CHAPTER 55

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JULIANA

As I stepped into the wedding reception venue, I was immediately captivated by its sheer elegance. The soft glow of sparkling lights hung gracefully from the ceiling, casting a magical ambiance across the room.

The ethereal atmosphere was heightened by a subtle purple halo enveloping the space, adding an enchanting touch to the evening.

At our table, Shawn's parents and Shelby and Shanelle sat, sharing in the joy of this momentous occasion. Across the room, the newlyweds, Shay and Jason, and Sylvia and her husband Chase, were seated at a long rectangular table, their names elegantly designed in wavy fonts behind them.

The room buzzed with the excited chatter of guests, their laughter and smiles filling the air.

Surrounding us, other guests occupied the tables set up along the sides, leaving the main floor empty, awaiting the bride and groom's first dance as husband and wife.

The sight of the carefully arranged tables, the twinkle of lights, and the love that filled the room made it feel like we were in a fantasy, where every moment was wrapped in magic and elegance.

The wedding reception started off with a few heartwarming speech shared by the grooms best man and the parents as well. Then when it comes to the girls, Shawn and Sylvia's sister who was their maid of honor shared their speeches as well that nearly brought everyone to tears.

Especially Sylvia's sister's speech. It was very touching.

 When it was time for the cake cutting ceremony, my eyes were drawn to the two double huge wedding cakes, each meticulously decorated in stunning designs that reflected the personalities of the couples.

Shay's husband playfully smeared her nose with a bit of cake icing, eliciting cheers and laughter from everyone around.

It was a moment filled with joy and affection, capturing the essence of their love.

The couples then took hold of the cake knives, cutting into the beautiful confections, and fed each other with small, loving bites.

The room was filled with the sweet aroma of the cakes and the sound of laughter, creating a memory that would forever be etched in our hearts.

"You're looking absolutely gorgeous, by the way." His words earned him a warm smile from me.

"You've mentioned that already. Twice, actually." I teased back.

He smirked and gently intertwined his fingers with mine. 

"Well you deserve all the compliments."

I couldn't help but giggle, "Oh God, please stop talking. That's so cheesy."

Chuckling, he planted a quick peck on my cheek. 

"I can't help it. This wedding vibe is making me all sentimental."

I playfully rolled my eyes before resting my head on his shoulder, our hands held together.

As the evening unfolded, it was time for the bride and groom to make their toast. Shay, standing with her champagne glass in hand, began her heartfelt speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate this beautiful union. Jason, Sylvia, Chase, and I are incredibly grateful for your presence on this special day. We raise our glasses not only to our love but also to the bonds that tie us all together."

Her voice filled the room with warmth as she continued, "I am especially thankful for my brother Shawn, whose return home has filled our hearts with joy. To have him here, witnessing this moment, is a blessing beyond words. I love you big bro and thank you for being a part of this."

With a genuine smile, Shay concluded her speech, "So, let's raise our glasses high and toast to love, family, and the beautiful journey that lies ahead. Thank you all for being here with us tonight, and here's to a lifetime of happiness and love. Cheers!"

The room erupted in cheers and applause, the sound of celebration filling the air as we all raised our glasses, united in the joy of this unforgettable moment.

I watched in awe as Shay and Jason, and Sylvia and her husband Chase, gracefully took the dance floor, their happiness contagious as they embraced each other, swaying to the slow melody to their first dance as husbands' and wives.

The live band filled the room with music, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Just as I was lost in the joy of the moment, Shawn rose from his seat beside me, his eyes filled with warmth and a hint of nervousness.

He extended his hand towards me, and I gaped at him in surprise.

"Would you like to dance with me?"

I quickly glanced around, only to find his parents and sisters urging me on with smiles.

With a gentle smile, I slipped my hand into his, feeling an electric thrill shoot through me as he led me towards the center of the room.

As our arms found their place around each other, we moved together, matching the rhythm of the music.

In that moment, the world around us faded away, leaving only the two of us in a tender embrace.

The tension between us was palpable, yet there was an undeniable love that reflected in our eyes as we danced.

I couldn't tear my gaze away from his, captivated by the depth of emotion mirrored in his eyes.

Every step we took, every sway, was a testament to the strong connection between us, a dance of hearts that spoke volumes without uttering a word.

It felt as if time stood still, and in that moment, I was enveloped in the overwhelming sensation of being exactly where I was meant to be, with the person I was meant to be with.

"I love you."

His eyes slowly widened in surprise as I said the three most important words that I knew he was waiting for me to say.

He cupped the side of my face and leans in and kissed me gently on the lips which sent a thrilling sensation all over my skin which never left even after he pulled away.

"I love you." He repeated and I grinned at him and wrapped my arms around him in a hug.

And as we continued to dance, I realized that this was just the beginning of our journey together, a promise of a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and endless moments like this.

With every step, I embraced the joy of the present, looking forward to the future we would build together.

And in that magical moment, surrounded by the sparkle of lights and the love of families and our friends, I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

~THE END~

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