Love in a Winter Wedding

A few months later

(Author’s POV)

After Olivia’s surprise birthday party, the next move on everyone’s agenda was Sterling and Phoenix’s wedding. The media went crazy when it was announced on both their social media handles.

It was a few days to the wedding and preparations were in top gear. Olivia was hired to take care of the interior décor job, the caterers were all getting set; after all, it was the most anticipated wedding of all time, the designers were almost done with the bridal trains’ dresses and of course, the bride of the hour, her wedding dress was going to be customized just for her.

While Phoenix and Sterling were at home, getting set to fit into their wedding attires, Sterling’s phone rang and he looked at the caller ID before answering the phone.

“Hey, buddy, what’s up?” Sterling said, smacking his lips as he stared at Phoenix who was so engrossed in watching Emerald play with her teddy.

“Hey, man; the man of the hour, how do feel getting married to the love of your life?” Denzel teased Sterling.

“I feel elated, man; I won’t lie. It has been what, almost two years of ups and downs, two years of having each other’s backs and man, I tell you, every day, I count her as one of my greatest blessings,” Sterling said, pouring praises on Phoenix.

“Okay man, stop; don’t go too far with this. I didn’t ask you to read your vows put loud to me,” Denzel stopped Sterling from saying more.

“Oh please, you will understand how I feel when it’s time to get married to Olivia,” Sterling retorted.

“Yeah but until then, say no more,” Denzel said, laughing.

“You are crazy; what’s the update?” Sterling asked, getting serious.

“About that, well, Allen and his accomplices will serve time. His cohorts will serve minimum time of maybe 6 months while Allen serves up to 3 years; after all, it is rape. Then Mr. Mills is being jailed in a correctional center; hopefully when he comes back after a few years, it must have regained his senses but honestly, I don’t think that I will ever be able to see him the same light ever again, even though I didn’t know the man personally. I also got wind of the fact that Phoenix’s mother visits him once in a month, I don’t know why but I don’t think Phoenix knows about that whole arrangement. So, this is me, telling you that you have nothing to worry about when it comes to those people,” Denzel reported.

“That’s great, anything else that I need to know?” Sterling asked, just to be double sure.

“Yeah, I am sure that since you acquired the name KING OF BUSINESS, you also acquired some enemies along with that title and I know that you know that already and thank God that you haven’t slacked in any area to give them an opportunity to undermine your authority but either way, all of your top competitors are being watched closely. So, if anyone dares to try anything, we will get to them first; after all, you have dirt on all of them,” Denzel finished his report.

“You know, Denzel, If you hadn’t accepted to be my friend, I wonder how I could have coped all alone and you know how grateful I am,” Sterling stood up from his chair and waked towards Emeralds cot and stared deeply into her eyes.

“I know that man, so don’t get all mushy on me right now but you know what, I gotta go take care of some last minute stuffs at the office and I hope that you do know that it is time for you to find another Secretary, it is time I took over from the family business since I have already found what I was looking for,” Denzel said.

“Yeah, I will get that sorted after the wedding but for now, please keep on holding the fort,” Sterling said and looked up when he felt a light tap on his back.

“Babe, the designers are here,” Phoenix said, before picking Emerald up from her baby cot and heading to the living room to get fitted.

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8th of December (The day of the wedding)

(Phoenix POV)

A few hours from now, I will be getting married to the man who meant everything to me. Funny how someone whom the world saw as ruthless could even come to this point of getting married after meeting me, a totally stranger with a horrible past but here I was, in my dressing room, getting ready to go to the church and meet my knight in shining armor and our little princess.

Everything was going well, my hair stylist and make-up artist were already doing an incredible job with my facials and all my friends, who were all part of my bridal train, were getting their facials done after fitting into their dresses; I was the only one who was yet to put on her dress and I couldn’t wait to see their reactions at my dress.

My wedding dress majorly consisted of a very thick white lace with intricate designs on it, upper part consisted of a corset, the neck was a very crafted turtle neck and the hands were a free one and then my veil was attached to the back of my wedding dress, making it flow down to the hem of the wedding gown which was super long; making me look like a princess.

My shoe was a glittering silver summer high heels, with white puffs on it. The wedding dress and the shoe was just a great combo.

