One Shot Collection #2

20 - A Night to Remember

In the heart of Singapore, a city that exuded both modernity and tradition, Tessa Tan stood in her wedding gown, feeling the weight of the day slowly settle into her bones. The celebrations had been everything she dreamed of—full of laughter, joy, and the kind of love that had radiated from the friends and family surrounding her. But now, as the final dance ended and the clinking of champagne glasses faded into the night, Tessa found herself in a moment she had longed for yet felt unprepared to face: the quiet intimacy of her wedding night.

Tessa, 28, was a woman of grace and strength, having built her career as an architect while balancing a deep love for family and tradition. Born to Chinese-Singaporean parents, she had always carried the values of hard work and loyalty close to her heart. Standing beside her was her new husband, John Lee, a 32-year-old businessman with a gentle demeanor and a determination that had always made her feel secure. He was the kind of man who said little but whose actions spoke volumes. He had proposed with such sincerity, and over the years, his unwavering love had built the foundation of the life they were starting together tonight.

As they walked toward the elevator of the luxurious hotel they'd booked for the night, Tessa felt her pulse quicken. John had always been her rock—calm, steady, reliable—but tonight, there was something in his eyes that made her nervous in the most exhilarating way. She had been with him for years, yet tonight felt like the first time all over again.

John glanced at her as the elevator doors closed. "You okay?" he asked softly, his deep voice grounding her as it always did.

Tessa smiled, a hint of playfulness in her eyes. "Just... I can't believe it's all real. We're married."

He chuckled, leaning closer to brush a kiss against her temple. "It's real, Tess. And it's just the beginning."

The suite door opened, revealing a room bathed in soft golden light. Roses adorned every surface, and the scent of jasmine lingered in the air. The room was everything Tessa could have wished for: elegant, warm, and inviting. John led her inside, his hand never leaving hers. As the door clicked shut behind them, a quiet tension filled the air.

John, always attuned to her emotions, turned to face her fully, his eyes soft yet filled with unspoken desire. "You look beautiful," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, but the sincerity in his words made Tessa's heart flutter.

She laughed softly, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. "You've said that all night."

"And I'll keep saying it," John replied, stepping closer until the warmth of his body was just inches from hers. He reached up, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I love you, Tessa. More than words can say."

Tessa felt her chest tighten with emotion. "I love you too, John," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I always have."

For a moment, they simply stood there, lost in the quiet between them, a shared understanding passing through their gaze. This was it—the moment when their love would transform into something even deeper, more intimate.

John's fingers traced her jawline, and then, with a tenderness that made her breath catch, he leaned in to kiss her. It was soft at first, tentative, as if savoring the moment. But soon, the kiss deepened, growing more fervent as the passion that had simmered between them all night finally broke free.

Tessa's hands found their way to John's chest, feeling the strong, steady heartbeat beneath the fabric of his suit. She had always admired his strength, both physical and emotional. Tonight, though, she felt something more—an intensity in his touch that was both exhilarating and comforting.

As they kissed, the rest of the world seemed to fall away. It was just the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence. Slowly, John began to guide her toward the bed, his lips never leaving hers. Each step felt like a dance, one they had been waiting to perform for so long.