Unravel

CHAPTER • 27

A Promise in Candlelight

Sunlight peeked softly through the curtains, casting golden rays across the room. I groaned, not ready to wake up, and instinctively snuggled closer to Alex.

"Wake up, baby. The ceremony will begin soon," he murmured, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

Ceremony... Aria's wedding.

My eyes flew open in panic. "Oh no," I gasped, grabbing my phone from the nightstand. 8:30 AM. The ceremony starts at noon.

"I'm late! What am I going to do, Alex?" I panicked, pacing around the room.

He stood up, calm as ever, and placed his hands on my shoulders to still me.

"You're not late, sweetheart. Just go take a shower and start getting ready," he said reassuringly.

I nodded and rushed into the bathroom. I stepped into the shower, letting the warm water calm me. I washed my hair, lathered my body with fragrant body wash, and scrubbed away the stress. After the shower, I towel-dried my hair, moisturized my skin, and wrapped myself in a robe before stepping back into the room.

Alex entered the bathroom for his shower while I sat at the vanity, starting with my makeup. Once my base was flawless and my hair was curled into soft waves, I slipped into my red lehenga, paired it with gold heels, and applied the final touch—a delicate pair of jhumkas.

Alex stepped out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel, water still glistening on his abs. I tried not to gawk. Tried.

He walked over and stood behind me, resting his chin lightly on my head. I couldn't help but blush when I caught him admiring me through the mirror.

"Don't be shy. You look absolutely stunning," he whispered, wrapping his arms around my bare waist.

"Alex," I said softly.

"Yes?" Our eyes locked in the mirror.

"I love you."

A gentle smile broke across his face as he kissed my cheek. "I love you more than you'll ever know."

I turned to face him, wrapping my arms around his neck, the joy radiating through my chest.

"I should go check on Aria," I whispered, smiling.

He nodded. "Let's go."

We exited the room, parting ways in the hallway—me heading toward Aria's, and Alex going off to meet Landon.

"Thank you for showing up so early," Aria said, rolling her eyes with a grin.

I checked the time—11:00 AM. Okay, maybe not that early.

"Sorry!" I offered sheepishly.

"Never mind that. Just tell me how I look," she said, twirling.

She looked breathtaking in her red bridal lehenga—every bit the glowing bride.

"I don't even have the words, Aria. You look... divine. Landon's going to faint the moment he sees you," I said honestly.

She laughed, trying to brush off the compliment, but I saw the gleam of excitement in her eyes.

Layla and Chloe entered just then, announcing it was time for Aria's entrance.

The ceremony began, and the mandap was glowing in marigold and jasmine. Landon and Aria sat beside each other as the priest recited the vows during the pheras—seven sacred rounds around the fire that sealed their bond.

I stood beside Alex, his hand finding mine as we silently watched the rituals unfold.

First Phera – A prayer for food and nourishment.
"With God as our guide, let us take the first step to live with honour and respect. Let us walk together so we may be blessed with food."