Stupidly In Love Again

Chapter 57

NATALIA'S POV

Inilapag ko ang kandilang sinindihan ko sa harap ng puntod.

"My wedding will be in five days, La. How I wish you were also there watching me while I walk down the aisle." I whispered while looking at her tomb. Tears started to fall down my cheeks.

Lumapit si Alexander dala ang bulaklak at nilapag iyon sa puntod. Pagtayo niya ay lumapit siya sa akin para akbayan ako at halikan ang aking noo.

"I'm finally marrying your apo, La. I promise you that I'll take care of her — just like what I promised to you before." he said, smiling like he was just talking to Lola in front of him, alive and smiling.

Ilang minuto rin ang tinagal namin sa museleum bago kami nagpasyang umuwi. Kinabukasan, bumalik din kami agad sa siyudad dahil malapit na ang kasal.

Alexander had his bachelor party while I had a bridal shower — all organized by our parents and friends.

I can't help but be amazed at myself while looking at the full-length mirror, wearing the wedding gown I chose.

It's a white, off-shoulder ballgown embellished with Swarovski crystals — shimmering with every breath I take.

"Finally." I whisper to myself.  "I'm getting married... after so many years."

My mom entered the room, holding my bridal bouquet with both hands like it was something sacred. She smiled softly as she handed it to me, and the moment I took it, I couldn't help but admire how beautiful it was — a delicate masterpiece of white peonies and lily of the valley, each bloom whispering elegance and grace.

Wrapped around the handle, tied delicately with silk ribbon, was a small, gold locket. My fingers instinctively brushed over it, my heartbeat slowing as I gently opened it. Inside was a tiny photo of my grandmother — the woman who raised me, guided me, and loved me with a kind of love that never asked for anything in return.

In that quiet moment, it felt like she was right there with me — her love woven into every petal, every breath, every heartbeat.

Everything happened so fast.

In just a blink, I found myself standing in front of the church, preparing to walk down the aisle.

And then... the doors opened.

When they finally opened the doors for my entrance, I couldn't help but shed tears the moment I saw Alexander waiting for me at the altar. There he was — the love of my life — standing tall, eyes filled with warmth, love, and everything we had fought for.

As I took my first step forward, it all came rushing back — the struggles, the pain, the joy, and every moment in between that led us here. No more almosts, no more maybes. This is it. This is real.

We've been through so much, and today, I couldn't be more proud. Because today, no one is leaving. No one is letting go.

Today, I'm coming home.
And he is my home.

"I, Alexander Ferran Parama Sanford, take you, Natalia Isabel Martinez, to be my lawfully wedded wife — to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part." Alexander said.

"I, Natalia Isabel Miranda Martinez, take you, Alexander Ferran Sanford, to be my lawfully wedded husband — to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part." I followed, my voice steady despite the emotions swelling in my chest.