as your friends joined in. Nilou twirled gracefully, her movements so fluid they seemed almost otherworldly. She caught your eye and rushed over, pulling you into a quick hug.
“Dreamy girl,” you teased, using the nickname she’d earned since becoming a star. “Shouldn’t you be dazzling the crowd?”
Nilou laughed, her eyes shining. “I think you’ve got that covered tonight. Honestly, you look like a princess. I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“You’re one to talk,” you replied, squeezing her hand. “You’re practically glowing yourself. How do you even have time to be here with how busy you are?”
“For you?” she said, smiling warmly. “Always. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. Besides…” Her gaze flicked to Alhaitham, who stood at the edge of the dance floor watching you, his expression unreadable but soft. “I had to meet the man who finally made you settle down. He’s… not what I expected.”
You laughed, following her gaze. “He has that effect on people. But he’s everything I need.”
Nilou beamed, wrapping you in another hug. “That’s all that matters.”
Meanwhile, Cyno was busy teaching Tighnari a traditional dance, much to the latter’s visible frustration. “No, Tighnari, it’s two steps left and then spin. You’re skipping the spin.”
“I’m skipping it because it’s ridiculous,” Tighnari replied, crossing his arms.
Faruzan, ever the life of the party, grabbed Collei and twirled her around the dance floor. “Come on, Tighnari! If Collei can keep up, you can too!”
Kaveh sauntered up to Alhaitham with a mischievous grin. “Care to join the fun?”
Alhaitham gave him a deadpan look. “Not even slightly.”
“Such a killjoy,” Kaveh muttered, turning to you. “How do you put up with him?”
You shrugged, smiling slyly. “He has his ways.”
Alhaitham met your gaze, his expression softening again as though you were the only person in the room. “Careful,” he said, his voice low and teasing. “Keep talking like that, and I might actually have to start dancing.”
“I’d like to see that,” you challenged, leaning close.
His smirk deepened. “Maybe later, when everyone’s too drunk to remember.”
The night continued with endless laughter, heartfelt toasts, and dancing under the twinkling lights. It wasn’t a grand affair, but it was perfect—a celebration of love, friendship, and the start of your life together.
As the night wound down, the once-bustling reception hall grew quieter, the laughter and music fading into the crisp December air. Most of the guests had left, their faces still alight with joy from the evening’s festivities. The catering team bustled around, stacking chairs and clearing tables with efficient cheer. One of the staff, an older gentleman with a kind smile, gave you a small wave as you passed. “Congratulations again, Doctor. You two make a wonderful pair.”
“Thank you,” you replied warmly, squeezing Alhaitham’s hand as you walked toward the decorated getaway car waiting outside.
The Wanderer stood by the vehicle, arms crossed, his usual smirk firmly in place. “Don’t think you’re off the hook just because it’s your wedding,” he drawled, nodding toward the faint remnants of your clown prank still being cleaned up. “Karma’s a thing, you know.”
You grinned, leaning slightly against Alhaitham’s shoulder. “We’ll be waiting for whatever you’ve got, but fair warning—we don’t lose easily.”
The Wanderer chuckled, pushing himself off the car. “Enjoy the night while it lasts. I’m giving you a head start.”
Alhaitham opened the car door for you, his movements graceful and deliberate. As you stepped in, he turned to the Wanderer with a raised eyebrow. “Make sure everything’s spotless. I’d rather not hear complaints tomorrow.”
“Yeah, yeah, don’t worry. You owe me for this,” the Wanderer muttered, though there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
The car pulled away, its engine a low hum against the snowy silence of the night. The world outside was a serene winter wonderland, the snow falling gently like tiny diamonds, blanketing the streets in a soft, glowing white. Inside the car, the atmosphere was warm and intimate, the heat from the vents cocooning you as you leaned back against the plush seats.
You glanced at Alhaitham, his profile illuminated by the soft interior lights. He looked relaxed, his hand resting on yours with an unspoken sense of possession and calm.
“Ready for the rest of our lives?” you asked softly, your voice carrying the weight of everything this moment symbolized.
He turned to you, his gaze steady, his eyes reflecting that rare tenderness he reserved only for you. “With you? Always.”
When the car arrived at your home—a cosy two-story house you’d shared for some time—the snow-covered driveway gleamed in the moonlight. The windows glowed softly, the warmth of the interior beckoning after a long, magical day. Alhaitham stepped out first, holding an umbrella to shield you from the falling snow as you stepped out in your wedding gown.
The two of you walked to the door, hand in hand, the crunch of snow beneath your shoes the only sound. Inside, the house felt both familiar and new. The living room was lit with a soft glow, a fire crackling gently in the fireplace, casting shadows across the space you’d made your own over the years.
You slipped off your shoes with a sigh of relief, setting them neatly by the door. Alhaitham followed, shrugging off his jacket and hanging it carefully. His eyes flicked toward you, watching as you untied your veil and placed it delicately on the back of a chair.
“It feels different now,” you said, running your fingers over the edge of your gown. “The same house, but everything feels… more real. More ours.”
He stepped closer, his hand brushing against your cheek before settling on your waist. “It’s because it is,” he murmured. “We’ve always been partners, but now, it’s official.”
You smiled, leaning into his touch. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He kissed you then—slowly, deeply—his lips conveying the unspoken promise of everything to come. When the kiss broke, he rested his forehead against yours, his breath warm against your skin.
“Come on,” he said softly, taking your hand again. “Let’s start forever with some tea by the fire. We’ve had enough excitement for one day.”
You laughed, the sound light and full of joy, and followed him into the living room, where the fire burned bright and warm, just like the future that awaited you both.
-
You guys are so cuteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
