KISS'S POV
The dress breathed.
That was the only way I could describe it.
Soft white silk flowed around me like it was alive, hugging me gently, reverently, as though it understood the weight of the moment. Delicate lace traced my shoulders and arms, trailing down my back like whispered promises. The veil shimmered faintly under the morning light, pinned carefully into my hair.
I stared at my reflection.
For a moment, I didn't recognize myself.
Not because I looked different— but because I looked whole.
Augustina stood behind me, hands resting on my shoulders, her eyes suspiciously shiny.
"Don't cry," she warned. "If you cry, I'll cry, and then we'll both ruin our makeup."
I laughed softly. "You're already crying."
She sniffed. "That's irrelevant."
The room buzzed with quiet excitement. Stylists moved in practiced silence. Flowers perfumed the air—white roses, lilies, a hint of jasmine.
My father stood near the window, hands clasped behind his back.
He turned slowly when he saw me.
And just like that… the years of distance, silence, misunderstandings collapsed into one fragile moment.
"Kiss," he breathed.
I swallowed. "Dad."
He stepped closer, his voice rough. "You look… beautiful."
Not you look good. Not you look fine.
Beautiful.
"I wasn't sure you'd come," I admitted quietly.
He met my eyes. "I wasn't sure I deserved to. But you're my daughter. Nothing changes that."
My chest tightened.
Before I could respond, Augustina clapped once sharply. "Alright, emotional reunion later. Bride walking down the aisle in ten."
My heart skipped.
Ten.
ADRIAN'S POV
I had faced wars. Negotiated with men who smiled while planning betrayal. Stood unmoved in rooms full of danger.
None of that prepared me for waiting.
The hall was breathtaking—an open cathedral of glass and white marble overlooking the sea. Sunlight streamed through tall arches, illuminating rows of guests dressed in elegance and power. Every detail was perfect.
Too perfect.
Isaac adjusted his cufflinks beside me, grinning. "You look like you're about to walk into battle."
I exhaled slowly. "This feels bigger."
He nodded, unusually serious. "It is."
My father stood a few steps away, posture firm, eyes observant. My grandmother sat proudly in the front row, her cane resting against her chair like a symbol of authority no one dared question.
"She's strong," my grandmother said suddenly, without looking at me. "The kind of woman who survives storms."
I nodded. "She's more than strong."
The music shifted.
Soft. Anticipatory.
Isaac's grin widened. "She's coming."
I turned.
And the world—
Stopped.
ADRIAN'S POV (CONTINUED)
Kiss stepped into view.
Time fractured.
Her dress caught the light like something sacred. Every step she took felt deliberate, powerful, graceful. Her eyes searched the room—
Then found mine.
Everything else disappeared.
I forgot who I was supposed to be. Forgot the weight of my name. Forgot the eyes watching.
All I saw was her.
Isaac leaned in, whispering, "Brother… breathe."
I didn't realize I had stopped.
When she reached me, I saw the slight tremble in her fingers.
I took her hand immediately.
"Hey," I murmured. "I've got you."
Her lips curved softly. "I know."
KISS'S POV
Standing beside Adrian felt like standing inside certainty.
His hand was warm. Steady. Anchoring.
I glanced around.
His father. His grandmother. My father.
Family members who once doubted, once judged, now sitting quietly, witnessing.
People who never thought we'd stand here.
Augustina met my gaze from across the aisle, eyes shining with pride. She gave me a tiny nod.
You made it.
Then—
A familiar presence stirred.
Chris stood near the back, dressed simply but elegantly, hands clasped in front of him.
Our eyes met.
He hesitated.
Then walked forward slowly, respectfully.
Adrian tensed slightly beside me.
Chris stopped at a careful distance.
"Congratulations," he said sincerely, his voice calm. "You both look… right."
I searched his face for bitterness.
Found none.
"Thank you," I replied softly.
He nodded once, eyes lingering on me—not possessively, not painfully.
Just… letting go.
"Take care of her," he said to Adrian.
Adrian studied him for a long moment.
Then nodded. "I will."
Chris smiled faintly—and stepped back.
As he did, I noticed Ashley's absence.
For once—
Silence was her choice.
ADRIAN'S POV
The vows echoed in my chest long before I spoke them.
"Kiss Hilson," I said, voice steady but thick with emotion, "you came into my life quietly… and changed everything loudly. You challenged me. Softened me. Made me want more than survival."
Her eyes filled.
"I promise to stand with you. Protect you. Choose you—every day. Even when the world tries to pull us apart."
Her breath trembled.
When she spoke, her voice carried strength wrapped in tenderness.
"Adrian," she said, "loving you wasn't easy. But it was honest. With you, I learned that love doesn't cage—it frees. I choose you. Not because I need you… but because I want to walk this life with you."
The words sank deep.
When the officiant smiled and said, "You may kiss the bride,"
I didn't hesitate.
I leaned in—
Slow. Reverent. Certain.
Applause erupted.
Cheers. Tears. Laughter.
But in that kiss—
It was just us.
KISS'S POV
As he kissed me, I knew something unshakable.
This wasn't a fairytale. This was a choice.
And no storm— no past— no enemy—
Would ever undo it.