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NIKA MÜHL (narrative)
The air feels electric, heavy with the weight of everything that's led to this moment. The flowers, the music, the crowd... none of it compares to what's about to happen. I'm standing here, just outside the doors of the venue, dressed in the most beautiful wedding dress I could ever imagine, and I'm almost numb with anticipation.
My heart is racing as I hold onto the little bouquet of white roses and soft blue hydrangeas in my hands, feeling the soft, cool petals brushing against my fingers. I glance up at the large wooden doors ahead of me, the ones that will open in just a few moments, and I feel my stomach flip. I've imagined this day for so long, but the reality of it feels far more incredible than I could have ever anticipated. I'm about to marry Rylee. Rylee. The woman who has changed my world in ways I didn't know were possible.
My sister, Hana, is standing beside me, offering me a quiet smile of reassurance. She knows how nervous I am—how I've been waiting for this day, for us to take this next step together. And now, it's here. I feel the weight of the vows, of the promises we're about to make to each other, but more than that, I feel the love that has led me to this very moment.
"Are you ready?" Hana asks softly, her voice breaking through the whirl of thoughts in my head.
I nod, swallowing hard. "I think so. I mean, how could I not be? This is it, right? The moment I get to call Rylee my wife. It feels like a dream."
She chuckles, giving me a squeeze on the arm. "It's real, Nika. And you two are perfect for each other. Don't forget to breathe."
As if on cue, I take a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment. My chest rises and falls with the nervous excitement coursing through me. I feel the presence of the people I love—the family, the friends, all gathered here to witness this monumental moment. But none of them matter as much as the woman standing at the altar. The woman who's been by my side through it all, and who will be there for everything that's yet to come.
Then the doors open.
The sunlight from outside pours in, and I catch the first glimpse of Rylee standing at the altar. Her jaw is clenched, her eyes sparkling with something I can't even describe, and I can see the faintest glint of tears in her eyes. The love in her gaze hits me like a wave, and I have to swallow the lump in my throat.
She's beautiful. She's always been beautiful, but today, it's different. Today, she's everything I've ever wanted, and everything I never knew I needed. I smile, trying to hold it together, and begin walking down the aisle, my feet barely touching the floor as I make my way toward her.
I hear the soft murmur of the guests as I pass them, but all I can focus on is Rylee. The smile on her face, the way she stands so tall and proud, waiting for me. I feel like I'm floating, my hand tightly clutching Hana's arm as she walks me down the aisle.
