The backyard of the Kendrick Mansion had been transformed into something out of a dream. Twinkling fairy lights hung from the tall oak trees, casting a warm glow over the scene.
Rows of white chairs lined the garden, with fresh roses adorning the aisle. The scent of blooming flowers mixed with the crisp evening air, made the entire space feel magical.
A few important family members from both sides were invited. Adeline did not know but they sent invitations to her maternal grandfather and uncle... She did not know they existed even. Her father barely ever talks about their mother’s side of the family which left her curious.
Aaron also did not know, he too only just found out. Alaric did not seem surprised however, he seemed aware of this. Adeline wanted to ask her father but Aaron stopped her. "There must have been a reason, let’s not bring this up now."
Adeline furrowed her eyebrows but nodded. What did he think of her? She was not going to start a fight, nor had she ever doubted their father for keeping them away from her uncle and grandfather, she just wanted to know the truth.
Anyway, her one and only priority was to just enjoy the wedding.
At the far end of the garden, beneath a floral arch entwined with ivy and soft pink peonies, the groom stood waiting. His posture was straight, but the way his fingers twitched at his sides betrayed his excitement.
Adeline adjusted the basket in her hands, her burgundy dress swaying slightly as she shifted her weight. The soft hum of conversation from the seated guests made her stomach twist with nerves.
Layla, standing beside her, leaned in with a smirk. "Excited?"
"Terrified," Adeline muttered.
Layla chuckled. "Just walk, toss the petals, and try not to trip."
Layla decided to stand behind and support Adeline, she was going to take her seat later on.
Adeline shot her a look but didn’t have time to reply. The music had started. The murmurs of the guests quieted as the garden fell into an expectant hush.
Taking a deep breath, Adeline stepped forward.
The petals fell from her hands in soft, fluttering motions as she walked down the aisle. The guests smiled as she passed, some nodding encouragingly.
She caught sight of Aaron standing near the floral arch, his arms crossed as he watched the ceremony unfold with an amused glint in his eye.
As she walked by the rows of seats she saw two men looking at her like she was their lifeline, she frowned, just who were these people, and why did they look at her like this?
Reaching the end of the aisle, she quickly moved to the side, heart still pounding.
Then, the real moment began.
The music swelled, and the guests rose to their feet.
Isabelle appeared at the entrance of the garden, her arm linked with her father’s.
She looked breathtaking.
Her ivory gown flowed around her like mist, the delicate lace shimmering under the evening lights. A soft veil framed her face, though nothing could hide the happiness radiating from her smile.
Adeline turned her gaze towards Alaric. His breath visibly caught in his throat as he stared at Isabelle, eyes filled with wonder. He truly was in love, Adeline smiled at this scene and hoped to have her own moment someday, seemed impossible but oh well.
The Marquess, seated in the front row, had a rare softness in his expression as he watched the ceremony unfold.
His cousins sat beside him, quietly observing with knowing smiles. The Eastern Duchess sat a few rows back, her presence graceful and composed, while Layla sat beside her, hands clasped in quiet excitement.
It was a picture of family, of love, of shared joy.
At the altar, Isabelle’s father kissed her forehead before stepping back, his expression both proud and emotional.
The officiant cleared his throat. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two hearts..."
Adeline listened, but her attention flickered between the people around her. Victoria, standing as the maid of honour, was already blinking back tears. It was surprising, that Victoria was not known for showing too many emotions, but this time she could not stop herself.
Aaron, standing as the best man, looked surprisingly sincere for once. His usual teasing expression had softened into something almost thoughtful.
And Isabelle—she glowed with happiness.
When the vows began, the entire garden seemed to hold its breath.
"You are my light, my home, and my heart. Today, I promise to stand by your side, to cherish and protect you, to laugh with you in joy and to hold you in sorrow. You are my forever. You are my Isabelle." Alaric spoke softly and slowly, he managed to keep the venue silent with anticipation.
Isabelle’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. When she spoke, her voice was thick with emotion.
"You are my best friend, my partner, my greatest love," she said softly. "I promise to walk beside you, to support you, to share all of life’s joys and burdens. I choose you today, tomorrow, and always."
A quiet sniffle sounded from Victoria’s direction. Layle kept stealing glimpses of Aaron. No, she was not practical. She believed in love... In fairytales. Somehow that man made her feel differently, nothing like she ever felt before.
She might be delusional but so what? She was going to take a chance and pursue him, she did not care.
Adeline swallowed the lump in her throat. She was very touched, there was going to be a new family member! And her brother was going to be happy... In the original story, something like this never happened, and she was so happy that she meddled.
Her brother can now live a happy life, he will not die because of her, and he will build his own family with a woman he loves.
The rings were exchanged, and Isabelle was sniffling and filled with joy, while Alaric stayed strong and stable, she could see the love in his eyes.
Then came the words everyone had been waiting for.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife."
The garden erupted into cheers as the groom pulled Isabelle into a deep, loving kiss. Laughter and applause filled the air as the newlyweds turned to face the crowd, their smiles brighter than the lanterns hanging above.