Marry Me.

Chapter Eight.

The day had dawned, a day both anticipated and feared. The day Nolan and I were to embark on the journey of marriage, a day that held the potential for a lifetime of shared moments. The mansion teemed with excitement, a flurry of activity as guests arrived, bridesmaids and groomsmen readied themselves, and everyone awaited the grand event.

But amidst the joyous chaos, my heart was a tempest of unease. Daphne was nowhere in sight, and a knot of worry gnawed at me. The thought of beginning this new chapter without her was agonizing. Fueled by equal parts fear and determination, I initiated a frantic search for her.

I combed through the ornate hallways, calling out her name, my footsteps echoing in the vast corridors. Panic threatened to overpower me as moments stretched into eternity. Just as despair began to take hold, I heard a soft whimper—a fragile sound that tugged at my heart.

Following the sound, I rushed to our shared bedroom. And there, amidst the sea of white satin and lace, I found Daphne, her tears staining her delicate features. My heart shattered at the sight of her pain, and I hurried to her side, enfolding her trembling form in my arms.

"Daphne, my love," I whispered my voice a blend of tenderness and urgency. "What's wrong? Please, let me in."

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked up at me, her eyes filled with sorrow and vulnerability. "Nolan, I'm overwhelmed," she confessed, her voice choked with emotion. "The weight of expectations, the fear of the unknown... it all became too much. I began to doubt if I was ready if we were ready for this step."

Her anguish tore at my heart, amplifying the love I held for her. I kissed her tear-stained cheeks, my touch gentle and comforting. "Daphne, I understand. But remember this—I love you with every fibre of my being. Together, we can conquer anything. We don't need to have all the answers now. We just need each other."

She clung to me as if I were her lifeline. "But what about the wedding? Our families and friends? Will they understand?"

I brushed a strand of hair from her face, determination blazing in my eyes. "Love, our union is about us. It's about the promises we make to each other, the vows that will bind us. If we're not ready today, then let's wait. Let's create a day that reflects our hearts, where our love shines brighter than anything else."

Relief and hope rekindled in Daphne's eyes, gratitude mingling with her emotions. She nodded, her faith in our love renewed. "Yes, Nolan. Let's do it our way when the time is right."

With renewed purpose, I wiped away her tears, my touch soothing her wounded spirit. Side by side, we stood, our hands intertwined, ready to confront the world as a united force—unyielding, steadfast, and true to our hearts.

Entering the grand hall, silence fell over the crowd. All eyes were on us, but instead of the anticipated ceremony, I advanced with newfound resolve, my voice ringing with conviction.

"Ladies and gentlemen," I began, my gaze locked on Daphne's. "Today, we stand before you to announce that while our hearts are prepared, our souls are not. We choose to postpone this celebration until a time when our love can truly shine."

Whispers of surprise and confusion rippled through the assembly, but I stood firm, the intensity of my love for Daphne radiating through my words. "Our love deserves patience, and we pledge that when the time is right, we'll honour our commitment in a manner that reflects the depth of our love and the strength of our bond."

Understanding and acceptance settled over the crowd, my declaration resonating with their hearts. The disappointment of a delayed wedding was outweighed by the raw honesty and beauty of my words.

And so, instead of a wedding, the day transformed into a celebration of love and resilience. Friends and family embraced us, their support and understanding unwavering. Laughter filled the air as the evening wore on, mingling with the melodies that played softly.

Holding Daphne close, we swayed to the music, our bodies moving in harmony. We had chosen—to prioritize our love, to build a foundation that could withstand the tests of time.

Under the starry sky, I leaned in, my lips brushing against Daphne's ear. "My dearest, I love you. Today didn't go as planned, but I promise you, our love will carve a future more beautiful than we ever dreamed."

Gratitude and adoration sparkled in her eyes. She nestled her head against my chest, hope blooming anew in her heart. "I have faith in us, Nolan. Together, we'll weave a love story that defies expectations and stands strong against time."

With the stars as our witnesses and our love as our guide, Daphne and I danced into the night, our hearts entwined, our souls forever linked. The promise of forever stretched ahead, a blank canvas awaiting the colours of our enduring love.