Chapter 1:The marriage ceremony
898 Words
“Stop looking at me like that.”
Ava stood in front of the mirror while her makeup artist carefully adjusted the final touches to her appearance. The elegant white gown hugged her figure perfectly, and for a moment she almost didn’t recognize the woman staring back at her. Behind her, Ethan leaned against the doorway with his hands tucked into his pockets, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. The wedding ceremony was less than an hour away, yet instead of looking nervous, he seemed completely fascinated by her.
“And how exactly am I looking at you?” Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow. His deep voice carried the confidence that had made boardrooms obey him and newspapers write about him. Ava turned slightly and caught him staring again, completely unapologetic about it. The sight made her cheeks warm despite herself. “Like you’ve never seen me before,” she replied, trying and failing to hide her smile.
“Maybe I haven’t,” Ethan said softly as he stepped closer. The teasing expression on his face faded, replaced by something much more sincere. “Every time I look at you, I see something different. Today I see the woman who’s about to become my wife.” His words stole the air from her lungs, and suddenly the room felt much quieter than before. Even the makeup artist looked away politely, pretending not to listen.
Ava laughed nervously and shook her head. “You’re impossible.” She reached out and adjusted the collar of his black suit, though it didn’t need adjusting. Touching him always helped calm her nerves. The reality of the day was finally sinking in, and her heart was racing faster than it had all morning. “Tell me honestly,” she said. “You’re not scared at all?”
Ethan looked at her as though the question surprised him. For a moment, he said nothing, simply studying her face. Then he gently took her hand and pressed a kiss against her knuckles. “The only thing that scares me,” he said quietly, “is a future where you’re not in it.” Ava felt her eyes sting with tears, and she immediately looked away before she embarrassed herself. She had heard him say romantic things before, but somehow this felt different.
The ceremony began beneath a canopy of white roses overlooking the ocean. Guests filled every seat, their excited whispers blending with the soft music floating through the warm afternoon air. Ava’s hands trembled slightly as she stood at the entrance, her father beside her. At the end of the aisle stood Ethan, tall and handsome in his tailored suit, waiting for her. The moment their eyes met, everything else faded into the background.
As Ava walked toward him, Ethan’s expression softened in a way only she had ever seen. This wasn’t the billionaire who dominated business magazines or intimidated competitors. This was simply the man who brought her coffee when she worked late and remembered every little detail about her life. When she finally reached him, he squeezed her hand gently. “You look beautiful,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. Ava smiled through the tears gathering in her eyes.
The vows passed in a blur of emotions and promises. Ethan never once looked away from her as he spoke. “I promise to choose you every day,” he said firmly. “I promise to stand beside you through every victory and every storm. And no matter what happens, I promise that I will never leave you.” The sincerity in his voice was so powerful that several guests wiped tears from their eyes.
Hours later, the wedding celebration was still alive with laughter, music, and dancing. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand ballroom while guests raised glasses in celebration. Ethan spent most of the evening with his arm around Ava, refusing to let her wander far from him. Every time someone congratulated them, he smiled proudly and introduced her as his wife. Hearing that word never failed to send warmth rushing through her chest.
Near midnight, they finally escaped the crowd and arrived at the luxurious penthouse suite reserved for their honeymoon. Ava kicked off her heels the second they stepped inside and laughed with relief. Ethan loosened his tie and poured two glasses of sparkling water before joining her by the window. Below them, the city lights stretched endlessly into the distance. For a brief moment, everything felt perfect.
Then Ethan’s phone rang.
The smile disappeared from his face the instant he looked at the screen. Ava noticed the change immediately. “Don’t tell me work is calling already,” she teased. Ethan forced a small smile, but something in his eyes seemed distant. “I’ll only be a minute,” he replied before stepping onto the balcony and closing the glass door behind him.
Ava watched him through the glass as he answered the call. At first, he listened quietly. Then his expression darkened. His shoulders stiffened, and he ran a hand through his hair in frustration. Whatever was being said on the other end of that call, it was powerful enough to drain all the happiness from his face.
For the first time that day, a strange feeling settled in Ava’s chest.
And she had no idea that by sunrise, her new husband would be gone.
- Writer
