“Do you, Tyler Moretti, take Candice Whale as your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do.” I said firmly.
“Do you, Candice Whale, take Tyler Moretti as your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do..” Her voice was low but sounded melodious to my ears.
“I pronounce you as the man and the wife. You may now kiss the bride.” The priest announced.
My heart skipped a beat. I gulped and lifted her veil. I stared at her aesthetically pleasing features, looking so graceful with those eyes looking down.
Oh Lord, This is it. The moment I yearned for.
I felt so surreal, I didn’t expect to have a wedding like this. My heart felt serene to see my bride before me. I was feeling happy and sad at the same time.
I put my knuckles over her cheek and caress them slightly. She was looking so charming while holding my heart captive in her sapphire gaze.
When I touched her delicate skin, sparks traveled to my core. There was something memorable I desired to feel but no matter how content or fascinated by her was, she was not happy.
“You don’t have to be afraid in my presence.” I whispered, hoping this could reassure her.
I cannot change it. She didn’t want any of this, she was scared, startled by my touch.
“I know.” She whispered back. I know I have to take things slowly and not force anything upon her, when I have waited that long then I can wait a little longer as well.
“Glad to know.” I removed my hand, with my heart thumping fast and loud, I gave her cheeks a quick peck and pulled away.
“Because I cherish the trust you hold in me.” She looked at me astonished, not expecting this- so do I, but I have to. I passed her an assuring smile and she smiled back.
Then she bid farewell to her father and brother and we went home. All this time I could feel butterflies in my stomach and those barely controllable emotions of passion rushing in me.
I clenched and unclenched my hands just to contain myself but it was so hard.
“We are here.” I said, getting out and then helped her to get out. We entered as I ordered to take her to my room. I wasn’t sure about what I should do.
I know it’s my wedding night but I should give her some time but what about that heart which is unable to control itself.
I sighed and went to my room.
I entered and saw Candice, looking down while leaning on the wall. Under moonlight, her beauty enhanced more. I cannot take my eyes off her.
If I look at her any longer, I will lose my senses.
Gosh, she is angelic, ‘my’ angel.
I stood in front of her but she didn’t lift her gaze to meet mine. I hesitantly brought my hand close to her face and held it.
“Hey.” She slowly lifted her gaze and met mine, she was looking slightly frightened.
“Candice..” I called her softly, staring deep into her eyes. I gulped, there was a thick layer of awkwardness between us and I wanted to lessen it.
“Are you okay?” I asked tenderly.
“Hmm.” She nodded.
“I know we got married in a very bad situation but you are my wife now. Don’t worry, I am with you. I won’t let anything happen to you. I will make sure no one will disrespect you, I will be with you. To respect you and support you under all states and try my best to keep you happy.” I paused to study her reaction and she was mesmerized.
Good. Keep going.
“I know all of this would be new to you and you are not used to it, it will take some time but I am sure you will adjust but I will not force anything on you. We can even live in different rooms as well. Your comfort is what matters to me.” I assured her, saying all those words I can to her consolation.
Although the idea of a different room sounds unpleasant to me.
She passed me a sincere smile and said, “Thank you Tyler… for saving me from a broken destiny. I will try my best to not let you be disgraced, to be a good wife.”
“I just never fathomed you would agree to marry me. I am nowhere near you yet you accepted me.” She whispered, curling her lips sadly.
“You are just not aware of your worth.” I smiled, caressing her carefully, gently.
“… And the same room is fine. Thanks for the offer.” Her smile grew wider.
I smiled and said, “Thanks… You know me. We will work out just fine but… you know about my problems with anger. Don’t mind if I get angry… I am sorry about it in advance.” I joked.
She giggled and the sound of her laugh calmed the storm in my heart. “I know.” She said sweetly.
“Yeah… how we met..” I said nervously. We remained like that, my hand still over her cheek.
“You apologized for it. It’s okay.”
I looked at her, falling deep into those desires I am keeping at bay. I leaned in a bit, moving close to her face. Her breath lingered on my face.
She was looking at me with her breath caught up in her throat. Our faces were a few centimeters apart. The sensation was taking over my senses. Candice brought her hand close to my chest and held my coat.
‘So.. Innocent.’
I was about to press my lips upon her but she whispered in a croaked voice, “Please don’t, Tyler.” My heart was hammering against my chest, I could look anywhere but her.
“Why..? We are married. We both have accepted each other.” I said huskily, leaning in lethally close to her face. ‘Please, once, just for once.’
“But that doesn’t mean you will do whatever you want. Please.”
“I have rights.” I said, panting barely able to control my emotions, realizing I shouldn’t have said it.
“Please give me some time, I cannot accept this all at once.” She said on the verge of crying and I immediately took a step back,
“I-I am sorry. You are right. I.. I can understand. Um.. You should freshen.. I would never do it again. I am so sorry.” I said vaguely, mentally cursing myself for losing my control and giving in to those impulses.
“T-Thank you f-for understanding.” She stuttered, looking away.
“Uh.. Tyler… I don’t have anything to wear..” She said tense.
I passed her a smile and pointed to my closet, “It’s fine, Go and wear anything from my closet.” I said.
“..Um.. Can you get it?” She asked, looking so innocently at me.
When she looked at me like this, it melted my heart as I said with a smile, “Sure.”
I got her my shorts and my shirt. I then helped her to take off her jewelry. My eyes fell upon the henna on her hands, looking so beautiful.
“Henna?” I asked. “Yeah, you know I love it.” She smiled nervously.
“It’s beautiful.” I complimented her. “Thanks..” She whispered. It was making her more enchanting.
I held her hand and brought it close to my face, “Can I?” I asked. She shyly looked away and nodded.
“Graceful just as you are.” I kissed the back of her palm and she quickly went to the bathroom with an abashed smile over her lips that intoxicated me in her.
And her actions made me chuckle.
After a while she came, I could see my shirt was a bit too big for her. I walked close and held the shirt by the shoulder and moved it back so that it could cover her chest.
“Thanks.” Candice whispered, looking away.
We then both turned to bed. I shrugged my shoulders, “I told you.”
“It’s fine because I feel safe in your presence.” She said, Pointing and asking me on which side she should sleep. I gave her a look, telling her wherever she wanted.
She smiled and sat on the right side and laid there. I then also laid down beside her. She was facing the wall. I couldn't sleep, my heart was beating fast. My hands were cold.
‘I want to touch her.’
After a while, she turned to me, she was in a deep slumber. I smiled and plopped on my elbows and looked at her. “You have no idea about your hex.”
I brushed the hairs falling on her face behind her ear and stroked the side of her face affectionately. My eyes cascaded down as I could clearly see through.
Being shameless, I stared at her for about a few seconds but my dignity finally woke up.
I pulled the covers close to her face and turned my head away and decided to call it a day because from tomorrow, I will have the day I was dreaming to live..