Chapter 146 Vows by the Sea
\[Lilia\]
That was enough encouragement for him. He lifted one hand to my face, kissing the tip of my nose before he climbed out of the vehicle and assisted me afterward. I was greeted by the raucous noise of crashing waves and the brisk surge of a cold sea breeze. The tips of my heels immediately sank into the sand. Kael noticed my discomfort and knelt down, taking the shoes off my feet and quickly massaging the balls of my ankles. I closed my eyes, unconsciously moaning as the strain faded. Then, Kael stood and ushered me in front of the car.
We were bathed in the warm light of the headlamps, providing enough illumination to see the endless stretch of the ocean lapping its waves against the shore. I didn't even care that I was standing barefoot beneath my billowing gown.
The sound of footsteps on the gravelly sand caught our attention as a man in a black suit appeared with a briefcase in hand. He halted in front of us, giving me a glimpse of his completely bald head. I made a mental note not to make fun of him, or else we wouldn't be having a wedding tonight and all would fall for naught. I didn't want that to happen.
“Good evening, Mr. Aslanov,” he greeted, turning toward me. “And to you, Madame.”
“Judge Marvis, this is Lilia,” Kael responded, pointing to the briefcase. “Did you bring the documents needed?”
“Yes, shall we start?” He nodded without further ado and motioned for us to clasp each other's hands.
Kael riveted his mossy hues against my hazel ones. His lips were pressed into a thin line while his thumb grazed the back of my hand.
“The three of us gathered here tonight, right by the sea and under the blanket of night. In secret, with two hearts ablaze with love and passion, to join Kael and Lilia in a binding knot of holy matrimony. Both in the eyes of the Lord and the world,” Judge Marvis officiated, turning his attention to me for my vows.
I was trembling. I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest. I didn't know what to say; I didn't have a script in my mind. I panicked for a moment, words sticking in my throat. My mouth opened and closed, only for a squeak to escape. I wasn't prepared, yet I had so much to say that I didn't know where to begin.
Kael saw my consternation and pressed my hand, lifting it to his lips for a soft kiss. He smiled. “Hey, it’s okay. You can say anything, doll. Anything that makes you want me to be your husband,” he coaxed softly.
My breathing was ragged, but as I stared deeply into those mossy hues, I found strength. The fire in his gaze kept me warm against the rigid atmosphere. I found my words.
“You are the other half of my soul and my one true love,” my voice quavered, and I didn't notice the tears swelling until they fell. “I will cherish and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through the best and worst, through the difficult times and in ease. To follow you through hell and back. Even if you fall, I will help you rise. Whatever may come, I will always abide by your side and never leave. As I have given you my hand to hold, to love, and to own, so I give you my life to keep. Until death and beyond.”
Tears raced down my cheeks, and my voice sounded scratchy from holding back sobs. Saying my vow felt as if a huge thorn in my chest had been plucked out. I noticed a small gleam on Kael’s face—a single tear rolling down his cheek as he pressed his lips endearingly against my knuckles.
“The day I laid my eyes on you through my phone screen,” he began, his voice calming like a piece of music, “I told myself that I would have you even if I had to spend every drop of my wealth to keep you. You came to my office like a little lost bird, looking like a doll. I have hurt you many times. I have done unfathomable things I regret, and there is no length of atonement that could ever make up for them.”
More tears joined the first on his cheek. “Every time I am with you, I fall even harder, to the point where it becomes difficult for me to breathe when you are not by my side. Nevertheless, right at this moment, it is just the two of us against all odds. I stand before you, holding your hand and upholding a promise to protect and give my life only for you. To love you more than anything in this world. To carry you through the worst and celebrate with you in victories. For you are mine, and I am yours.”
His words made me bawl like a baby. I wished everyone important to us could have witnessed this, yet the intimacy of the night made it perfect.
“The ring,” the judge said. Kael reached into his pocket and produced a familiar black velvet box. He lifted the lid, and my eyes widened. The bright pink diamond glinted against the headlights.
“My ring,” I gasped, staring at the ring he had given me months ago. “But... I don't have anything for you.”
“It's okay, doll. You may not give me a ring now, but I have your heart.” Kael slipped the ring onto my finger and wiped the tears from my cheeks.
Judge Marvis cleared his throat. “Kael, do you take Lilia to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, protect, and be faithful to her?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Lilia—”
“I do!” I blurted out before he could even finish.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
Within a fraction of a second, Kael pulled me close, his hands snaking around my waist and lifting me onto my toes. He kissed me passionately, as though I were the very air he breathed. And I reciprocated with everything I had.