4

Elara shut her eyes, tears squeezing out of it. She was weak when she was supposed to be strong. It's not as easy as she thought it'd be, she didn’t know they'd be having a real court wedding.

Alex gave her his handkerchief, she touched her eyes with it not to ruin her makeup by wiping her face.

He looked at her, without care in his eyes. He believes it's none of his business, she'd be fine.

Elara’s gaze turned to him, how can he say such a thing? Doesn't he know the gravity of the vows?

“You'll be fine.” He whispered. Elara scoffed and rested her head back on the chair, hoping this would end, she'd leave to be alone in a room and cry her pain out.

He held his own file, having it in mind that this is just a fake wedding nothing else. Though he knew deep down he's just trying to be strong, he was hurt deeply.

Then he started reading;

“I Alexander Harrington is sitting here beside you, feeling something deeper than excitement, something stronger than certainty. I feel a quiet, unshakable truth settle in my heart, the truth that choosing you is the easiest and most important decision I will ever make. I didn’t come here today as a perfect man. I came here as someone who has learned, grown, stumbled, and risen again. And through it all, somehow, life led me to you. Not by accident, not by chance, but in a way that feels intentional, like every step I took before today was preparing me for this moment.”

Elara and Alex exchanged glances before he continued.

“You are not just the woman I love…you…you are the woman who understands me in ways I didn’t think were possible. You see me clearly, even the parts I try to hide, and instead of turning away, you stayed. You choose me, again and again, even on the days when I’m difficult to love. And that has changed me. Before you, love was just a word I understood in theory. But with you, it became something real. Something calm. Something that doesn’t run when things get hard. You taught me that love isn’t just about the beautiful moments, it’s about the quiet ones, the difficult ones, the moments where we choose each other even when it would be easier not to. I love the way you laugh, the way you think, the way you care so deeply about the people around you. I love your strength, especially in moments when you don’t even realize how strong you are. And I love the way you’ve become my peace in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Today, in this courtroom, without grand decorations or a crowd of people, what we have feels even more powerful. Because this isn’t about the setting. It’s about the promise we are making. It’s about two people deciding, with full awareness of what life can bring, that they will stand side by side no matter what.

And so, I make these promises to you. I promise to stand with you, not just in the good times, but in the moments that test us. When life becomes uncertain, when things don’t go as planned, when we feel lost or tired, I will not walk away. I will stand beside you, and we will find our way forward together. I promise to listen to you, not just to your words, but to your silence. To understand you, to respect you, and to never dismiss what you feel. Your voice matters to me, always.” he read with a calm voice.

Alex sighed, the words stabbing his heart, he somehow wished he married his girlfriend at that moment because all these words were meant for her not another woman. But she broke up with on their wedding and now he has to marry someone else. He would've waited for her but his reputation matters here and he can't disappoint his family because of someone who doesn’t want him in her future.

He continued again.

“I promise to grow with you. I know that we won’t be the same people years from now as we are today, and that’s okay. We will evolve, we will change, and through it all, I promise to keep choosing you in every version of our lives. I promise to protect what we have. Not out of fear, but out of love. I vow to nurture our relationship, to put in the effort, to never take you for granted. Because what we are building together deserves care, attention, and intention. I promise to be honest with you. Even when the truth is uncomfortable, even when it’s difficult to say. Elara Wilson, you deserve transparency, not perfection.”

Elara looked at him, their eyes locked, heart beating faster than normal.

“I promise to support your dreams as if they were my own. To encourage you when you doubt yourself, to remind you of your strength when you forget it, and to celebrate every victory, big or small. I promise to love you not just in words, but in actions, In the way I treat you, in the way I show up for you, in the way I choose you every single day. I know that marriage is not always easy. There will be challenges, misunderstandings, and moments where we may feel distant. But even in those moments, I promise to fight for us, for you, for us, for the life we are building together. Because loving you is not something I want to do only when it’s easy. It’s something I choose, even when it’s hard. You will forever be my partner, my best friend, and the person I want to share every chapter of my life with. From the quiet mornings to the chaotic days, from the laughter to the tears, I want it all, as long as it’s with you.”

His grandmother touched his shoulder, she noticed his voice was already cracking in the process.

“Today, I take you as my wife, not just for this moment, but for every moment that follows. For every day we wake up side by side, for every challenge we face, for every dream we chase together.This is not just a promise for today. It’s a promise for a lifetime. And no matter where life takes us, no matter what changes or stays the same, there is one thing that will never change, I will always choose you, today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.” He read, his voice a bit shaky, tears gathered in his eyes but he swallowed it quickly before anyone could see.

Elara has never imagined her life with someone that takes vows as nothing. Looking at him she knows all he read means nothing to him.

“Now, please sign the certificates.” The officiant ordered. They were given pens and they both signed.

They both stood up, to exchange rings.

Elara watched him insert the expensive looking diamond ring in her fingers.

She inserted his own ring in his fingers too.

“I pronounce you as husband and wife.”

His family applauded them, even screamed, they're so happy for him.

“You may kiss the bride.” The officiant added, smiling brightly. He has seen couples before but not as beautiful as them.

“No!” Elara blurted before she could control it.