Chapter 5

Elma's heart pounded in her chest as she sprinted through the church doors, escaping the confining walls that now seemed suffocating. She stumbled down the stone steps, her white dress billowing around her, tangling in her hurried strides. Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the raindrops that fell from the darkened sky above.

"Elma! Wait!" a voice called out from behind her. She recognized it as Gael’'s, the man who had just whispered those words that had sent her into a frenzy of emotions. She ignored his pleas, pushing herself to run faster, desperate to find solace in the chaos of her thoughts.

The sound of her own ragged breathing filled her ears as she dashed through the rain-soaked streets. She was a blur, her surroundings nothing more than a blur of colors and indistinguishable shapes. The memories flooded back, unrelenting and vivid, each one more painful than the last.

She found herself at a nearby park, seeking refuge among the ancient trees and the gentle rustling of leaves. Collapsing onto a damp bench, she hugged herself tightly, trying to steady her trembling body. The memories engulfed her, crashing against the fragile walls she had built to protect herself.

"Elma!" Gael's voice pierced through the haze of her thoughts, and she looked up to find him standing a few feet away, raindrops clinging to his hair and clothes. His eyes reflected concern, a mirror to her own tumultuous emotions.

She blinked, momentarily startled by his sudden appearance. The weight of her emotions lifted as she realized she wasn't alone. Gathering herself, she managed a weak smile. "Gael, what are you doing here? I thought you would have left by now."

Gael approached her cautiously, his steps slow and deliberate. His voice softened as he spoke, his worry evident. "I couldn't leave without knowing if you were okay. What happened in there? Why did you run?"

Elma's voice trembled as she spoke, her words a jumble of pain and confusion. She lowered her gaze, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "I... I can't... I couldn't... I'm not ready," she stammered, struggling to find the right words. "I'm sorry, Gael. I'm sorry for running away."

Gael knelt down in front of her, his gaze unwavering. He reached out, his fingers gently tilting her chin to meet his eyes. "Elma, you don't have to apologize. I understand if it's too much for you," he said, his voice filled with empathy.

Tears continued to flow down Elma's cheeks as she looked into Gael's eyes, searching for understanding and finding a glimmer of hope. Her voice quivered as she spoke, her vulnerability laid bare. "I... I just need some time," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I need to clear my head, make sense of everything."

Gael's thumb brushed against her cheek, wiping away the tears. His touch was comforting yet delicate, as if he feared she might shatter at any moment. "Take all the time you need," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "But remember, Elma, we are in this together. Whatever is bothering you, we can face it together."

Elma nodded, a mixture of gratitude and fear coursing through her. She had kept her struggles hidden for too long, letting them fester within her. But now, Gael stood before her, offering his support without judgment. The weight of their contract marriage hung in the air, a reminder of the unconventional circumstances that brought them together.

Gael reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. "I know our marriage is just a contract, Elma," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "But I want to be more than that. I want us to be partners, to face our problems together, whether they're contractual or emotional."

Elma looked at their joined hands, her heart clenching with a mix of apprehension and longing. She had never expected to find solace in this arrangement, but Gael's unwavering support was slowly eroding her doubts. She took a deep breath, steeling herself to share the truth that had haunted her for so long.

Elma nodded, her heart still heavy with the weight of her emotions. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and allowed Gael to guide her back to the church. Her mind was consumed with the memories that had resurfaced and the overwhelming uncertainty of her own feelings.

As they stepped through the grand wooden doors of the church, the soft creaking sound echoed through the empty hall. The guests, who had been left bewildered by Elma's sudden departure, turned their attention to the returning bride. Whispers and concerned glances followed her every move, creating a palpable tension in the air. Elma could feel their eyes on her, but she remained resolute, focused on the task at hand.

Gael held Elma's hand firmly, offering her silent reassurance as they made their way down the aisle. The familiar scent of incense filled the church, mingling with the nervous anticipation of the guests. Elma's footsteps echoed softly on the polished marble floor, each one a testament to her determination.

They reached the altar, where the priest stood patiently, his gentle smile offering solace in the midst of uncertainty. The room seemed to hold its breath as the couple took their places before him. The priest, a tall man with silver hair and a kind face, sensed the gravity of the situation and began the wedding rites, his voice resonating through the sacred space.

"Dear friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Gael and Elma in holy matrimony," the priest began, his words carrying a weight that matched Elma's emotions. "Marriage is a sacred bond, a commitment of love and devotion between two souls. It is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and growth. Today, we come together to bless this union and to affirm the love that Gael and Elma share."

Elma's gaze never wavered as the priest continued, his voice guiding them through the sacred rituals even as he said them again. Each word seemed to echo in her ears, reminding her of the significance of the moment. Gael's presence beside her provided a sense of grounding, his unwavering support giving her the strength to face the uncertainties that lay ahead.

"Do you, Gael, take Elma to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for as long as you both shall live?" the priest asked, his eyes fixed on Gael.

Gael's voice, filled with unwavering conviction, rang through the church. "I do," he replied, his words carrying a depth of emotion that resonated with everyone present.

The priest then turned his gaze to Elma. "And do you, Elma, take Gael to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for as long as you both shall live?"

Elma's voice trembled slightly, her emotions threatening to spill over. "I do," she said, her eyes locked with Gael's, conveying a promise that went beyond words.

The priest smiled warmly, his voice carrying the weight of years of solemnizing unions. "May the rings, symbols of your love and commitment, be exchanged as a testament to the vows you have made."

Gael gently slipped a golden band onto Elma's finger, his touch gentle yet filled with unspoken promises. Elma reciprocated, placing a matching band on Gael's finger, their eyes locked in a moment of profound connection.

The priest then raised his hands, his voice resounding with reverence. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your union with a….."

Gael's quickly leaned towards the priest, whispering something into his ear. The priest's eyebrows arched in surprise, but he quickly composed himself and nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.

Clearing his throat, the priest addressed the gathered congregation, his voice filled with warmth and humor. "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have a couple with extraordinary talents in our midst. Gael and Elma have requested that we skip the traditional kissing part of the ceremony. Perhaps they don't want to showcase their exceptional abilities to the rest of us mere mortals," he joked, earning a chorus of laughter from the guests.

Elma couldn't help but blush, grateful that Gael understood her discomfort with public displays of affection. His thoughtful gesture warmed her heart, reaffirming their deep connection and understanding. She glanced at Gael, his eyes filled with love and support, and silently mouthed a "thank you" to him.

The priest, still wearing a playful smile, continued with the ceremony. "In lieu of the kiss, let us instead celebrate this union by sharing our well wishes and blessings with Gael and Elma. May their love be a beacon of hope, a source of strength, and a reminder of the beauty that exists in this world."

The guests, touched by the couple's decision and the priest's lightheartedness, began to offer their heartfelt congratulations. One by one, they approached Gael and Elma, embracing them warmly and expressing their joy and support.

As the ceremony progressed, Elma couldn't help but steal glances at Gael. She saw the concern etched on his face, mixed with a steadfast determination. He seemed resolute in his decision to stand by her side, regardless of this marriage just being a contract marriage.

The room erupted into applause, but Elma's heart still felt heavy, burdened by the unspoken words and unresolved emotions that lingered between them.

As the doors of the church swung open, sunlight streamed in, bathing the congregation in its warm embrace. The guests stepped out into the courtyard, where an atmosphere of celebration awaited. Elma breathed in the fresh air, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Perhaps everything would be alright.

While mingling with the guests, Elma suddenly heard a loud voice from behind her. "What were you thinking, Elma?"