My lover is my boss (LingOrm)

34 - The Ceremony

Orm's pov

The room fell silent as the music softened, and all eyes turned to Ling and me standing at the altar. The space was bathed in warm, soft light, with flickering candles lining the aisle and white roses adorning every corner. The quiet intimacy of the moment wrapped around us like a gentle embrace, and I felt a wave of calm wash over me. Ling's hand was in mine, steady and warm, her eyes locked onto mine with a love so powerful it took my breath away.

The officiant cleared her throat, smiling at us both. "Welcome, family and friends, to this beautiful celebration of love. Today, we are here to witness and honor the union of Orm and Ling, two souls who have chosen each other as life's greatest gift."

I glanced out at the crowd, spotting my mother's proud smile, Becky's barely contained tears, and Yoko's supportive nod. Each face radiated love and warmth, filling the room with an energy that felt almost sacred. Ling's mother, Ms. Kwong, sat near the front, her expression soft, her eyes shining with pride.

Ling's hand gently squeezed mine, bringing me back to her. I looked into her eyes, seeing the promise, the patience, and the quiet strength that had been there from the very beginning. She was the steady presence that anchored me, and now, I was about to make her my forever.

The officiant turned to Ling. "Ling, would you like to share your vows first?"

Ling nodded, her voice steady but carrying the depth of her emotions as she looked at me. She took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Orm," she began, her voice soft yet resonant, "from the moment I met you, I knew you were someone I could trust, someone who saw me for who I am. You brought light into my life in ways I never knew I needed. You've been my confidant, my strength, and my best friend. Today, I promise to be your partner in all things—to support you, to stand by you, and to cherish you. I promise to respect you, to challenge you, and to love you deeply and fiercely, every day, for the rest of my life."

I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes as her words settled over me. Her gaze was so open, so honest, it felt like she was laying her whole heart in my hands. I squeezed her hand, feeling a warmth in my chest that was almost overwhelming.

The officiant smiled at me. "Orm, would you like to share your vows?"

I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady myself as I looked at Ling, the woman who had shown me the kind of love I'd always dreamed of.

"Ling," I began, my voice trembling with emotion, "you are my strength, my laughter, and my safe place. Being with you feels like coming home, and today, I want to promise you the same sense of peace and love that you've given me. I promise to stand beside you in every season, to be your comfort in the storms and your joy in the sunlight. I promise to love you with everything I have, to be patient, kind, and to support you as we grow together. I'm yours, Ling, now and always."

I saw a tear slip down her cheek, and without thinking, I reached up to brush it away. She caught my hand, holding it against her cheek, and in that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

The officiant continued, her voice soft. "Ling and Orm, you have expressed your love and commitment to one another in your own words, and now it is my honor to guide you through your vows to seal this beautiful union."

She turned to Ling. "Ling, do you take Orm to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor, and cherish through every joy and challenge, for as long as you both shall live?"

Ling's gaze softened, and with a voice steady and full of warmth, she replied, "I do."

The officiant turned to me, and I felt my heart swell as she asked, "Orm, do you take Ling to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor, and cherish through every joy and challenge, for as long as you both shall live?"

My voice was barely a whisper, but it carried every ounce of love in my heart. "I do."

The officiant smiled, nodding at our friends Charlotte and Yoko, who stepped forward with the rings. Ling and I each took a ring, exchanging quiet glances filled with excitement and love.

Ling lifted my hand, slipping the ring onto my finger. Her touch was so gentle, reverent, as if she were handling something precious. "With this ring," she murmured, her voice filled with quiet emotion, "I give you my heart, my soul, and my life."

I took her hand, my fingers trembling slightly as I slipped the ring onto her finger. "With this ring," I whispered, "I give you all of me. Now and forever."

The officiant's smile was radiant as she looked between us. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you wife and wife. Ling and Orm, you may seal your vows with a kiss."

Ling's eyes sparkled as she leaned toward me, her hands resting gently on my waist as she pulled me close. Our lips met in a kiss that was tender yet filled with a quiet intensity, a kiss that held the weight of all our promises, all our dreams. The world faded away, leaving just the two of us, bound by the love we had chosen and the life we would now share.

A cheer erupted from our family and friends, and as we pulled apart, I looked into Ling's eyes, seeing a mixture of joy, relief, and pure happiness. She took my hand, and together, we turned to face the room, greeted by the smiling, tearful faces of everyone we loved.

The ceremony may have ended, but the celebration of our new life together had only just begun.