Chapter Forty-Six: Aldridge Wedding
(Ria's POV)
The soft hum of violins filled the air as the morning sun poured through the massive glass windows of the Aldridge estate. The entire ballroom shimmered — ivory silk drapes, golden fairy lights, and hundreds of white lilies lining the aisle.
It didn't feel real.
One moment, I was a girl chasing college applications in her pajamas. Now I was standing in front of a full-length mirror, draped in an ivory gown with silver embroidery — a delicate blend of Bangladeshi craftsmanship and Western elegance. My hijab shimmered softly under the light, wrapped neatly with a jeweled pin Miles had sent me months ago with a note that simply said, For my Threads.
Lia dabbed at her eyes for the fifth time. "You look like an angel, Ria. Miles is going to lose his mind when he sees you."
Maya fixed the edge of my veil, smirking. "He already lost it ages ago."
Emma walked in, wearing a soft lavender bridesmaid gown, holding a small bouquet. "Okay, this is the last time I'll say it — you are stunning. Even I'm emotional."
I smiled nervously at them all, feeling the weight of the moment settle over me. "Do I… really look okay?"
Lia cupped my face. "You look like his dream come true."
Outside, I could hear the guests murmuring, the music shifting to the wedding march. My heart pounded so hard I could feel it in my throat.
Then — the doors opened.
Miles stood at the end of the aisle.
He was in a cream suit, a silver tie, and the same crooked grin that had once annoyed the hell out of me. His eyes locked onto mine instantly — soft, unwavering, full of something that made my knees weak.
When I reached him, he whispered just loud enough for me to hear, "You're breathtaking, Threads."
"And you clean up well, Miles."
The ceremony blurred into a soft haze of emotion. The officiant's voice, the crowd's quiet hum, the trembling in my hands.
Then came the vows.
Miles went first. "You once punched me so hard, I saw stars," he said, making everyone laugh. "And that's when I knew — this woman… she's my chaos, my calm, my entire world. I fell for Zaria Leona Rahman, my Threads, and I've been falling ever since. Today, I promise to never let you face a single thing alone again."
I swallowed the lump in my throat. My voice shook as I spoke. "You infuriate me. You make me laugh. You drive me insane. But you also make me feel loved in ways I never thought I could be. Miles, I promise — wherever life takes us, I'll always choose you."
The officiant smiled. "By the power vested in me… you may now kiss your bride."
Miles didn't hesitate — he pulled me close, kissed me like the world disappeared around us. Cameras flashed, people cheered, and I could hear Sofia's voice yelling, "Ew, gross!" from the front row.
The reception sparkled with laughter, food, and dancing. The air smelled of vanilla cake and fresh roses. Emma caught the bouquet (again), Maya danced barefoot, and Lia and Leo looked so in love it hurt.
Miles wrapped his arm around me as we stood near the window, overlooking the lights of Aldridge city below. "So, Mrs. Stone," he whispered against my ear, "still think one punch can't turn into forever?"
I smiled, leaning into him. "Maybe it was fate after all."
And when he kissed me again, with the lights twinkling around us, I realized — this wasn't the end of our story.
It was just the beginning.