Chapter One Hundred and forty three

My legs shook underneath me and were going to give way if I wasn't careful enough.

I blinked rapidly, inhaling and exhaling in quick successions.

"You do know you guys aren't actually getting married again and just reaffirming your vows right?"

That was the ever so realistic Brianna.

"It just feels different. Very different from the first time. And worse still my dad isn't here with me." I finally let the dams flow.

"Oh no baby. Group hug guys!" She hollered, calling for all ladies in the room asides the stylists.

We were situated in one of the rooms in the West wing. For some reason Ma Rosa thought it was a bad omen for us to see each other before the ceremony. We were already married so what was the fuss? I asked, but everyone else agreed, boxing Damien and I into a tight corner.

The week had been hectic and filled with work and we hadn't had time for each other. Putting us apart for the last two days was hell especially because we hadn't had any good action throughout the last one week.

"You'll do great. It's just a renewal, you're already married, remember that." Brianna said.

I nodded and when the hug broke apart, I took time to admire myself in the large mirror.

Simple looking makeup that highlighted my natural features. An elegant bridal hairdo with a mass of curls bouncing behind my head. A pale pink and white bouquet, held by well manicured hands. So entrancing!

And the dress? Oh! Where do I start? Whoever designed it must have had me in mind.

A radiant white fitted lace bodice, thin glittery straps with an illusive plunging neckline guarded by lace. It hugged my hips, showing off my figure in a way that wasn't sensual. It flowed like a dazzling lake all around me, telling the story of elegance at its very best.

At the sound of a knock, I came out of my trance.

Marissa's face popped out from the slightly open door.

"It's time." She announced.

I let out a shaky breath as everyone filed out one after the other with their pale pink dresses almost blinding me.

Brianna was my chief bridesmaid so she stayed back and pulled the door open for me while she went behind to hold my train as I walked out.

We crossed over to the east wing and the cameraman began recording my exit from the house. It was a private event so phones weren't allowed, just photographers so we could keep memories.

I soon found myself outside taking soft majestic steps out of the house and then took a right turn towards the garden.

****

Third Person's POV;

White arcs, rows of seats on both ends and more rows of flowers lined up either sides of the rug that made up the aisle up until the podium where the officiant stood by the dashing groom who had the widest smile anyone could imagine.

The soft sound of the piano soon filled the place, signifying the bride's entry.

All at once, they rose on their feet staring in awe at the ethereal beauty that approached slowly.

Ariana blinked back more tears as she took those careful steps. Fervent in her mind were the memories from just a year before. Just last year, she had her father by her side walking her to meet with the man she thought she hated. Just a year ago, her life took an extraordinary turn. So many ups and downs and a lot more drama than she thought she'd ever witness.

This time, though walking the aisle alone, she knew better than to think she actually was. She had faith in the fact that her father was present and was watching her make the right decision of being with the man the universe had chosen for her in the weirdest way possible.

A broad smile made its way up her beautiful face when her eyes met the ones of the man that made her heart beat. The one who opened her eyes to what true love meant. He smiled right back.

Damien relived that day over again, the very first time she approached him on the altar in a white dress looking like an angel. She was his angel, made specifically for him only. A year ago, she looked like she'd do anything to be away from him and not take those vows but this time, the glow was a lot more than makeup and great skin, it was that one that came with being happy, genuinely happy.

He watched as she handed her bouquet over to her friend before turning to face him, putting her hands in his.

This beauty in front of him was out of this world. How did he get so lucky? He thought.

"You're too beautiful for words." He said only to her hearing. Her cheeks warmed as she mouthed her thanks.

The minister faked a cough bringing the attention of the lovestruck couple back to him.

"We're gathered here today to witness the reaffirmation of vows between Mr and Mrs Damien Kingston."

"The husband may proceed with his vows."

Damien heaved a breath before squeezing her hands in his affectionately.

"I rehearsed for this but the very gorgeous woman in front of me just made me forget my lines." He said, humouring the crowd and further amusing his wife.

"I'm just going to say it straight from my heart then." He cleared his clogged throat.

"When we first got married, I didn't think there was ever going to be a chance for us cause you always hated my guts." His eyes glazed over.

"But ever since I met you, you rocked my entire world. And, little by little, I could not allow myself imagine my life without you in it. I want to say that I'm sorry for the several times that I hurt you. Thank you for being so forgiving and patient even when all you wanted to do was to punch my handsome face." He said, ending his sweet narrative smugly.

"Cocky as always." She said with a shake of her head, causing the crowd to erupt in mild fits laughter. He grinned cheekily, showing off his dimples.

"I love you with every fiber of my being, and the heavens bless the day you came into my life. I promise to love you to the best of my ability, treat you like the queen that you are. I promise to be more present and have time for you, for as long as I live. I love you babe."

He ended his speech that was followed by an applause.

Ariana wiped her teary eyes. How was she going to measure up to that speech?

"For the last one year, you have taken me to places I'd never thought I'd see in my entire life. The moment you came into my life, everything changed. I was scared of that change but you have proven that with you, I have nothing to worry about." She sniffled.

"I have cried, laughed and felt at peace with you and even when I didn't want to admit it to myself, I loved you. And with every day that passes by, I see more reasons to love you more and more. Thank you for being the best husband to me. I promise to love you and stop getting angry over little things, I promise to trust you more, to respect you as my head, for as long as we live. I love you."

He reached over and touched their foreheads as he wiped her eyes. He thumb padded over his tearstained cheeks as well.

And the crowd wasn't left out in the spill of emotions. The love radiating from the both of them was infectious. Too beautiful to be scathed. Not perfect, but pure.

"On our wedding day, I pledged to love you for better for worse. This past year has greatly tested those vows. So today, with this ring, I reaffirm my words to love you in sickness and in health, to renew our vows of love, honour and fidelity, till death do us part." He said and slid the ring on to her finger, accompanied by a mild applause.

She repeated his words and actions in the same manner.

"As you have renewed your vows here today in front of family and friends, know that the Almighty is smiling upon you. Live true to the vows you have made here today. Congratulations. You may now seal your vows with a kiss." The officiant said.

This was the moment they had been waiting for. Their lips latched onto each other's in a passionate lock.

Sparks flew and in that moment, nothing else mattered, no one else did.

He pulled away and stared at her like she was the most precious thing ever.

"Nuestro amor es por siempre." He said. (Our love is forever.)

"Siempre." She intertwined her pinky finger with his. A promise that would never be broken. (Forever.)