Chapter 123~ Special guest
The most expensive ballroom was booked for Ryan and Lora's wedding.
Ryan had promised to make it grand and he didn't disappoint.
About a thousand people were invited and ninety percent of them were high society figures from all over the world. The rest were close friends and family, together with different media houses who were there to cover the whole event. Even world stars were invited to sing at the event, making it the most expensive wedding in the century.
Everyone in the city, the country and all over the world knew one Ryan Kingsley, billionaire and CEO of the Kingsley Group was to wed Lora Davis, CEO of Davis & Co., also, a billionaire herself.
The hall looked breathtaking with simple but stunning deco. Rows of gold and white chairs adorned with floral arrangements framed the aisle, leading to an arch draped in white roses a the altar. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the place.
Ryan stood at the altar, feeling nervous as he waited for his bride. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his grey eyes focused solely on the golden doors at the end of the aisle, wanting to be the first one to see Lora when the doors opened. His heart raced in anticipation and when the music changed, he could feel his stomach twist with nerves.
The doors opened and his breath caught in his throat when he saw Lora walking in. He had seen her in the wedding dress already but right now, she looked like an angel that had descended from heaven.NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.
Ethan and Ella walked down the aisle after the bridesmaids. Ethan held a whiteboard which had the words, [Here comes Daddy's bride.]
At the same time, Ella was the flower girl and she scattered petals of white roses on the gold carpet for her mother to step on.
Ryan couldn't help but shed a few tears. Lora looked ravishing... more beautiful than he had ever seen her.
Their eyes met through Lora's veil and the world seemed to fade away, sparks flying around them as they drowned into each other's gazes.
When Jack and Lora arrived at the altar, Ryan approached them and stretched his hand towards Lora.
Jack placed Lora's hand into Ryan's before giving him a hard gaze, saying, "Take care of my daughter, Ryan. She's precious to me."
Ryan nodded firmly as he promised, "I will, Dad. She's my life."
Lora stepped forward, her eyes never leaving Ryan's as he led her forward. Her heart raced as she thought, this was it- today she would exchange vows with this man.
She would promise to love him and only him until death does them part. It was a special day because despite being married already, they only signed a certificate without exchanging vows.
Perhaps that was why it never worked out in the beginning... everything was rushed and they never took time to understand what they were getting themselves into.
"Marriage is sacred," the officiant began before giving a speech about how people should honour marriage and not take it as child's play.
As he spoke, Lora and Ryan kept stealing glances at each other, warm smiles crossing their lips.
Love was in the air.
It was now time for Ryan and Lora to exchange vows. They turned to face each other, their eyes speaking a million emotions.
"I never knew what love is," Ryan began, his voice deep and filled with emotion. "Until I met you. You taught me that love isn't just something that happens in the blink of an eye... it's something you find, build and fight for. And in you, Lora Davis, I found love." He paused, letting go of one of Lora's hands to get a handkerchief from his pocket which he used to wipe his tears.
"You loved me first, but, in return, I
loved you more than my life. I love you, Lora Davis. I really do... no words can explain... but my love for you can't fit in my chest... it's unmeasurable. I promise to stand by your side, to support your dreams and to cherish every moment that we spend together like it was the last because no one knows tomorrow. Lora Davis, I promise to fall in love with you every day because you're so worth it."
By the time Ryan finished his vows, Lora's face was wet with tears. She glanced at Ryan and said, "Ryan, I never thought you could love me the way you do right now... I'm not ashamed to say, it's a dream come true. I've always loved you... even when you didn't know I existed. You are my best friend, my partner for life, my heart and my all. bpromise to love you fiercely, to respect and be faithful to you... Like you said, I
promise to grow old with you. I'll
always choose you, now and
forever. I love you so much."
The audience erupted into applause when the couple exchanged their vows, they too were moved to tears as they witnessed the great love between the two.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ryan, you may kiss your bride," the officiant said with a smile.
Ryan unveiled Lora, his eyes sparkling as he wiped her tears. He leaned in, kissing her eyes, her nose, and her cheeks before claiming her lips with a tenderness and passion that drew cheers and applause from the guests.
...
The reception was held at another grand ballroom later in the evening and the air buzzed with celebration.
It was time to socialise so the guests dined on delicious food and toasted champagne to the newly-weds.
When it was time for the speeches, the MC suddenly announced, "I have a request from the groom's mother. She wants to say something."
Ryan and Lora glanced at each other before looking at the stage. Ryan clenched his hands into fists when he saw Celeste going to the stage.
"What is she up to now?" He asked through gritted teeth before glaring at his father who seemed to be as confused as him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you
for coming to Ryan's wedding. At this moment, I would like to announce that we are going to have a special guest, it's also going to be a surprise to the family," Celeste said proudly as she glanced at the entrance. "Please, welcome, Jason Anderson Kingsley, the second heir of the Kingsley Group."
The hall fell into dead silence just as the doors opened and a young man majestically walked into the hall.