Maddie's POV
The morning sun bathed the City of London in a soft glow, casting a warm hue over the cobblestone streets. Mariko and I stood in front of the quaint courthouse, our hands intertwined, a nervous excitement dancing in our eyes. The bustling city around us seemed to fade into the background as we focused on the moment that would bind us together in a new chapter of our lives.
"We are really doing this, aren't we?" Mariko grinned, his eyes reflecting a mix of joy and anticipation.
I chuckled, the fluttering butterflies in my stomach betraying my own excitement. "Yes, we are. It's just you and me taking this step together."
The courthouse, though modest, held the promise of something profound. We stepped inside, the scent of old books and polished wood enveloping us. The clerk
