Chapter 35

The sun shone brilliantly in a cloudless sky, casting a golden glow over the sprawling estate where Aston and Nyrah's wedding was set to take place. The venue was a magnificent historical mansion, its grandiose architecture and lush gardens providing a perfect backdrop for the day's festivities. The scent of blooming roses and lavender filled the air, mingling with the soft notes of classical music that floated from a nearby string quartet.

Rows of white chairs, adorned with delicate floral arrangements, lined the aisle, leading up to a beautifully decorated altar. The altar itself was an elegant archway draped in white chiffon and entwined with greenery and cascading white orchids. Crystal chandeliers hung from the trees, adding a touch of opulence to the outdoor setting.

Nyrah was sitting in one of the rooms getting ready, looking beautiful in her white gown. The intricate lace and delicate beading shimmered in the soft light, but her eyes betrayed her true feelings. Alessa, her best friend, was sitting beside her, picking up on the sadness in Nyrah's gaze. She thought it was because Nyrah's brother, Zale, wasn't there to share in her special day.

Zale had made a huge scene at home when Nyrah agreed to marry Aston, vehemently opposing the match. Despite his protests, Nyrah's decision had remained firm. In his anger and disappointment, Zale announced he would not attend the wedding. Even Alessa had tried her best to reason with him, but he refused to budge.

Nyrah's mother, Natasha, entered the room, her face a mix of pride and concern. "It's time, Nyrah. Come, dear," she said softly, reaching out a hand.

Nyrah's heartbeat quickened, and nervousness washed over her in waves. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Alessa, noticing her friend's unease, quickly stepped in and gently covered Nyrah's face with the veil. "You look stunning," she whispered, trying to offer some comfort.

Nyrah forced a small smile, but her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She didn't want this marriage, but she felt trapped by expectations and circumstances beyond her control. The absence of her brother weighed heavily on her heart, but there was more to her sadness than just Zale's disapproval.

Taking one last look in the mirror, Nyrah stood up, her gown cascading elegantly around her. She took Natasha's hand and let her mother guide her out of the room. As they walked towards the ceremony, the muffled sounds of guests chatting and the soft strains of music reached her ears.

Her mother, Natasha, and her father, Elon, flanked her on either side as they walked her to the altar. Elon looked at his daughter with a mixture of pride and sorrow, understanding the gravity of this moment for her, even if he didn't fully grasp the depth of her reluctance.

The garden was breathtakingly beautiful, with rows of white chairs filled with elegantly dressed guests. The floral arch at the altar was adorned with cascading white orchids and roses, glowing softly in the golden afternoon light. The string quartet played a gentle, romantic melody, setting the perfect ambiance for what should have been a joyous occasion.

As they walked down the aisle, Nyrah tried to focus on her breathing, the soft rustle of her gown, and the reassuring presence of her parents. She could feel the eyes of the guests upon her, admiring her beauty and the splendor of the event, oblivious to the storm brewing within her heart.

Aston stood at the altar, looking dashing in his custom black tuxedo. However, his face held a blank expression, devoid of the warmth and excitement that usually accompanied a groom on his wedding day. His eyes were fixed on Nyrah, but they seemed distant, as if his mind was elsewhere. To the guests, he appeared calm and composed, but to Nyrah, he seemed a stranger.

Reaching the altar, Natasha and Elon gently handed Nyrah over to Aston. Elon gave his daughter's hand a reassuring squeeze before stepping back to stand beside Natasha. Nyrah's veil still covered her face, masking the emotions she was struggling to keep in check.

The minister began the ceremony, his voice steady and calm, speaking of love, commitment, and the sacred bond of marriage. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Aston James Archer and Nyrah Elon Alabaster in holy matrimony. This is a day of great rejoicing, for marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love each other and take their vow with the understanding that it is the most important part of life."

Nyrah barely heard the words, her mind a whirl of thoughts and fears. She glanced at Aston, who remained expressionless, his focus seemingly on the ceremony rather than on her.

The minister continued, "Aston and Nyrah, today you stand before your family and friends to declare your love and commitment to each other. As you prepare to exchange these vows, remember that true love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart."

Turning to Aston, the minister asked, "Do you, Aston James Archer, take Nyrah Elon Alabaster to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

Aston looked at Nyrah, his face still blank. "I do," he said in a steady, monotone voice.

The minister then turned to Nyrah, "Do you, Nyrah Elon Alabaster, take Aston James Archer to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

Nyrah's heart pounded, and for a moment, she couldn't speak. She felt all the weight of her choices, her family's expectations, and the life she was about to enter. She glanced at Alessa, who stood among the bridesmaids, her eyes filled with silent support. With a deep breath, Nyrah forced the words out. "I do," she said, her voice steady despite the conflict raging inside her.

Next came the exchange of rings. The best man handed Aston a simple yet elegant band, which he took with steady hands. Aston lifted Nyrah's hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. "With this ring, I thee wed," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Just as Nyrah was about to slip the ring onto Aston's finger, she noticed that his ring finger was already adorned with a ring. A murmur of confusion spread among the guests as Nyrah paused, her eyes widening in surprise. She glanced at Alessa, who returned her look with equal confusion and concern.

The minister, noticing the hesitation, asked politely, "Aston, could you please remove the ring so that Nyrah may place hers?"

Aston's face tightened, and he shook his head slightly. "I can't."

A hushed silence fell over the garden as everyone watched the unfolding scene with bated breath. James Archer, Aston's father, stepped forward, his face a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "Stop making a scene, Aston, and remove the damn ring."

Aston's expression turned defiant as he looked his father in the eye. "No, Dad. It's Elena's last souvenir with me, and I can't do that."

Nyrah felt as if the ground had been pulled out from under her. The mention of Elena, Aston's late lover, hit her like a punch to the gut. She had known, intellectually, that Elena would always be a part of Aston's past, but to see such a tangible reminder on what was supposed to be their day was beyond painful. She felt exposed, humiliated, and profoundly hurt.

Nyrah's heart shattered into a thousand pieces. This was the man she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with, yet he was holding on so tightly to a past that had no place in their future. The reality of her situation crashed over her like a tidal wave. There would be no fresh start, no clean slate. Elena, even in death, would always stand between them.

Alessa's eyes were filled with pity as she reached out to steady Nyrah, whose hands were trembling. The guests exchanged bewildered glances, whispering among themselves, trying to make sense of the drama unfolding before them.

Nyrah's mother, Natasha, and father, Elon, looked on with concern. Natasha's hand flew to her mouth, and Elon took a step forward as if to intervene.

But just then, a loud voice rang out through the garden. "Either you remove that ring yourself, or I won't hesitate to do the honors."

Nyrah turned to see her brother, Zale, standing at the edge of the aisle. His presence was like a beacon of light cutting through the dark cloud of despair that had settled over her. An unexpected wave of happiness and relief washed over her. Despite the hurt she felt, the sight of her brother brought a sense of security and hope. She knew, without a doubt, that Zale would never let anything bad happen to her.

The guests turned in their seats, murmuring in surprise and curiosity. Zale's tall, imposing figure commanded attention. His eyes, filled with protective fury, were locked onto Aston. He stepped forward, his jaw clenched and his fists tight by his sides.

Alessa, standing among the bridesmaids, couldn't help but smile. She had known that Zale would come, despite his earlier declaration. He would never let Nyrah face this alone.

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