Fated Bonds

Chapter 15: "The Day Before"

The day before the wedding arrived, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement and nervous energy. Zhan awoke early, the sunlight streaming through his curtains, illuminating his room with a warm glow. Today was all about final preparations, and he could hardly believe how quickly time had flown.

After a quick breakfast with his family, Zhan decided to head to the venue for a final walkthrough. He wanted to ensure everything was perfect and address any last-minute details. As he made his way, he felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety fluttering in his stomach.

Upon arriving at the venue, Zhan was greeted by the wedding planner and a flurry of activity. The staff was busy setting up the chairs, adjusting the floral arrangements, and testing the sound system. Zhan felt a surge of pride at the beautiful atmosphere being created for his special day.

“Zhan! There you are!” the wedding planner exclaimed, rushing over. “Everything is coming together perfectly. We just need to finalize the seating arrangements and ensure the centerpieces are ready.”

“Great! Let’s get started,” Zhan replied, eager to dive into the details. They worked closely, discussing the layout and making adjustments as needed. Zhan felt more at ease as he focused on the task at hand, channeling his nervous energy into something productive.

As they worked, Zhan’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out to find a message from Yibo.

Yibo: “Hey, are you at the venue? I was thinking we could meet for lunch.”

Zhan: “Yes! I’m here with the planner. I’d love to see you!”

Zhan quickly finished the seating arrangements, eager to take a break and spend time with Yibo. He stepped outside to catch some fresh air and wait for his fiancé.

Minutes later, Yibo arrived, his presence instantly calming Zhan’s nerves. He wore a fitted shirt and casual pants, exuding an effortless charm that made Zhan’s heart skip a beat.

“Hey,” Yibo said, a genuine smile on his face. “How’s everything going?”

“It’s coming together,” Zhan replied, feeling the weight of the last few days lift slightly. “I was just about to grab a bite. Want to join me?”

“Absolutely,” Yibo said, falling into step beside him as they headed to a nearby café.

Over lunch, they talked about their families, the wedding, and everything in between. Zhan loved hearing Yibo’s perspective on things; he had a way of making even the most mundane topics feel significant.

“Have you thought about what you want to do after the wedding?” Yibo asked, leaning forward with curiosity.

Zhan paused, considering the question. “I guess I haven’t really thought about it. I’m so focused on the wedding itself that I haven’t planned beyond that.”

Yibo nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I get that. But I think it’s important for us to envision what comes next. We’ll be married, and that’s a big step.”

“True. I suppose we could start thinking about our honeymoon or even our living situation,” Zhan said, feeling the excitement of new possibilities. “I just want us to have a solid foundation as we begin this journey together.”

“Agreed,” Yibo replied, his eyes brightening. “I think it’s essential for us to set some goals as a couple. That way, we can support each other as we navigate life together.”

Zhan felt a sense of warmth spread through him at the thought of building a future with Yibo. “I love that idea. Let’s make a list of what we want—both short-term and long-term.”

They spent the remainder of lunch brainstorming ideas and laughing as they discussed their hopes and dreams. Zhan found himself more at ease, feeling a sense of connection growing between them.

After lunch, they returned to the venue, ready to tackle any remaining tasks. As they walked through the space together, Zhan noticed how much easier it was to communicate with Yibo. Their bond felt stronger than ever, and he could see them becoming a true team.

Later that evening, Zhan’s family hosted a small gathering to celebrate the night before the wedding. Close friends and relatives filled the home with laughter and cheer, and Zhan felt a sense of joy as he watched everyone mingle.

As the evening progressed, Zhan found himself in the backyard, surrounded by twinkling lights and the scent of blooming flowers. He spotted Yibo across the yard, engaged in a conversation with Zhan’s father. They appeared to be discussing something serious, but Zhan couldn’t hear their words.

Feeling a surge of curiosity, Zhan approached, ready to join the conversation. As he got closer, he overheard snippets of their discussion.

“Zhan is a wonderful son,” his father was saying, “but this marriage is a significant commitment for both of you.”

“I understand,” Yibo replied, his tone respectful. “I want to be a good partner to Zhan, and I’m committed to making this work.”

Zhan felt a swell of pride at Yibo’s response. It was reassuring to know that he shared the same dedication to their relationship.

“Good. I trust you’ll take care of him,” Huang said firmly.

Zhan cleared his throat, making his presence known. “Hey, what are you two talking about?”

Both men turned to him, and Yibo smiled. “We were just discussing how important this marriage is and the responsibilities that come with it.”

Zhan nodded, feeling grateful for the conversation they were having. “I appreciate that, Yibo. I want us to be on the same page as we start this new chapter.”

“Absolutely,” Yibo replied, his gaze steady and sincere. “We’re in this together, Zhan.”

As the night wore on, Zhan felt the love and support of his family surrounding him. It was a reminder that while they were embarking on a journey of their own, they would always have their families backing them up.

Before heading to bed that night, Zhan sent Yibo a quick message.

Zhan: “I’m really glad we talked today. It makes me feel more secure about everything.”

Yibo: “Me too. Tomorrow will be the start of something amazing.”

Zhan: “Goodnight, Yibo.”

Yibo: “Goodnight, Zhan.”

As Zhan closed his eyes, he felt a sense of peace enveloping him. The journey ahead would be filled with challenges and growth, but he knew they would face it together, hand in hand.