The wedding everyone had been eagerly anticipating finally came to pass.
This morning, luck was on their side, with the sun shining warmly, and not a cloud in the sky.
The castle was a sight to behold, adorned with vibrant, fragrant, and beautifully blooming red roses along every stairway, stretching out from within its walls all the way to the quaint little chapel behind it.
It was like something out of a fairy tale.
Family and friends from both sides were dressed to the nines, glowing with happiness as they gathered outside, eagerly awaiting the bride's entrance.
"Here comes the bride!"
Evadne's bright and cheerful voice echoed through the castle's grand hall as she, along with Camille and Nydia, accompanied Marilla. Dressed in a stunning white wedding gown, Marilla looked as pure and beautiful as an angel, slowly stepping into view.
At this moment, all the men were already at the chapel, leaving mostly the women from both families present, except for Thaddeus, Jason, and Bennett who had no role in fetching the bride.
Marilla, with her delicate features and serene beauty, looked breathtaking in the simple yet elegant wedding dress designed by Camille, which highlighted her understated elegance without overshadowing her natural beauty.
She shyly lifted her clear, doe-like eyes, smiling sweetly.
Next to her, the roses in the castle seemed to have lost their luster, paling in comparison.
Only she stood out, radiant and unmatched.
Despite her diligent efforts to take care of her health, eating well, taking her medications, and resting with Jareth's support, the winter chill of Bastan still made her shiver slightly, even under the warmth of her thick, white fur shawl.
"Careful, Marilla," Evadne quickly steadied her, with Nydia and Camille also showing concern.
Marilla looked up at Evadne, her beautiful brows knitting together in a moment of self-reproach.
It was heartbreaking for anyone to see.
Marilla had once been tormented by mental illness, faced cold stares, and endured hardships. Now, just as she was about to embrace happiness with the love of her life, fate seemed cruelly intent on taking away her health.
Evadne's eyes welled up with tears, but she gripped Marilla's hand tightly, smiling softly, "It's alright, our Marilla is just a bit nervous, being a bride for the first time."
"We're here for you, Marilla, don’t be scared!" Camille chimed in with a hearty laugh, though her eyes too shimmered with moisture.
Stepping outside, a vintage, luxurious carriage awaited, ready to whisk away its princess to her fairytale wedding.
Marilla blinked her clear eyes, taking in her surroundings.
"Sorry, sorry! I'm late!" Aaron arrived, out of breath and sweating.
"You little rascal, why are you only just getting here? Everyone's been waiting; you're the last!" Suri rushed forward to straighten her son's crooked bow tie and button up his suit jacket, her tone a mix of annoyance and concern. "Your sister, the first lady, traveled all the way from Helgen, arriving the night before last. What could possibly be so important that you couldn't escape in time? Making everyone wait just for you, do you have any shame?"
"Sorry, Mom, the flight was delayed. My fault, my fault," Aaron wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking genuinely remorseful.
"Mom, don’t scold him. He's been working so hard on his cases lately, barely has time to sleep. Go easy on him," Debby said softly, always the peacemaker.
Aaron, seizing the opportunity, pleaded, "Yeah, Mom, show me some love."
"Love my foot!"
Suri couldn’t help but laugh, even as she poked her youngest son in the chest, "Your sister and brother have spoiled you rotten, treating you like a prince. You’ve grown up without a clue, no sense of propriety. You deserve a spanking!"
At the mention of Hubery, Aaron and Debby fell silent, their hearts heavy.
Suri's eyes too filled with tears, but she quickly changed the subject, "Aaron, look, isn’t the bride beautiful?"
Aaron turned, his gaze finding Marilla. Their eyes met in a clean, pure exchange devoid of romantic entanglement.
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