Chapter 5. The Wedding Vows  

Adriano stood looking at Clarabelle who looked so beautiful and elegant. The bone-white dress wrapped around Clarabelle's petite body, making her even more attractive and charming. The flower crown that adorns her head makes her look even more beautiful.

"Honey, are you ready?" Adriano reached out to Clarabelle. A faint smile appeared on his lips.

With her heart pounding wildly, Clarabelle nodded. She took her father's right hand, and walked by his side, preparing to head for the place where she would meet the waiting groom. Clarabelle trembled slightly. Her heart couldn't beat normally. Her body felt hot and cold. Her stomach felt queasy as if stirred.

Clarabelle didn't know what her life would be like after this. What kind of man would she meet? Was he fine? Was he handsome? A hard worker and a loving person or… All the questions ran through her head, while step by step Clarabelle entered the area that had been prepared and decorated so beautifully for that special day of her life.

The guests have come to sit down. Not many attended. Several friends, including her two best friends Susan and Jack, were still not relieved by Clarabelle's decision. They were still worried that the man who came in this miraculous way would later inflict a wound on Clarabelle like her previous lovers.

"Smile, honey. That way you will be a little calmer. This is your happy day. Whoever that man is, rest assured he must be a good man.” Adriano whispered as they walked on the red carpet, between the rows of benches in attendance.

Clarabelle took a deep breath, forcing herself to see how Adriano saw her. It was a happy day. The man, waiting for her there, must be good. Actually, Adriano was calming himself down. He didn't want to think about the bad. He wanted his daughter to be happy in the most important moment of her life.

"Yes, Papa. I will." Clarabelle answered firmly, though her voice trembled because she was so nervous.

A rustling sound began to be heard. Especially in the row of the groom's family. Whispers praised the beautiful Clarabelle, the simple girl, or vice versa, not like the woman who was usually by Jordan's side.

At the altar, not a real altar - because the wedding was in an open, beautiful garden in one of the city's most luxurious restaurants - Jordan stared unblinkingly at Clarabelle who was slowly walking beside her father toward him. The closer, the clearer.

Jordan looked at her intently. Beautiful, very beautiful. Her face was soft and pleasing to the eye. But this woman wasn't very tall, nor was she red-haired. Her hair was dark brown, almost black. Jordan could confirm that the woman who will be his companion was not pure white. Obviously, because her father looks very Asian.

However, there was something attractive about her face. Jordan was not disappointed, because it was the first time he would be with a woman who has Asian blood. It seems that the story would be interesting in the reality show.

While walking by her father's side, Clarabelle didn't really set her eyes on the groom. There was a sense of doubt and fear if what she faced was not what she thought.

So close and looking at Jordan, it turned out he was a very handsome and dashing man. His eyes were light brown, and his hair was also brown, which suited him very well. Physically he was better than her ex-boyfriends. And seeing the look in his eyes, he seemed a kind and friendly man.

“Oh, my God…” Clarabelle thought to herself. An increasing sense of nervousness filled her heart.

"Hi, how are you?" Jordan greeted Clarabelle. The sound was crisp, not heavy, and pleasant to hear.

“Hi… fine, I'm fine.” Nervous, Clarabelle returned the greeting.

Everyone who was present laughed at the stiff attitude of the bride and groom. Especially Clarabelle who seemed shy.

“Yes, please introduce yourself first. So as not to mention the wrong name during the ceremony." The leader of the show teases the two. Laughter erupted again among those present.

"I'm Jordan. Jordan Gerald Hayden." Jordan held out his hand.

Clarabelle took Jordan's hand. She was getting nervous. “I… I'm Lala… oops, Clarabelle Aimee Johan.”

“You look great. Lala?" Jordan smiled.

"Yeah, Lala is my nickname. Thank you. You too, are great.” With a flushed face, Clarabelle complimented Jordan back.

“Wow, your hands are so cold. Nervous?” Jordan had not let go of their handshake.

"Yeah, sure. I don't know you, but…”

"I will be your husband," Jordan said, his eyes scrutinizing Clarabelle's beautiful face.

Clarabelle cracked a smile and it was quite charming. Jordan was relieved. The experts turned out to be smart in choosing a wife for him.

"Well, it's the time. Are you ready?” The master of ceremonies took over looking at the bride and groom.

"Yes, I am." Jordan quickly answered.

Laughter sounded again from the row of guests who came. Everyone couldn't wait for the wedding to take place.

Face to face and hand in hand. Clarabelle looked at Jordan with her head slightly tilted. Clarabelle was fascinated. Where did the experts find a guy as cool as this? Ah, her future husband looked so charming and smart.

Jordan looked at Clarabelle with his head slightly lowered. Even with high heels, Clarabelle still looked petite. Even so, her posture was quite plump and good. Jordan wanted to hug her immediately, hugging his wife.

"Before you are legalized as husband and wife, please say your pledge of allegiance." The master of ceremonies led back. "Please the groom first followed by the bride."

Jordan let go of his hand and pulled out a white paper from the pocket of the black tuxedo he was wearing. On that paper, Jordan made a promise that he never thought he would ever say. Moreover, he said to a foreign woman who in a few minutes would become his wife.

"I'm Jordan Gerald Hayden, accept you to be my wife, Lala ..." Jordan thought, he didn't remember Clarabelle's name correctly. But she was called Lala, it was funny too. "Well, Clarabelle, right?"

Clarabelle smiled and nodded with a blush on her face. Everyone laughed. It was funny how marriage between two people who didn't know each other yet.

“I know… Clarabelle Aimee Johan. Yes, I can do it." Jordan smiled widely. “I promise, I will love you for the rest of my life in all situations that we will face. I will learn to know you day by day and will allow myself to be a loyal companion who will be responsible for your life.

"I will make you the light of my life, lead you to happiness even though many unexpected things may happen to us. I promise I will not let you go but will hold you tighter with the love that I, knowingly, will give to you." Jordan looked at Clarabelle. He looked into clear eyes, which were not too wide, but naturally beautiful. The two eyes were also interesting.

Jordan's friends tried not to laugh. It seemed to them Jordan was shooting a film. It was strange to see the playboy making promises as if he was a man to rely on in terms of loyalty.

While Clarabelle, hearing those words, felt a chill run down her heart. She couldn't remember everything Jordan said as a promise, but what she caught was that he would fight to love her for the rest of his life. So sweet.

Clarabelle's turn arrived. With slightly trembling hands, Clarabelle read out the writing on the paper she had prepared.

"I'm Clarabelle Aimee Johan, accept you ..." Clarabelle looked at Jordan. So handsome. But there was also fear in Clarabelle's heart. Was this man really the right man for her? She would say the wedding vows, she would tie herself with the man until the end of her life. She would live with the man she didn't know, for the rest of her life! Was it right?

Jordan waited. The event leader was also waiting. Everyone was waiting.

"Miss Johan?" said the master of ceremonies as he looked at Clarabelle.