After everything was set, I got dressed and like I predicted, everyone in the room was stunned and I couldn’t blame the, because I was equally stunned to. I looked like a lady from a fairytale. I got them to get out of their trance and start heading for the church, seeing that we were already late.

In the car, out of nowhere, I starting feeling butterflies which meant that I was extremely nervous and it didn’t go past my friends.

“Hey, are you feeling okay?” Ollie asked, with a concerned look on her face and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Yeah, I am okay; I am just trying to process it all. I mean, never did I think that I’d get so lucky like this,” I said, as my eyes stung with tears.

“Come on, don’t cry or else you will ruin your make up,” Debbie said, squeezing my hand in a comforting gesture and it warmed my heart.

“Yeah, please don’t cry on us. You look really gorgeous and no, you didn’t get lucky, you earned every result you are reaping now. Sterling should be the one feeling lucky for having such a rare gem like you,” Liyah said, and I couldn’t help but agree with her a bit.

I sighed, “I am so happy that I am sharing this moment with all of you; I don’t take it for granted, ever!” with tears threatening to spill out of my eyes.

“Alright, enough of this mushy feeling in the air, we are here,” Olivia said and I looked up, indeed, we were parked in front of the church. Good thing that the entrance to the church wasn’t out front and one had to pass through the lobby before getting in.

Getting out of the car, I took in a breath of fresh air and walked towards the lobby and while doing that, I heard the very famous bridal song being sung by the church choir

‘Here comes the bride’

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(Sterling’s POV)

My princess and I got to church on time and I handed her over to both her grandmothers, seeing that they sat on the same pew. Myself, Denzel, Clifford and Victor, Olivia’s brother stood right where we were supposed to stand and waited for the bride to come patiently.

It felt like an eternity then I heard the church orchestra play the ever famous bridal song ‘Here comes the bride’ and I knew that she was here and as if on cue, everyone in the church stood up.

The bridal train, all looking very stunning walked in front of Phoenix so I couldn’t get a closer look at her for some seconds but as she drew nearer, I froze in my spot; it felt like I had just seen a fairy straight out of a fairytale--- there were no words to describe her!

I didn’t know when tears trickled down my cheeks until she spoke to me, “Babe, why are you crying?” after saying that, she held my hands in hers and squeezed them lightly. I came out of my daze, took a handkerchief out of my pocket and quickly wiped the tears out of my eyes while hearing some chuckles behind me; clearly from my groomsmen.

“You look just perfect; you are perfect to me,” I said, smiling like a complete idiot.

“Well, you look like a Greek god and I am glad that I get to keep you forever,” She said and I grinned brightly like a Cheshire cat.

Looking at her, time seemed to have faded away until I was tapped from behind and told that it was time to say my vows. I chuckled and then cleared my throat lightly before saying what I really felt instead of the written vow I tried so hard to construct.

“Phoenix, I am so happy that I get to call you mine officially before God and man. I am so in awe of you that just right now, I got lost in your eyes. You probably might not remember this but I started stalking you the night after it seemed like you had just had your worse breakup,” I heard her laugh and so did the others in the congregation too. Then I continued, “It is funny how I made Denzel spy on you all the time and that fateful day came when that whole incident ensued at that alley and after that, we got talking and it looked like luck had finally smiled my way. We both had our past and we didn’t think we’d get through it, considering the fact that we both had our companies to run but in between the ups and downs and moment when you made me scared to death for your life, we also healed each other in our own way. Redeeming The CEOs is what I would like to call this journey of ours because that is what happened and here we are, starting our forever journey with our bundle of joy, Emerald and I am so glad that I get to do this with you; I would say cheers to forever with you but I’d have to wait for the reception. I love you, Phoenix Mills,” words poured out of my mouth the way it was in my heart.

Priest: Miss Mills, please say your vows.

“I guess you have already said everything and I will be very brief. When we first started, I didn’t think that we’d be here but here we are. I am doing forever with the man who had seen me bare and not judged me because of my past. Sterling Tyrell, I love you with all my heart and from this day, I am really sure that I want to make more babies for you,” Phoenix ended her vow with a laugh before looking at me and I felt like she was communicating her words to me through her eyes.

