Fated Bonds

Chapter 12: "Wedding Preparations"

The days rolled on, and the atmosphere in the Xiao household was buzzing with energy and excitement. As Zhan stood in the middle of the living room, surrounded by rolls of fabric, flowers, and decorative pieces, he couldn’t help but feel a mixture of exhilaration and anxiety. The wedding was just days away, and everything needed to be perfect.

Zhan’s mother, Xiao Lee, bustled around, directing the staff and ensuring that every detail was attended to. “Zhan, can you help me with these centerpieces?” she called, holding up a delicate vase filled with fresh white roses.

“Of course, Mom!” Zhan replied, moving to her side and taking the vase from her hands. He admired the flowers, feeling their soft petals as he arranged them just the way she liked.

“Perfect! Now, let’s see… we still need to finalize the seating chart, and don’t forget to check on the cake!” Xiao Lee rattled off the to-do list, her voice filled with maternal enthusiasm.

Zhan felt a smile tugging at his lips as he watched his mother. She was in her element, and it was contagious. “I’ll handle the cake. Can you check if the photographer has arrived?”

“Good idea! I’ll do that right now,” Xiao Lee said, hurrying off to check on the arrangements.

As Zhan continued to arrange the flowers, he found himself lost in thought. He wondered how Yibo was handling the preparations on his side. Did he feel as excited and anxious as Zhan did?

Suddenly, his phone buzzed, breaking him out of his reverie. It was a message from Yibo.

Yibo: “Hey, I was thinking we should meet again before the wedding. I’d like to go over some last-minute details with you.”

Zhan’s heart raced at the thought of seeing Yibo again. He quickly replied.

Zhan: “Absolutely! When and where?”

Yibo: “How about tomorrow evening? We can meet at the venue.”

Zhan: “Sounds perfect! See you then!”

After finishing up the floral arrangements, Zhan helped his mother with some of the other decorations. They worked seamlessly together, and with each task completed, Zhan felt a sense of pride in their efforts.

As evening approached, Zhan finished his chores and took a moment to relax in his room. He sat on his bed, staring out the window as the sunset painted the sky in warm hues of orange and pink. It was a peaceful moment, a brief pause before the whirlwind of the wedding took over his life.

As he lay back on the bed, he thought about Yibo. Their last conversation lingered in his mind, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that their bond was strengthening. Zhan felt a flutter of excitement at the thought of spending more time with him.

The next day came quickly, and Zhan found himself at the wedding venue, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves. The hall was beautifully decorated, with strings of fairy lights casting a warm glow over the space. He felt a sense of wonder as he took in the sight.

When Yibo arrived, Zhan’s heart skipped a beat. Yibo looked sharp in a tailored suit, the deep navy color complementing his figure. He approached Zhan with a determined expression.

“Hey,” Yibo greeted, his voice steady.

“Hey!” Zhan replied, feeling an unexpected thrill at the sight of him. “The place looks amazing, right?”

“It does,” Yibo agreed, glancing around. “But we still need to discuss the seating arrangement and finalize our vows.”

“Of course! Let’s get started,” Zhan said, leading Yibo to a quieter corner where they could focus.

As they sat down with the seating chart in front of them, Zhan felt a spark of energy between them. They discussed who would sit where, trying to strike a balance between family and friends.

“I think it’s important to keep your family close to you,” Yibo suggested, glancing at Zhan.

Zhan smiled, appreciating Yibo’s consideration. “And I want to ensure that your family feels welcome too. We can place them on the other side.”

After finalizing the seating, they moved on to their vows. They discussed what they wanted to say to each other, sharing their hopes and promises. Zhan felt a rush of emotion as they connected through their words, each vow a stepping stone toward a deeper understanding of one another.

As they sat in that corner of the hall, Yibo suddenly looked up, a serious expression on his face. “Zhan, I want to talk about something important.”

Zhan’s heart raced at the intensity in Yibo’s eyes. “What is it?”

“I know we’re both entering this marriage with our own baggage,” Yibo began, his tone earnest. “I want you to know that I’m committed to making this work, but I also want to be honest about my past.”

Zhan felt his breath catch. “You don’t have to share anything you’re not comfortable with.”

“I want to,” Yibo insisted, his gaze unwavering. “I’ve never really opened up about my family, and I think it’s crucial for you to understand me better.”

Zhan nodded, encouraging him to continue.

“My parents… they had high expectations for me,” Yibo explained, his voice steady. “I was always the ‘perfect son’ in their eyes—academic excellence, a promising career. It was suffocating. I felt like I had to be perfect, and it left little room for my own desires.”

“I understand,” Zhan replied softly. “That pressure can be overwhelming.”

Yibo nodded, visibly relieved to share his feelings. “I’ve spent so much time building a facade, but I want to break free from that. I don’t want you to feel like you have to live up to some ideal.”

Zhan felt a rush of empathy for Yibo. “You don’t have to worry about that. I appreciate your honesty, and I want to support you in being true to yourself.”

For a moment, the weight of their pasts hung in the air between them, but instead of feeling heavy, it felt liberating. They were both ready to embrace their vulnerabilities.

After a moment of silence, Zhan broke the tension. “So, what do you want to say in your vows? Let’s put this all together.”

Yibo’s expression softened as he began to formulate his thoughts. “I want to promise you that I will always strive to be my true self for you. I’ll support your dreams and passions, just as you’ve supported me.”

Zhan’s heart swelled with emotion. “And I want to promise to be patient with you, to encourage you to let down those walls and share your true self with me. Together, we can build something beautiful.”

As they crafted their vows, Zhan felt a sense of clarity wash over him. They were not just marrying for the sake of their families; they were embarking on a journey together, each step filled with intention and love.

As the sun began to set outside, casting a warm glow through the venue’s windows, Zhan knew that their wedding would be more than just a union—it would be the beginning of a shared life filled with growth, understanding, and love.