Illicit Cravings

RECONCILIATION

For the past six months, Jayden and Mia decided to ask their families for forgiveness. They might have been in love but that doesn't mean they were right. To do that, they send letters every week, which went unanswered and just last week they sent their wedding invite.

Mia couldn't help but think that they might not acknowledge it.

Jayden pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Stop worrying about it, babe,” he says, his voice reassuring. “Just focus on us—on the bright future ahead of us.“

Mia managed a small smile and nodded.

“Come here.“ He pulled her into an embrace, holding her head to his chest.

__________

Two weeks later

Elara stood behind Mia who was seated on a couch in front of the mirror in the hotel dressing room.

She was wearing a vintage wedding dress, hair styled beautifully and a simple makeup to complement her natural beauty. She looks so beautiful. Ethereal. Yet the storm inside her never cease.

“You look beautiful, Mia,” Elara says with a wide smile on her lips. She held Mia's shoulders tightly. “You would look more beautiful with a smile.“

Mia managed a tight smile. “I don't know—I just feel sad.“

Elara crouched lower beside her, took her hands in hers. “I know, but today is your wedding day. You should be the happiest person today. And who knows? They might come.“

Mia nodded. “You're right. I will do my best to be happy.“

“Yes. That's my girl,” Elara says.

The door creaked open and one of the bridal stylist came in. “It's time for the bride to walk down the aisle.“

“Alright.“ Mia stood, grabbed her bouquet and together, they made their way out of the room.

The event hall was lavishly decorated and filled with guests who had come to celebrate with the couple.

Jayden stood in a black tuxedo suit on the altar, smiling broadly at her, but Mia wasn't staring at him.

Her eyes darted around the crowd. Looking for their family, but they weren't there. Her heart sank, but she quickly masked her expression and tried to stay happy.

Mia stood at the grand entrance of the hall, a vision in white, her fingers tightening around the bouquet. The air buzzed with anticipation. But just as Mrs. Hartley reached out to take her arm, ready to walk her down the aisle—Mia felt a presence beside her.

A familiar one. An unexpected one.

She turned slowly. And froze. Her breath caught in her throat.

“Dad?” she whispered, disbelief etched across her face.

There he stood. Her father. Dressed in a dark suit, eyes glassy with emotion, a soft smile trembling on his lips. Mia blinked several times to make sure she was seeing correctly, her vision blurring. “Dad?” she repeated, louder now.

Mr. Grant nodded with a smile playing on his lips.

And then she screamed, “Daddy!” before throwing herself into his arms.

Mr. Grant caught her, holding her close like he’d never let go again. “I’m here, baby girl. We received all your letters. I’m sorry it took so long,” he murmured, voice thick with tears.

More footsteps echoed through the hall.

Her mother, Mrs. Grant. Her sister, Maya. Jayden’s parents. And Javier.

Mia gasped in shock and pulled away just in time to be enveloped by her mother’s embrace. “I’m so sorry,” Mia sobbed. “I didn’t mean to humiliate you. I didn’t—”

“Shh, don’t cry, sweetheart,” Mrs. Grant whispered, pressing a thumb to wipe off a tear from her cheek. “You’ll ruin that lovely makeup. You look so beautiful, my baby.”

Mia smiled tearfully as she turned and hugged her sister tight, then Jayden’s mom, who cupped her cheeks. “You make a very pretty bride,” she said, blinking back her own tears. “I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.“

Then came Javier. The man she had hurt. Her ex-husband.

She hesitated; she didn't know what to say to him. How to react around him. She had imagined this moment over and over again in the last six months but now that is unveiling, the feeling is truly overwhelming.

But Javier didn’t hesitate. After everything that has happened, he realised that he was also at fault. He deceived her, and took her for granted. Then he realised, maybe he didn't love her enough. Because if he did, he wouldn't have lied to her. He wouldn't have chosen his job over her.

He pulled her in and held her close. “Come here,”he murmured. “It's fine, Mia.“

Mia didn't say a word. She leaned into him, her chest pounding.

Jayden approached slowly, eyes shining, barely keeping it together as he shook his father’s hand, embraced his mother, and hugged Javier briefly before turning to Mia’s father.

“Thank you,” Jayden said simply, voice rough with emotion. “Thank you all for coming. This means so much to us.“

The room was quiet. All watching. All wondering.

Then the officiant cleared his throat with a warm smile. “We can catch up after the ceremony. But for now—let’s make it official, shall we?”

Everyone chuckled softly.

Mia’s father took her hand gently and placed it on his arms. “Let’s go, my daughter.”

She nodded, heart pounding.

As the music swelled lightly in the background, Mia walked down the aisle on her father’s arm, eyes locked with Jayden’s. Every step felt like a dream. A second chance.

When they reached the altar, her father kissed her temple and placed her hand in Jayden’s.

“You take care of her,” he whispered.

“I will, sir. Always.”

The vows were simple, honest, and full of love. When Jayden said “I do,” his voice cracked with emotions, and Mia had to wipe away another tear before saying hers.

Then they kissed.

And the room erupted in applause.

The pictures after the ceremony were filled with smiles, laughter, hugs. And tears. So many tears—this time, happy ones.

______

The next day

The family sat by the beach, waves gently lapping the shore, sunlight warming their skin.

Bryan played in the sand, his giggles carrying in the breeze.

Jayden sat beside Javier, both barefoot, their pants rolled up, waves touching their ankles.

“I forgive you, brother” Javier said after a long pause, watching the sea. “Took me a while. But I do.”

Jayden blinked, his jaw tightening as he nodded. “Thank you, man. That means everything.”

Javier glanced at him with a half-smile. “Just don’t break her heart like I did. Or I’ll have to break your nose.”

Jayden laughed, voice light with relief.

Minutes later, Jayden walked away.

Meanwhile, Mia walked toward Javier with two coconuts. She sat beside him and handed him one. “Hey.”

“Hey,” he replied smoothly.

They sat quietly for a while—the tension thick between them before Mia whispered, “I’m sorry, Javi. I shouldn't have broke the vows of our marriage. I swear I didn't mean to hurt you.“

He looked at her, softened. “Its fine, Mia. I broke our marriage first—by deceiving you. But I’m glad you’re happy. That’s all that matters.”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

The silence lingered again, before Mia spoke again. “So, are you in a relationship now? Would you want to remarry someday?“

Javier laughed lightly. “Nah,” he said, shaking his head. “I don't want to get married for now. I love my job so much, so I'm dedicating myself to it. And again, since I can't bear children —marriage isn't the next thing for now. I'm looking into curing my illness. After then, I can think about marriage,” he explained.

Mia nodded.

Later that afternoon, Bryan crawled into his grandparents’ laps, being spoiled with gifts, candy and attention. Maya braided Mia’s hair with shells while her mother told funny stories from Mia’s childhood. Jayden’s dad and Mia’s dad discussed fishing and laughed over cigars. The tension and heartbreaks of years faded like footprints on the shore.

_______

One week later

They left. With hugs, tears, promises to visit and calls.

Mia, Jayden, and Bryan returned to their home. A quiet, sunny place that overlooked a garden.

Their life wasn’t perfect. But it was theirs.

Together.

In love. Truth. Unity.

Even though their beginning was stormy and forbidden, they had found peace in each other.

And they lived happily ever after.

Despite everything.

Despite everyone.

Their love remained forever.