Soft morning light spilled through the stained-glass windows of the small private chapel on the estate. It painted the pews in shades of rose and gold, as if the entire room held its breath for them.
Guests whispered among themselves, but their voices were no more than distant murmurs. Flowers lined the aisle, delicate white blossoms that smelled faintly of jasmine. Everything felt hushed and sacred.
Isabella stood in the entrance, her veil falling gently over her shoulders. Her gown was simple but breathtaking, flowing silk that caught every ray of light. Her hands trembled slightly, but not from fear. Something deeper stirred inside her. Something quiet and strong.
The music began.
Her heart beat in slow, heavy pulses as she stepped forward.
Elijah stood at the altar, dressed in a dark suit, his expression unreadable to everyone except her. She saw the softness beneath the composure. The longing. The ache. The warmth.
His eyes did not leave hers once.
Step by step, she approached him. When she reached him, he extended his hand. She hesitated only a second before placing her own in his. His fingers closed around hers with a steadiness that wrapped around her chest like safety.
The minister spoke, though Isabella barely heard the words. All that existed was Elijah. His thumb drawing small circles into the back of her hand. The faint rise and fall of his breath. The way he looked at her like she was the only person in the world.
Then came the vows.
Elijah spoke first.
He lifted her hand to his chest, right over his heart. His voice was low, steady, resonant enough to silence the room.
"Isabella," he said, and her name in his voice felt like a promise already. "When this arrangement began, I thought it would be nothing more than duty. Obligation. Expectation. Yet you changed everything. You taught me that connection does not require time, only truth. I promise to protect you. To respect you. To stand with you, even in silence. You are my choice. Today and every day after."
Her breath caught. Not because of the words, but because they rang with sincerity.
Her turn came.
Her voice shook, yet did not falter.
"Elijah. You were unexpected. Terrifying at first. I did not know what a future with you would mean. I did not know if I would lose myself or find something new. Now I see that I have found something I did not know I was searching for. I promise to walk beside you. To learn you. To trust what we become. I choose you too."
Emotion flickered in his eyes. Not showy. Not dramatic. Real.
The rings were brought forward.
Elijah slid the band onto her finger slowly, like it was precious. Like she was precious.
Her fingers brushed his as she placed his ring in return. The moment their hands touched, something inside her settled. Like a long breath finally released.
"You may kiss."
He reached for her, not with hunger, but with reverence. His hand cupped her cheek. His forehead touched hers first, gentle, grounding. Their breaths mingled. She closed her eyes.
Then their lips met.
Soft. Unhurried. Deep in meaning rather than passion. A kiss that spoke what neither had yet said out loud.
I am yours. You are mine.
The world blurred. Applause rose. Flowers rustled. Someone sniffled.
Yet all Isabella felt was his hand in hers.
They turned to walk back down the aisle. Together.
No fear.No doubt.Only the quiet, steady beginning of something real.