Chapter 381: Make your bond stronger
The entire hall quieted into hushed whispers as the announcer’s voice carried the words everyone had been waiting for, the bride had arrived.
A nervousness settled over Dominick. He clasped his hands tightly, his gaze locked on the doors, anticipation flickering in his eyes as he waited for Juniper’s first step down the aisle.
The pianist’s melody filled the grand hall as Juniper appeared, her arm linked with her father’s. Gasps of admiration rippled through the guests; her gown shimmered under the soft glow of the chandeliers. Her every step poised yet trembling with emotion.
Dominick’s breath hitched, and as he walked forward to meet her, Juniper’s father placed her hand into his. With a solemn bow of his head, Dominick silently thanked the man for entrusting him with his daughter’s future. Then, side by side, he and Juniper faced each other at the altar.
"You look nervous," Juniper whispered, her lips curving into a reassuring smile.
"I am," Dominick admitted softly, his voice almost lost beneath the music. "We’ve dreamt of this moment for so long. Forgive me for making you wait all these years."
The priest’s voice rose, beginning the ceremony, while Casaio and Gabriel stood off to the right of the altar, watching his brother’s union.
"When will you tell them about your own marriage?" Gabriel murmured quietly.
"After they’ve spoken their vows," Casaio replied, his eyes briefly finding Zilia among the guests. She sat watching the couple with eyes that gleamed with joy.
At the front row, Raidan and Mabel exchanged a look one of pride and emotion, as Dominick and Juniper began to recite their vows. Words from the heart bound them together in front of their families, their friends, and their kingdom.
When the rings were slipped onto their fingers and the priest declared them husband and wife, the hall erupted in a wave of applause and cheers. Joyful claps echoed through the space, sealing the long-awaited union in celebration.
With trembling hands, Dominick gently lifted the veil that framed Juniper’s radiant face. Their eyes locked, brimming with unspoken love and the weight of years of waiting.
Juniper’s fingers slipped into his, steadying him, and in the next second, she sealed their lips with a kiss, sealing their vows before everyone who mattered.
From above, a cascade of petals showered down as the hall erupted in applause and cheers.
When they finally drew apart, Dominick raised Juniper’s hand high in the air. His voice rang out with unrestrained happiness, "Yayy!"
Laughter and whistles followed his cry, and Juniper blushed, her smile brighter than ever. Dominick turned his head, his gaze falling on his brothers.
The hall echoed with cheers as Dominick’s brothers clapped the loudest, pride shining in their eyes. Dominick turned briefly toward them before his gaze swept back to Juniper. With a sudden burst of playful energy, he scooped her off her feet.
"Ahhh!" Juniper squealed, flustered and laughing, her hands instinctively bracing against his shoulders.
The guests laugued with amusement at her reaction. Dominick slowly lowered her back down, only to steal another kiss, one deeper and more confident this time, as if to remind the world she was truly his.
Petals still clung to her hair when he pulled away, leaving her cheeks glowing with happiness.
At that moment, Casaio stepped forward, making his way to the podium set in the left corner. He cleared his throat, and gradually, the laughter and applause softened until a reverent silence spread through the hall.
"Congratulations, Nick and June," Casaio began. "I still remember the day Dominick came running to me, practically glowing, telling me he had found his mate. We were so young back then, early twenties, maybe mid, and I’ll admit, I thought it was just the excitement of youth."
He paused, his eyes glistening as they fell on the newlyweds. "But years passed, and I witnessed their love only deepen, stronger than time, distance, or hardship. And today, by the grace of the Moon Goddess, we see that love fulfilled, as they stand here united as one."
Raidan and Mabel exchanged a knowing nod.
"Nick," Casaio continued, his gaze softening as it settled on his brother, "there’s only two years between us, but you’ve always been more than just my younger brother. You’ve been my companion, my friend, and sometimes even my shadow." A faint smile curved on his lips. "We grew up side by side, sharing the same struggles, the same dreams, and, at times, the same mischief."
A gentle chuckle rippled through the guests.
"And now, seeing you like this... standing with the woman you’ve loved for so many years, finally calling her your wife, it fills me with pride. I’m truly happy for you, Nick. For both of you. My wish is simple: may your love never waver in any situation, and may every trial only make your bond stronger."
"Thanks," Dominick said softly. His voice didn’t reach him, but Casaio caught the meaning in his brother’s eyes and gave a small nod.
Casaio then turned his attention back to the guests. "I know most of you must be anticipating something else from me. As the eldest, I was always meant to marry first... but life had its own plans."
A ripple of curious murmurs stirred in the crowd.
At those words, Zilia’s smile faltered. Her fingers tightened around the hem of her dress, and she lowered her gaze, guilt knitting her brows, realizing what she had done to them.
Casaio’s next words made the entire hall erupt in gasps.
"Well... I’ve decided to marry Zilia, today, here, in this very hall."
Guests exchanged stunned looks, their whispers growing louder. Only Dominick and Gabriel remained composed since they had known all along.
Zilia’s head snapped upward, her eyes widening in disbelief. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
"Sis! You’re going to marry today!" Idris shouted excitedly beside her, nearly making her jump.
Casaio’s gaze softened as it settled on Zilia. "Yes, I’m going to marry today to the woman I always cherish and keep cherishing. I would like all of you witness another union to take place."
He left the podium and got down to reach Zilia. She was quick to stand up, and he grasped her hands.
"That’s why you asked me to wear this dress," Zilia whispered.
"Exactly," Casaio said with a smile.