Chapter 4-First Dance

The discomfort of my heels nagged at me as I took my seat, I stole a glance at the empty chair beside mine, a tangible reminder of his absence. Everything about this day felt overwhelming, and it only added to my unease As I sat there, waiting for his return, making it all the more challenging to stay composed.

The thought that he hadn't shared his feelings with me since my sister's abrupt departure gnawed at my mind like a persistent worry. I knew that this wedding was far from what we had anticipated, but his silence left me in a state of uncertainty, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on in his mind.

Minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity, and the growing unease inside me made it difficult to focus on my family, friends, and the celebrations around me. I longed for the return of the man who had been my best friend since childhood, the one I had just married, and yet, felt like a stranger at that moment.

The minutes dragged on, and I couldn't help but fidget in my chair, my eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of Sebastian's return. The well-wishers continued to approach me with their congratulations, their voices a distant hum in the background as my thoughts remained fixated on him.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I spotted him walking back towards me. His expression was a mix of emotions, and I couldn't quite decipher it. As he reached our seats, he took a deep breath and looked at me with a hint of vulnerability.

"Lily," he began, his voice soft and earnest. "I'm sorry for stepping away like that. It's just... this is all a bit overwhelming, you know?"

I nodded, relief washing over me that he had broken the silence. "I understand, Seb. It's a lot to take in for both of us."

He offered me a small, grateful smile. "Thank you for being understanding. I just want you to know that I'm committed to making this work, for our families, and for us."

His sincerity touched my heart, and I smiled back at him, the weight on my shoulders beginning to lift. "I feel the same way, Seb. We'll figure this out together, just like we always have."

As he reached for my hand, the connection between us felt stronger than ever, and I couldn't help but believe that, despite the unexpected turns our lives had taken, our friendship would guide us through whatever lay ahead.

The announcement echoed through the hall, signaling the moment I had been dreading – our first dance as husband and wife. With a shared glance, we made our way to the center of the dance floor, surrounded by our friends and family. The soft, melodic strains of the music filled the air, setting the perfect backdrop for our moment. 

As the familiar notes of "All of Me" by John Legend filled the air, a rush of joy washed over me. I turned to Sebastian, my voice a soft whisper, "It's our song." Memories flooded back, and I couldn't help but reminisce about our high school prom where we had danced to this very song. He had again swept me out of my distress inviting me to the prom as his date. No one else had asked me to be their date that night.

"Yes, I made sure they played it," he replied with a smile.

Sebastian took my hand in his, and I could feel the warmth of his touch as he pulled me closer. His eyes locked onto mine, and in that instant, it felt like we were the only two people in the room. The world around us faded away as we swayed to the rhythm of the song, our bodies moving in perfect harmony.

As we danced, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey that had brought us to this point. From childhood friends to this moment as newlyweds, it was a testament to the enduring bond we shared. Despite the unexpected twists and turns, we had come together, united by marriage and friendship.

The dance felt like a celebration and a day filled with endless possibilities and a future together as husband and wife.

"Have you had anything to eat?" he inquired as the music came to an end. I shook my head in response, and his expression turned notably serious. Without hesitation, he took my hand, guiding me to a nearby table. He seated me and sprang into action, picking up a plate and serving me a meal.

"Bee, please eat," he urged, his voice firm but caring. I began to eat slowly while he watched over me.

Meanwhile, Mark approached our table, striking up a conversation with Sebastian. In the midst of their discussion, Sebastian placed a slice of chocolate cake on a plate and pushed it gently in my direction, silently telling me to eat it.

As I slowly savored the meal, I couldn't help but overhear snippets of Sebastian and Mark's conversation. They seemed to be discussing some business matters related to the families, and I realized the weight of the situation still hung heavily on Sebastian's shoulders. Despite the festivities, it was evident that his mind was preoccupied.

Sebastian glanced over at me from time to time, his eyes filled with concern. It was as though he was trying to balance his responsibilities with his newfound role as my husband.

After a while their conversation changed into lively conversation They talked about everything from old-school memories to their favorite moments as friends. It was a soothing distraction, helping me relax and enjoy the food.

Sebastian, ever attentive, continued to ensure I ate properly, occasionally offering bites of his own meal. It was a silent reassurance that he was there for me, not just as my husband but as my lifelong friend.

Mark, on the other hand, seemed genuinely happy for us. He raised his glass and proposed a toast, "To Lily and Sebastian, a match made in heaven."

We clinked our glasses together, and as the evening progressed, the atmosphere in the room seemed to lighten. The initial tension that had hung in the air began to dissipate, replaced by the warmth of shared laughter and conversation.

The night came to an end, We walked out as I said goodbye to my family.

We sat in the car, the realization struck me that I had been in this very car countless times before, but now I was here as his wife. The familiarity of the surroundings contrasted sharply with the newness of our relationship.

As we neared his home, a wave of worry washed over me. Thoughts of the uncertain future loomed large in my mind. Would he ever be able to forget my sister and love me the way I loved him? It was a question that continued to nag at me, even on this, our wedding night.