Page 63 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
“My love,” Annabelle responded, her voice no louder than a whisper yet filled with a resonance that filled the small chapel, “I vow to stand by you, to be your unwavering partner in life, your solace in times of trouble and your joy in times of happiness.”
Their hands intertwined, fingers meshing together as though they were always meant to be one. The minister watched them with a knowing smile, recognizing the depth of love that united the two souls.
With the vows exchanged, a wave of delight washed over Annabelle, casting a serene light on the challenges they recently overcame. Memories of doubt, pain, and struggle in the face of her uncle’s nefarious efforts and plans drifted away like shadows fleeing from the sun. In their place, a calm assurance settled in, affirming that whatever life may throw their way, they would face it together.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the minister declared, his voice thick with emotion.
Adrian’s lips met Annabelle’s, a kiss filled with promise and eternity. The congregation erupted into jubilant applause, but to Annabelle, the world was still and quiet, and there was no one else but Adrian.
As they walked down the aisle, hand in hand, the love they shared surrounded them like a protective shield. A love that time could never erode, a love that defied mere words, a love that was their truth.
In the safety of Adrian’s arms, Annabelle knew that the dream they were living was their beautiful reality. Her heart, once heavy with uncertainty, now soared with unbounded joy and a profound sense of peace. The future, with all its unknowns, did not daunt her, for she walked into it with her beloved Adrian, united in love, faith, and undying devotion.
The ceremony gave way to a festive wedding breakfast at Thornwood Manor, masterfully orchestrated by Marjorie, and as lavishly decorated and lively as she had promised. The manor, grand and aristocratic, had been transformed into a vibrant realm of celebration. Flowers of summer hues adorned each corner, their fragrance permeating the air with a promise of new beginnings. The guests, meticulously dressed in their finest attire, chattered amongst themselves, creating a melodic hum that filled the expansive dining hall.
The event was livened by the presence of Penelope and her parents, as well as Henry and his mother. Their excitement and congratulations injected a comforting warmth into the celebration, turning the grandeur of Thornwood Manor into a cozy gathering of kindred spirits. Their laughter and joyful chatter wove an invisible tapestry of love and support, an affirmation of the strong bonds that tied them together.
“Annabelle, I am so happy for you,” Penelope gushed, fiercely hugging Annabelle.
Annabelle laughed, holding tightly onto her friend.
“I never dreamed this could be possible,” she said. “But I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Henry clapped Adrian on the back, grinning broadly at his friend.
“I never thought I’d see the day that you got married,” he said. “It certainly looks good on you, Adrian.”
Adrian beamed at his friend, wrapping a gentle arm around Annabelle’s waist, and sending tingles up her spine.
“It feels wonderful, too,” he said, pausing to kiss his bride once more. “I could have never imagined that I could be so happy.”
Annabelle’s heart swelled with a warmth she had never known, recognizing that these people, though not related by blood, were truly her family.
After the meal, Adrian and Annabelle found themselves at the center of the dance floor for their first dance as a wedded couple. Adrian, in his pristine coat, extended his hand towards Annabelle, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. The warmth of his hand against hers sent a pleasant shiver down her spine, a silent reminder of the promise they made to each other.
Each elegant movement and intimate step embroidered a promise of eternity. Their bodies moved as one, harmoniously swaying to the soft melody of the violin. The world blurred around Annabelle, fading into an ethereal background as they lost themselves in each other’s eyes.
Every gaze from Adrian made Annabelle’s heart flutter anew, every gentle touch from him amplified her love for him, and every whisper from his lips sent her on a sweet journey into a future filled with shared laughter, whispers of love, and a bond that time could only strengthen.
Her dress, a symphony of lace and silk, twirled elegantly around her as Adrian spun her around the dance floor. The dance, elegant in its simplicity and profound in its implication, mirrored the love story they had been writing since their paths crossed.
Annabelle leaned into Adrian, her head resting against his chest.
“Can life get any more perfect than this?” she murmured, nuzzling him with her cheek.
Her new husband tilted her face up toward his to kiss her gently on the forehead.
“I imagine it can,” he said, giving her a secret smile.
She closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his body against hers, the rhythm of his heart beating in harmony with hers. In that moment, Annabelle knew, as surely as the sun rose and set, that she found her forever in Adrian.
Nestled in a quiet corner of the ballroom, their dog Patches snoozed, embodying tranquility. The canine’s gentle breathing and occasional twitch of his ear provided a serene backdrop to the lively celebration. He was a symbol of home and comfort, a piece of normalcy in their extraordinary day. Annabelle glanced his way during the dance, a smile playing on her lips as she watched him dream away, safe and content.
As the dance concluded, Adrian pulled Annabelle into a tender embrace, their bodies fitting together as if they were two pieces of the same puzzle. Time seemed to stand still, as Adrian’s eyes, filled with endless love and devotion, met Annabelle’s. Their lips met in a soft kiss, sweet and lingering, a taste of a lifetime they were about to embark upon. There was no rush, no urgency, only the profound understanding that they were home.
Meanwhile, a voice reached Annabelle’s ears, someone mentioning Oswald’s name in passing. Her heart caught in her throat, memories of menace and manipulation threatening to cloud her perfect day. But the words that followed were a balm to her soul.
“He’s left the village, has he?” Henry’s voice floated towards her, tinged with disbelief.
