Love Deferred (Andrei Roxas ans Fides Mondragon Story)

chapter 53: the celebration continues

As the speeches wrapped up and the applause died down, the celebration continued with renewed energy. The guests, still moved by the heartfelt words of Erros and Cia, began to mingle once more. Laughter filled the air as old friends reconnected and new memories were created. The atmosphere was one of pure joy and love, as everyone basked in the glow of Marc Alexandrei and Alyza Fides's union.

The live band began to play a soft melody, signaling the start of the evening's more relaxed festivities. The newlyweds were ushered onto the dance floor, where they shared their first dance as husband and wife. Andrei held Fides close, their eyes locked on each other, a silent conversation of love passing between them. The crowd watched in awe, some wiping away tears as the couple swayed to the music, completely absorbed in their moment.

After their dance, the floor opened up, and soon everyone joined in. Parents, siblings, and friends—all found their way to the dance floor. There were light-hearted banters as Stardust playfully teased Andrei about his dance moves, while Goldie encouraged Fides to take the lead. Paulo and Xerex had everyone in stitches as they tried to outdo each other with dramatic dance spins.

Fides's brothers—Erros, Kratus, and Virtus—were not far behind, adding their own charm to the celebration. Erros, ever the protective big brother, danced with Fides, pulling her into a bear hug at the end, while Kratus and Virtus joked about who had the best moves, making everyone laugh.

The triplets—Tyche, Hera, and Fides—soon found themselves in a playful dance-off, twirling and laughing together, their bond shining brighter than ever. Andrei's siblings, Exan and Cia, soon joined the fun, adding their own spark to the lively group. It was clear that this was not just a union of two people but a celebration of two families becoming one.

As the night wore on, Tita Helene, Tita Xerxes, Tita Kathrina, Tito Brixx, Tito Paul, and Tito Light joined in the fun, congratulating the couple with playful banter. "We've been waiting for this day for years!" Tito Brixx laughed, raising his glass in a toast, while Tita Kathrina chimed in, "And it was worth the wait!"

The parents of the newlyweds, Marco and Xandra, and Raphael and Alyzaare in tears of pride glistened in their eyes as they shared stories of Andrei and Fides growing up, each anecdote filled with laughter and a few gentle ribbings. "It feels like just yesterday they were chasing each other in the backyard, and now here they are," Raphael said with a fond smile.

As Andrei and Fides took again  the microphone, the room quieted once more. Their words of gratitude flowed with sincerity, thanking their parents, their second parents—their Titos and Titas—and all their family and friends for being such a significant part of their journey. "We wouldn't be here without all of you," Andrei said, his voice thick with emotion. Fides nodded beside him, adding, "We're so blessed to have such a wonderful family and incredible friends who have supported us every step of the way."

The couple's words were full of love and laughter, and their banter with the crowd lightened the mood. "Also, to everyone who kept teasing us for years about finally getting married—well, here we are!" Fides joked, causing the crowd to burst into laughter and applause.

The celebration continued well into the night. The tables overflowed with delicious food, glasses clinked in endless toasts, and the laughter never ceased. As the evening grew late, fireworks lit up the night sky, a dazzling display of color and light that reflected the joy in everyone's hearts. The newlyweds stood together, gazing at the sky, their hands intertwined, knowing that this was only the beginning of their lifelong adventure together.

The guests gathered for one final toast, led by Erros and Cia, sealing the night with love, laughter, and the promise of a beautiful future for Marc Alexandrei and Alyza Fides.

As the last of the fireworks faded into the night sky, the sound of glasses clinking brought everyone's attention back to the festivities. Erros, the eldest of the triplet brothers, stood up again, a playful smile on his face as he raised his glass high. "To Marc and Fides! May your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old-fashioned enough to last forever!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and laughter, and Cia followed suit, her eyes sparkling. "And may your life together be filled with as many happy moments as there are stars in the sky!" She beamed at the couple, her words warming the hearts of everyone present.

As the evening wore on, the energy in the room remained vibrant. Guests took to the dance floor again, some couples twirling while others formed lines for group dances. Storm and Odette led a fun cha-cha line, while Light and Pearl attempted a complicated dance move that ended in giggles as they stumbled. The joyous atmosphere was infectious, and even those who had initially felt shy found themselves swept into the merriment.

In one corner, a group of the LC Family's daughters and sons—Richmond, Zekie, Chin Mie, Cole, and Amethyst—gathered to share their well wishes for the newlyweds. "You two have always been meant for each other!" Richmond exclaimed, nudging Zekie, who chimed in, "Remember all those times we caught you two sneaking off together as kids? We knew this day would come!" Their playful banter was filled with warmth and nostalgia, making Andrei and Fides chuckle.

Meanwhile, at another table, Tita Helene and Tita Xerxes reminisced about their own weddings, sharing tales of laughter, mishaps, and the importance of love and support in any marriage. Tita Kathrina joined in, saying, "Just remember, it's not always about the big gestures. Sometimes it's the little things that keep love alive."

As the night progressed, the banquet continued with delicious dishes being served, laughter resonating through the air, and heartfelt conversations filling the gaps. Marco and Xandra shared a look, their hearts swelling with pride and joy as they watched their son and his beloved celebrating this significant milestone surrounded by those they loved.

Soon, it was time for the cutting of the cake. The wedding cake, a towering masterpiece adorned with delicate floral decorations, stood at the center of the banquet hall. Andrei and Fides approached the cake, smiling at one another as they held the knife together. "On the count of three?" Fides asked playfully. "Always a team!" Andrei replied, chuckling.

"One, two, three!" they exclaimed in unison, cutting the cake amid cheers and applause. They shared the first bite, feeding each other with laughter and smeared frosting on their noses, bringing everyone to laughter once again.

As the cake was served, guests savored the sweet treat while continuing to share stories and memories of Andrei and Fides, solidifying the bonds of friendship and family. There were toasts, dances, and moments of quiet reflection as the newlyweds took time to appreciate their loved ones.

At one point, Stardust pulled Andrei aside, grinning mischievously. "So, when are you planning to have little Andrei Jr. running around?" he teased, and Andrei chuckled, playfully rolling his eyes. "Let's get through the honeymoon first!"

The night wore on with more dancing, more laughter, and even some karaoke moments. The atmosphere was electric, filled with joy and excitement. The couple joined their friends on the dance floor, moving to the rhythm of lively music, feeling the love and happiness radiating around them.

As the celebration neared its end, Andrei took Fides's hand, leading her outside for a moment of fresh air. The night sky was adorned with stars, and a gentle breeze flowed, offering a tranquil contrast to the vibrant party inside. They stood together, taking in the beauty of the moment.

"Can you believe we finally did it?" Fides asked softly, her eyes shining. Andrei smiled, wrapping his arms around her. "I've been waiting for this day for what feels like forever. You're my dream come true, Fides."

"And you're mine," she replied, leaning in to kiss him tenderly.

As they embraced, the sound of their loved ones enjoying the celebration filled the air, and they both knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey together. With hearts full of love and surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, they returned to the banquet, ready to create more memories on this special day, the first of many as husband and wife.

The dance floor filled once again as they joined their guests, the night filled with love, laughter, and promises of a bright future together. The celebration continued, a tapestry of moments woven together, reminding everyone present of the power of love and the joy of togetherness. And as the clock ticked towards midnight, it was clear that this wedding would be cherished in the hearts of all who attended for years to come.