Chapter 269 269

Chapter 269 269
TARA

The guests inside gushed as we walked along the aisle. I couldn’t help but smile as Mad looked dashing in his bespoke classic tailored dark blue tuxedo with shawl collar and satin lapel that fitted him perfectly. A neatly trimmed five o’clock shadow and a soft side-swept part hairstyle made him even more striking.
As we reached the altar, Dad lifted my veil. “I love you, my baby girl.” He then handed me to Mad. “Remember what I told you in my office.”
“I do, Your Majesty. How can I forget?” Mad smiled.
For the first time, I could see Mad as clear as the sky, looking hot like always, and everything around us faded in the background— it was just him and me. 
My mind drifted back to the first time we met, how he held me, looked right into my eyes, and the first time he kissed me. Time flew by so fast that right now, we are about to get married— to be one.
Suddenly, he went off the script— the moment his hand touched mine, he wrapped me in his arms and hugged me tight. My heart melted at his gesture.
The crowd gasped, and I chuckled. “This is not a part of the rehearsal, Mad.”
“I know. I’m just happy you’re here.”
“Okay, man. That can wait,” I heard Logan say. His voice is deep with humor.
“Mad, we can do this later.”
He didn’t budge until our officiant cleared his throat.
He then laughed softly, loosening his arms to release me. “Sorry. I got carried away.” I was glad he got to entertain our guests.
Our officiant began with his remarks, and Mad never let my hand go. The ceremony proceeded with efficiency from exchanging our traditional vows.
“I, Tara Adelaide Sophia Montimer-kaslt-ton Reginalt Valdemar,” I stated my full name with confidence.
“I, Madden Apollo Vanderford Shanewood,” he said his name with a smile.
The scriptural reading and a message followed. Then we exchanged our rings, brought by Isaac in his cute tux.
After the prayers, the officiant finally announced, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you as husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride, Mr. Shanewood.”
“You took my breath away, Tara.” Mad’s smile was contagious, his eyes sparkling. 
The classic slow-mo visual effect backdrop suddenly happened. When I thought it only happened in the movie, I was wrong, as a romantic love song played in the background. He pulled me in for a kiss, held the back of my neck, thumb tracing my jaw before capturing my lips with his in a searing kiss.
Instantly, my eyes closed, responding to the kiss, and the reward of our love and passion rushed through between us, igniting our bound souls. I melted in his arms as he pulled me tighter with his hand on my small back.
My heartbeat quickened, racing for him, beating for the man I loved. Before we went too far, we pulled apart with him kissing me on my forehead.
“I love you, Tara.”
“I love you, husband.”
“Congratulations to the newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. Shanewood!”
After the photo op, in the private room, behind the cathedral, Mad and I signed the marriage documents, sealing the deal in a written contract as husband and wife, witnessed by our parents, officiants, and our loved ones. 
“Congratulations. May your life as a married couple be blessed with happiness, good health, and children.” Clementine hugged his son and came to me after, kissing me on the cheek. “Welcome to the family, honey.”
The room filled with emotions— joy and excitement.
As the recessional progressed, Mad and I walked out with royal guards on each side, followed by applause from the audience and guests, with confetti and flower petals thrown at us.
I waved and smiled at our people and tourists who had waited long enough for the ceremony to finish, to get a glimpse of the wedding of the century, as they called it. 
He assisted me in climbing up the black and gold carriage, joining me after. It took about twenty minutes ride by the carriage to the wedding reception. 
I looked at Mad, looking handsome as always, waving as we passed by. “Duke of Guillaume, look at you, adjusting so well.”
“They’re here for you, baby, not for me.” He chuckled, taking my hand to his lips. “You’re gorgeous.”
“You’re not bad yourself.” I touched the glittering flower pinned to his suit, which I remembered was the flower from my masquerade mask. “Nice touch. I think you stole this from me.”
“Did I now?” His eyes filled with humor. “That’s what I got after you stole my heart.”
Shaking my head, I held my laugh hard enough. “You should write a poem for me, husband.”
The grip of his hand around mine tightened. “I can’t believe you’re officially mine, baby.”
“I can.” I looked right into his eyes. He looked so happy and contented. I couldn’t see the cloud of fear or doubts in his eyes anymore. My heart swelled at the thought that I was the reason for that smile.
We finally arrived. 
Then I changed to a classic white gown in a long mermaid cut model made of silk satin. The bodice features a sweetheart neckline, thin straps, and an elegant bow adornment falling over one shoulder. It has an open back with a sensual fold at the neckline, and a simple train. I also ditched the tiara.
Mad swapped into a classic dark navy blue suit and bow tie. He ditched the corsage, replacing it with the white square. 
Outside the reception, more security in black suits flanked the door. Their vigilant gazes scanned everyone who entered.
The reception was grand and opulent, adorned with white and golden motifs. The floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the vast golf course, transformed into an expansive, overwhelming celebration hall of white and green flower arrangements and glowed with a crystal chandelier and lit candelabras.
An orchestra played classical music at the corner. At the front center was our ten-tier wedding cake of white cake and cranberries, butter brown spice, cream cheese, maple buttercream, and bourbon vanilla, decorated with fresh edible flowers. 
Waitstaff circulated with champagne and canapés.
I pasted on a smile of gratitude as we welcomed our guests. We were immediately surrounded by various dignitaries, rulers, billionaires, heads of state, military officials, and celebrities as we received their wishes, compliments, and congratulatory words.
“So, those gentlemen Linden introduced to us earlier are the members of the billionaire pussy-whipped club, huh?”