Chapter 3- The Day

I was dressed and ready for the day, my nerves on edge as I feared my sister might return at any moment to reclaim her rightful place. Throughout the entire day, I couldn't bring myself to eat. In the morning, as I was getting ready, Sebastian called to inquire about my well-being. His thoughtful gesture was a testament to his caring nature—he had always been this way, checking in on me.

As I anxiously waited for the day's events to unfold, my mother entered the room, her expression a mix of concern and sternness.

"Lily, dear, you need to eat something. It's your big day, and you can't afford to feel weak," she urged gently.

I managed a weak smile, attempting to alleviate her worries. "I will, Mom, I promise. I'm just a little too jittery right now."

My friends, who had gathered to support me, chimed in with encouraging words. Emily, always the optimist, said, "Lily, you've got this. Sebastian loves you and might be like a friend but he does right?  Today is about the two of you, not your sister."

Her words offered a glimmer of hope, and I nodded, appreciating the reassurance. "You're right, Emily. I'll do my best to stay positive." With that, said I looked at my mom who was fumbling with her hands with a tense look.

"Mom, I promise I won't let you or Dad down," I assured her, rising from my seat and taking her hand. Her loving gaze held mine, and at that moment, I felt reassured that my decision was the right one for both our families and for Sebastian.

She sighed, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of regret. "I wish I could run away with you, hide you from this loveless marriage. I'm sorry, my dear. I feel so helpless—I couldn't do anything for your sister, and now I'm unable to do anything for you. Please forgive me." Her hand gently cupped my cheek as she spoke.

I shook my head, my heart heavy with love for my mother. "Please don't blame yourself, Mom. I'm not marrying a stranger; I'm marrying my best friend. I'll be fine, I promise."

Her eyes softened as she looked at me. "Yes, knowing it's Sebastian you're marrying does bring me some comfort," she admitted.

The door swung open, and my dad entered the room, tucked in an elegant suit. He looked at me with teary, dreamy eyes. "It's time, my little flower," he said, and I approached him. I placed my hand around his arm and planted a tender kiss on his cheek. Emily secured the veil, and my mom handed me a bouquet of flowers. As the music began to play, we all made our way out.

With my hand firmly entwined with my father's arm, we stepped out of the room and into the grandeur of the church. The aisle seemed to stretch on forever, and my heart raced with every step closer to the altar where Sebastian awaited.

"You look absolutely radiant, Lily," he whispered, his voice brimming with pride and affection.

I managed a smile, trying to hold back my emotions. "Thank you, Dad."

He then reached into his pocket and retrieved a delicate bracelet, adorned with light blue stones. With gentle hands, he fastened it around my wrist. "I wanted to give you this yesterday, but I couldn't find the right moment. It belonged to your grandmother, dear. A touch of blue for your wedding day."

"It's truly beautiful, Dad. I'll cherish it always," I replied with a warm smile. He nodded in appreciation, and then we arrived at the altar where my best friend, and now my soon-to-be husband, Sebastian, awaited me. My hands started to sweat with anticipation, and the reality sunk in — there was no turning back now.

Sebastian appeared stunning in his suit, even more handsome than he had ever been in my wildest dreams of our wedding. Yet, as I stood before him in the reality of the moment, I noticed a faint smile on his face, but his eyes lacked the bright sparkle they used to hold. I couldn't help but wonder if he had regrets about all of this.

On Sebastian's side, Mark stood with a composed expression, serving as his best man. He was my friend as well, but I knew he had a soft spot for my sister, drawn to her poise and grace. In contrast, I lacked the elegance and grace that she possessed — what if he thinks I am not the right choice for his best friend?

Sebastian stepped forward, and my father gently placed my hands in his. With a solemn expression, my father addressed him, "Take good care of my daughter, Willstone."

Sebastian nodded in earnest agreement.

As I stood before the altar with Sebastian, my heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through me. The soft melody of the organ filled the air, setting the tone for this momentous occasion.

Under the soft glow of the church's warm lights, The pastor, in his dignified presence, led the ceremony that would unite Sebastian and me in matrimony. We stood side by side at the altar, and in his eyes, I saw a tenderness I had never witnessed before. He mouthed the words, "You look beautiful," and I couldn't help but break into a smile. Was this what it felt like to marry your best friend?

In this moment, I couldn't help but ponder the what-ifs. What if my sister had never run away from the wedding? What if I were sitting here, and she stood beside Sebastian? Would he look at her with the same fondness he had in his eyes for me?

The pastor began the ceremony with a gentle smile. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Lily and Sebastian in the sacred bond of marriage. This union is a testament to the enduring strength of friendship and the blossoming of love between two souls."

He then turned to Sebastian and me. "Sebastian, do you take Lily to be your lawfully wedded wife, to cherish and protect her, to stand by her side in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, for as long as you both shall live?"

Sebastian's gaze bore into mine, his voice unwavering as he replied, "I do."

My heart swelled with emotion as I responded in kind when it was my turn, my voice trembling with both nerves and anticipation. "I do."

The pastor guided us through the exchange of vows, and Emily placed the ring in my hand and Mark handed Sebastian the ring.

With our vows exchanged, the pastor continued, "May these rings symbolize the eternal circle of your love, unending and unbroken. As you place the ring on each other's finger, may it remind you of the promises you've made today."

Sebastian delicately placed a ring on my finger, and I mirrored his action, symbolizing our commitment—a promise to stand by each other's side, to love without conditions, and to confront life's trials together. As we stood there, united in marriage, a lingering doubt remained: Would he ever fall in love with me as deeply as I had fallen for him?

Finally, the pastor announced, "By the authority vested in me and in accordance with the laws of this state, I now declare you husband and wife. You may seal your commitment with a kiss."

The word "kiss" reverberated in the air, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Sebastian and I exchanged a hesitant glance, both of us acutely aware of the weight of this simple yet significant act.

As we inched closer to each other, our friends and family watched with bated breath, their faces filled with hope and encouragement. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as our lips drew nearer.

And then, in a moment that felt like an eternity, our lips finally met—a gentle, tender kiss that sealed not only our commitment but also the unspoken promise of a new beginning. It was a kiss filled with the potential of a love that had always been there, patiently waiting to bloom.

But to my surprise, he didn't stop with just a brief peck. Instead, he deepened the kiss, catching me off guard. I struggled to put into words the rush of emotions I felt at that moment.

The church erupted in joyous applause as we pulled away from each other and turned to face our friends and family. We were now not only bound by friendship but also by the sacred ties of matrimony. Sebastian, in an abrupt shift, regained his composure and averted his gaze from me. It seemed the intensity of the moment had caught us both by surprise. I quickly pushed aside my momentary disappointment as our loved ones approached to offer their congratulations and well wishes.

After a brief moment, he locked eyes with me and whispered, "I'll be right back." Then, he stepped away, leaving me standing in the midst of the people, and I couldn't help but wonder if this was a sign of what our future together would be like.