After All

Ryoma and Rio's wedding

The historic Church of Our Lady of the Worthless Miracle stood as a testament to generations of love and legacy. Nestled in the heart of Sierra de Oro, its grand stone facade, weathered but elegant, loomed over the bustling streets. The large wooden doors, intricately carved with stories of saints and miracles, creaked open to a flood of light from the stained-glass windows inside. Rays of soft color bathed the pews in hues of blue, gold, and crimson, casting a sacred warmth over the awaiting guests.

Inside, the pews were already filled with murmuring voices, the excitement palpable in the air. Today was a special day—the day. Ryoma Marino, the eldest grandson of the powerful Marino family, was about to marry Rio Ojeda, daughter of the respected Ojeda family. For both families, the wedding marked not only a union of two hearts but of two influential families, deeply woven into the city's fabric.

The crowd's attention turned as the groom's family entered first.

Karl Marino, Ryoma's grandfather, walked beside his wife, Riho, leading the Marino procession down the aisle. Karl, still commanding attention despite his years, wore a sharp, tailored suit. His eyes, though softened with age, held the same sharpness that had carried him through his years as mayor. Riho, graceful and poised, clutched his arm, her silver hair tucked elegantly beneath her lace-trimmed hat. Behind them, Karl and Riho's children followed—Rafael, Ryoma's father, stood tall, with his son, Amadeo, beside him. Rafael's daughters—Monica, Isabella, Tsubasa, and Ashley—glided down the aisle with soft smiles, their pastel dresses shimmering under the sunlight. The sight of Katarina, Nozomi, Kyoko, Bianca, and the other Marino sisters—Jasmine, Mako, Marla, Maya, Rina, Jessica, Natsume, Sahoko—was enough to draw appreciative whispers from the guests. Each carried herself with an elegance that only the Marino women could master.

Muro, Kazuki, Takeru, and Gaku, Ryoma's uncles, followed closely behind, exchanging proud glances with one another. They were pillars of strength in the family, each standing by their father's legacy.

On the bride's side, Eugene Ojeda, Rio's father, stepped up beside his wife, Casey, their faces beaming with pride. Eugene's sisters, Coco and Cookie, fluttered about, adjusting the flowers in their hair and greeting familiar faces. Sylvia, Rio's grandmother, sat proudly in the front row, her posture straight, and her eyes brimming with tears as she awaited her granddaughter's grand entrance.

Suddenly, the soft hum of the organ gave way to a single, sweet note. All eyes turned toward the door as Rio appeared, arm-in-arm with her father, Eugene.

Rio looked radiant in her flowing ivory gown, the lace detailing tracing delicate patterns along the bodice. Her veil trailed behind her, cascading like a river of soft silk. She took a deep breath, her heart fluttering with anticipation. The weight of tradition, of love, and of future possibilities felt heavy, but in the best possible way. As her father led her down the aisle, the entire church seemed to fall into a reverent hush.

Ryoma, standing at the altar, turned the moment he saw her. His breath caught. Dressed in a classic black tuxedo, his usual composed demeanor faltered for just a moment as his eyes filled with emotion. Rio was stunning, but more than that, she was his—his partner, his love, his future.

When Eugene handed Rio to Ryoma at the altar, there was a quiet moment of acknowledgment between the men, a nod of respect. Ryoma gently took Rio's hands in his own, and they shared a private smile, as if the world had faded away and it was just the two of them in that grand, beautiful space.