Back to You (A Married at first sight story)

Chapter 10-The Newly Weds

The priest starts:

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses to join May Smith Flowers," She holds in her breath as she hears her name. Her eyes are glued into Ji-Cheol's eyes, and their contact doesn't break. They look lost in each other, "and Kim Ji-Cheol in matrimony commended to be honorable among all; and therefore is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, passionately, lovingly, and solemnly."

This was happening. Was this faith or a cruel joke? May didn't know. One thing is for sure, though.

She missed him very much.

"Into this - these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show cause why they may not be joined together - let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

Silent engulfed the room. May was really holding her breath now as she looked down, breaking eye contact with Ji-Cheol.

Waiting for the worst.

Ji-Cheol saw this, noticing her uncertainty as if she was afraid. He looked deep into the crowd making eye contact with everyone on his side; the 'you better not' look, especially his mother who was against the whole thing, and then looked into the brides' side, giving them a pleading look for no one to stand. His expressions gave everyone a laugh. Lighting up the mood.

Seeing no one stand as if synced, May and him exhaled in relief. The priest smiled at this and nodded as May raised her head, looking back at the crown then to Ji-Cheol. Safe. It made her smile. Seeing that, Ji-Cheol couldn't help but do the same. They continued with the wedding.

"Since you are just now meeting each other, let's just pretend you've known each other all your life to get to this moment." The priest joked, getting some laughs from them and the crowd.

"You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. Then, at some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way." At this moment, the memories that May had blocked from her life broke through.

"All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks—all those sentences that began with "When we're married" and continued with "I will and you will and we will" She wanted to laugh at the time they did talk about it, but sometimes put it off because of their crazy schedules.

"those late-night talks that included "someday" and "somehow" and "maybe"—and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding." The words hit the two hard as they nodded; there were a few amens from May's side, it felt like they were in church again.

"The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, "You know all those things we've promised and hoped and dreamed—well, I meant it all, every word." Look at one another and remember this moment in time."

Before May and Ji-Cheol had been arm's length apart, but the priest continued with his words, the two were now holding each other by their elbows, way closer than before.

It felt right.

"Before this moment, you have been many things to one another—acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you."

"Definitely." May thought to herself.

"For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this—is my husband, this—is my wife."