Priest: By the power vested upon me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride.

The priest didn’t need to say it twice because I was already locking lips with her and I could hear the crowd whistling and clapping.

Everything happened like a rush and before we both knew it, we were outside and it was time for Phoenix to throw her bouquet. A lot of ladies lined up to catch the bouquet but surprisingly, Phoenix didn’t throw it; instead she turned forward and walked towards Olivia with the bouquet in hand and handed it over to her.

My goodness! Denzel was going to propose to Olivia and he didn’t even tell me about this. From the look of things, only Phoenix was aware of the proposal and even she didn’t let me in on the secret. I admit that I was hurt but I still had to watch everything play out.

When Phoenix handed over the bouquet to Olivia, a mixture of excitement and confusion was clearly written all over her face and before she could ask Phoenix what was going on, Phoenix redirected her gaze; as though she was looking at something behind Olivia which she clearly was and Olivia had no other choice than to look behind and to her amazement, she found Denzel behind her.

I knew what was going on in her mind which was a typical reaction but before she could even say a word, Denzel went on one knee and brought out a tiny velvety box and opened it, revealing a very stunning diamond ring.

Amidst the mushy atmosphere, everything that went on reminded me about how some months ago, I also popped that question to Phoenix that got us to where we were now; the beginning of our forever and I couldn’t help but smile at everything that was going on.

“Ollie, I know that we’ve known each other for a few months but it feels like eternity to me, so, would you do me the honor of being my wife? Will you marry me?” Denzel said those words to Olivia and tears streamed down her cheeks but she said yes, making Denzel glow with happiness.

I moved towards Phoenix and whispered to her, “You knew about this and you didn’t let me know?”

“I would have said something but Denzel told me not to say anything,” she shrugged and I just stared at her for some seconds.

“Well, I have a surprise for you,” I said, feeling like a cocky little bastard.

“What, what is it?” she asked, clearly impatient.

“Stop being impatient and look beside you,” I told her and watched everything play out like a little drama.

She turned to her side and caught a glimpse of Debbie Obasi, walking towards us with Emerald in her hand. Phoenix screamed and I laughed; typical of her to get excited at the gesture.

“Oh my goodness!” she screamed and I quietly took Emerald from her hand before anything drastic happened.

“Congratulations to you, Mrs. Phoenix Tyrell; Girl, you look gorgeous in that dress!” Debbie said, filled with excitement too.

“When did you get here?” Phoenix asked as she hugged Debbie.

“We got in last night and I wanted to surprise you,” Debbie responded, giggling at Phoenix childish antics.

“I am very much surprised indeed. What about your husband and little Gerald?” Phoenix held Debbie’s hands and for a second, I wondered if she had forgotten that we had a reception and honeymoon to catch.

“I am surprise that you didn’t notice Clifford as one of the groomsmen and Gerald, he is with his father although I am pretty sure that he and Emerald will be really great friends; and need I say that Emerald is your exact replica—she is just a perfect blend,” Debbie went on and pn and I just kept watching the crowd disperse.

“I am so glad that you’re finally here! Do not worry, after the honeymoon, I will introduce you to everyone,” I watched them talk until they bade each other farewell and I heaved a sigh of relief.

She turned towards me and took Emerald from me and I spoke up, “You know, I don’t think that I will ever get used to fact that you are now my wife and now, you are finally a Tyrell,”

“Yeah, me too but here we are, together forever,” She locked hands with me and at that moment, just the three of us mattered and I was grateful for it. I felt complete.

“I love you, Mrs. Phoenix Tyrell and princess Emerald Tyrell,” I said, picking her baby hairs from the side of her face and sticking it behind her ears.

“And we love you too, Mr. Sterling Tyrell,” She said and giggled loudly.

“Let’s go; everyone is waiting,” I said and we got into the car and drove off to be with the people that mattered.

During the ride, I kept thinking about how our lives were made whole and we had a bigger and brighter beginning to look forward to. Love wasn’t our thing but we definitely redeemed each other. Driving into our future, all that mattered was that we were definitely blessed to have each other.

I turned and looked at my precious jewels, Phoenix playing with Emerald and Emerald smiling brightly.