Undercover Vengeance and Hidden Lies

part 56

*A few weeks later*

Kate had been staying at her mansion with Harper for the past week, focusing on finalizing the wedding details and enjoying some last moments of tranquility before the big day. Matthew, on the other hand, had been alone in his mansion, feeling the absence of Kate and missing her more with each passing day. He had tried visiting her several times, but each time, he was met with a polite excuse.

*Wedding Day*

*Kate's Dressing Room*

Kate stood in front of the mirror, her wedding dress draped elegantly over her, accentuating her beauty in a way that was truly captivating. Ava was helping her with the final touches, while Harper looked with a mix of pride and emotion. Harper's eyes were misty as she watched Kate, her heart swelling with a mixture of happiness and sadness.

Harper spoke with a trembling voice.

Harper: Kate, you look absolutely radiant. I can hardly believe this day is finally here.

Kate turned towards Harper with a smile.

Kate: Thank you, Aunty. I couldn’t have gotten through this without you. Your support means everything to me.

Ava joined the conversation adjusting Kate’s veil.

Ava: And you look stunning. Matthew is going to be blown away when he sees you.

Harper's eyes turned teary.

Harper: I just wish your mother could be here to see this. She would be so proud of you.

Kate: I know, Aunty. I feel her presence with me today. And I know she is smiling down on us.

Harper placed a hand on Kate’s shoulder.

Harper: She is. And Matthew is a lucky man. I just hope you both find the happiness you deserve.

Kate held Harper’s hand.

Kate: We will. I believe in us, and I believe in our future.
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*Matthew's Dressing Room*

In a contrastingly lively setting, Matthew was surrounded by his closest friends and family as he prepared for the wedding. Moris, John, Uncle James, and Tom were there, each contributing their own brand of support and camaraderie.

John spoke playfully.

John: sir, you’re looking sharp. But let’s see if you can keep your cool when you see Kate. I’ve heard she’s stunning.

Matthew: I’m sure she is. And don’t you start with your jokes now. This is a big day for us.  *Matthew spoke grinning*

Moris, who was adjusting Matthew’s tie spoke.

Moris: You’ve got nothing to worry about. You’re going to be great. Just keep calm and remember why you’re here.

James also spoke chuckling.

James: And if you need any advice on keeping your cool, just ask John. He’s got plenty of experience in that area.

Matthew was glaring playfully at John.

Matthew: I’ll keep that in mind. But for now, let’s focus on getting through today.

Tom: Enjoy every moment, Matthew. It’s not every day you get to marry the love of your life.

John winked at Matthew.

John: And remember, if you need a breather, just imagine me doing something ridiculous. It should lighten the mood.

Matthew started laughing at John's comment.

Matthew: I think I can manage without that. But thanks for the offer.

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As the ceremony began, Matthew stood at the altar, his eyes eagerly searching for Kate. The doors opened, and Kate, escorted by her Uncle James, began to walk down the aisle. Matthew's breath caught in his throat as he saw her. She looked like a goddess, her beauty shining brighter than he had ever imagined. Tears welled up in his eyes as he took in the sight of her.

Matthew: Wow, Kate. You’re even more beautiful than I could have hoped for.  *he was whispering to himself*

Kate looked up at Matthew with a smile.

As she reached the altar, they shared a look that spoke volumes. The love between them was palpable, and the anticipation for their future together was evident in their eyes. As priest said to exchange the rings. Matthew spoke.

Matthew: I wanted to say something. *He said looking at priest*

Priest: go on

Matthew: Kate, I wanted to say these for long time. But this opportunity feels better. what I adore is the smile I get on my face, when I talk about you....the sparkle in my eyes when I see you, I'm yours in between the spaces of the 72 heartbeats a minute And at times I love you so deeply that I fail to catch two of those beats too. My heart's filled with love letters for you. They say "I love you" but for me "love is you".

Kate was all teary. Matthew reached his hands forward cupping her face, yet wiping the tears with his thumb. He leaned forward to kiss her.

Moris: YOU CAN'T KISS HER NOW.

Matthew backed off, he was pissed.

Matthew: tch...FINE!!

As they exchanged the rings, priest pronounced Matthew and Kate as husband and wife, a wave of joy washed over both of them. The guests erupted in applause, but for Matthew and Kate, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them.

Priest: now you can kiss the bride.

Matthew's eyes locked onto Kate’s as he pulled her gently towards him. The world around them seemed to fade away as he cupped her face in his hands. His gaze was filled with a mix of love, relief, and sheer happiness.

Without hesitation, Matthew leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, his kiss passionate and filled with all the emotions he had been holding back. It was a desperate, tender kiss, a manifestation of his overwhelming love and the joy of finally calling her his forever.

Matthew: (murmuring between kisses) I’ve waited for this moment forever.

Kate responded with equal fervor, her smile growing as she kissed him back. Her lips met his with a joyful softness, and her arms wrapped around his neck. The kiss was both a celebration and a promise, a perfect culmination of their journey together.

Kate: (whispering, smiling) I love you.

Matthew’s kiss deepened, showing just how much he cherished her. His hands gently stroked her back as he pulled her closer, not wanting to let go. The kiss was a beautiful blend of tenderness and passion, capturing the essence of their love and the beginning of their new life together.

As they finally parted, both of them were breathless, their eyes locked in a gaze that spoke of a future full of shared dreams and unbreakable bonds. The crowd cheered, but for Matthew and Kate, the moment was all theirs—intimate, profound, and utterly perfect.

--To be continued--