Whisper Destiny

Chapter 30

As the night wore on, a silent plea echoed in the recesses of my mind, a desperate prayer for strength to navigate the tumultuous sea of emotions that threatened to engulf me. "Oh God, please help me get through this wedding," I whispered inwardly, clinging to the fragile thread of hope that somehow, against all odds, I would emerge unscathed on the other side.

*

The morning after, the day of my wedding, alone in the hushed sanctuary of my designated room after everyone left to give me room of privacy, I found myself grappling with the weight of my decision. Doubt, like an insistent shadow, crept into the corners of my mind, questioning the path I had chosen. Was it truly the right thing to do? Did I possess the option to retreat?. But thinking of Cathrine's promise to give me the freedom that I seek, the offer too enticing to resist, knowing how persistent my parents can be. And with the assurance, that whispered pledge to release me when the time came, I found myself surrendering to the currents of fate, swept along by the tide of inevitability.

And for the fact, I know it's already too late for turning back time.

Glancing at my reflection in the ornate mirror, I couldn't help but be struck by the vision that stared back at me. The wedding dress, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, enveloped me in its embrace, its strapless column silhouette and pleated full train a testament to the artistry of its creators.

Made from their custom floral jacquard fabric, the gown seemed to shimmer with a life of its own, each delicate petal and vine woven into the fabric a testament to the beauty of nature. As I ran my fingers over the intricate embroidery, I couldn't deny the undeniable allure of the garment.

"Hi, pumpkin-pie. May I come in?" I heard my father's voice at the door.

"Yes, dad. Please come in" As the door creaked open, my father's silhouette filled the threshold, his eyes aglow with pride and a shimmer of tears glistening in their depths. "Oh, my little pumpkin-pie," he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. "You look exquisite in that wedding dress. It's hard to believe my daughter is about to get married."

With a wry twist of my lips, I retorted, "Let's not forget, Dad, you're the one who force me into one."

My father's demeanour turn soft, before he speaks, "I know you're not thrilled about this marriage arrangement, Natasha," he began. "But believe me, your mother and I only want what's best for you. Catherine will take care of you, I'm sure of it. And above all else, remember, my love for you knows no bounds, more profound than life itself, my sweetheart."

His words stirred a swell of emotions within me, perhaps amplified by the palpable wedding ambiance. I surrendered to his warm embrace, finding solace in his familiar scent. His kiss upon my forehead was both comforting and bittersweet. "Are you ready, my dear?" he inquired softly.

With a silent nod, I resigned myself to the inevitable.

As I stood at the end of the aisle, the hushed whispers of anticipation surrounded me like a gentle embrace. Every eye in the wedding hall turned towards me, their gazes filled with awe and reverence. My heart thundered against my ribcage, each beat echoing the crescendo of emotions swirling within me.

I don't know what has come to me, as my father guided me down the aisle, the world around me seemed to fade into a blur, leaving only the figure waiting patiently at the altar, Catherine. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her. As every step bringing me closer to her, I could feel that her eyes were fixed on me too the whole time. It was as if we were drawn together by an invisible thread, each step down the aisle bringing us closer.

Her dress, a masterpiece of delicate lace, hugged her form in all the right places, accentuating her every curve with ethereal grace. The open back, adorned with handcrafted lace seams and scalloped edges, revealed a hint of the skin beneath, a tantalizing glimpse of vulnerability beneath her regal exterior. And as I drew nearer, the intricate details of her gown became clearer, each silk satin-covered button a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that adorned her.

And when I finally reached to her side, our eyes locked in a silent exchange that spoke volumes. As Catherine reached for my hand, a surge of electricity coursed through my body, igniting a cascade of emotions that left me breathless. Again, I strongly believe, it's because of the wedding vibes.

We exchanged our vows, the weight of each word hung heavy in the air, a solemn promise to love and cherish one another for all eternity. And in that sacred exchange, I felt a real connection to Catherine, that makes me scared with my feelings.

When the officiant posed the question,

"Do you, Catherine Vale Ortiz, take Natasha Helena Grayson to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad times, for richer and poorer, keeping yourself unto her, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Catherine answer without hesitation.

When my turn came, I glanced into Catherine's eyes, finding solace and assurance in their cerulean depths. My voice trembling with emotion as I declared, "I do."

As we exchanged rings, the weight of the moment settled over us like a warm embrace. When the officiant pronounced us wife and wife, and we may kiss each other, to seal our union, a wave of surprise swept over me, catching me off guard.

With wide eyes, I gaze at Catherine, a sudden realization dawning upon me—I had forgotten about this part of the wedding. I sense a hint of hesitation in Catherine's demeanor, mirroring my own uncertainty.

When I saw Catherine slowly leans in, I started to panic. Before I can fully comprehend what's happening, her lips meet mine in a tender and unexpected kiss. I'm taken aback by the softness and delicacy of her lips, a sensation that sends shivers down my spine. I slowly close my eyes and surrender to the kiss, my senses overwhelmed by the gentle caress of Catherine's lips against mine.

As quickly as her lips met mine, the kiss ended, leaving me momentarily stunned by the suddenness of it all. In the blink of an eye, the softness and warmth of Catherine's touch vanished, leaving me craving more. With practiced ease, I compose myself, refusing to potray any hint of disappointment to Catherine.

The raucous cheers of the guests wash over me, breaking the spell of intimacy that had enveloped Catherine and me. I take a deep breath, using it to steady my racing heart and quell the flutter of emotions swirling within me.