“It’s done. Young Miss, you can open your eyes, now.” Mary’s voice sound like she was excited. More excited than the bride-to-be.
Cecilia saw her reflection in the mirror. She was smiling when said, “Thank you, Mary. I like this! You are doing a great job. Like usual.”
“I can’t believe that you will be married this sooner! Young Miss, please be happy forever!”
The purple-eyed girl takes Mary’s trembled hand, “Thank you, Mary. For everything. I hope you will be happy too.”
But, the poor maids can’t answer because she tried her best to hold her tears.
Cecilia handed her a silk white handkerchief with a small giggle, “Don’t cry. People will think that I was going to the funeral.”
“Th-thank you, Young Miss. It’s so.. rare for you. I mean, I mean for bring this cloth.”
“Well, it’s Max who taught me to bring any. He said that a noblewoman can’t be separated with her handkerchief.”
When Mary want to answer, someone was knocking behind the closed door. Armano’s voice can be heard from there, “My Dear, have you done? Is it okay for me to enter?”
“Yes, Father. I’m ready!”
Armano's eyes widen when saw her daughter in her white wedding dress.
The flawless makeup makes her look more beautiful than usual. Her long black hair was braided with several white baby breaths. She looks like a flower fairy.
Deep in his heart, he feeling a bit lonely, yet happy. His little girl was already grown up and taken away by a stranger.
“Cecilia, it’s not too late for cancelling this wedding.” He said when covering her face with the thin white veil.
Looking at his serious expression, she can’t help but laugh. “Father, that’s not funny!”
“I’m not joking. If you want, I will prepare the place so you can hide from him. I’m sure even the emperor will be agreed to my plan. ”
She shook her head when taking her father’s arm along with a white lilies bucket he was holding in to, “I’m not sure. The guests are already here.”
“It’s okay. I can take care of them later. Just say the word and I will prepare the carriage right away. how do you think?” He asked when they start walking. Mary has followed them from behind.
“Father, can we walk more slowly? This shoe is difficult to walk with.”
Armano nodded and walk slower when they stepping the stairs, “Should I give you a piggy ride back?”
“Father, I’m okay. It’s just.., I’m not used to wearing a high heels.”
“You are matured well. I think that’s why I got sentimental because I got older.”
“I don’t think that you are that old, Father. The black suit still looks good on you.”
“Ah, hearing those words from a young woman like you make this old man feeling happy.”
Cecilia carefully walking after she reached the end of the stairs, “Don't be so sad, Father. It’s not like I will going away. We are still living in the same place and able to meet each other, every single day.”
“I can’t imagine seeing his face every day when we having a meal. Just thinking about it, make me lost appetite.” Armano let out a heavy sigh.
Now, he understands why did his father-in-law look so tense around him. He must be thinking that Armano is a mere stranger who suddenly jumped into his life and family.
“Please give Max a chance, Father. I’m sure you will get along with him. He has the same trait as you.” Cecilia smiled when she look at the open door that connected to the garden where the ceremony is being held.
She can’t saw Max from this distance. But, the glimpse of the crowds, who sitting on the long white wooden bench, make her breathe heavily.
“Is this something wrong?”
“No. Suddenly, I feel nervous.”
“Then, Let’s cancel this wedding.”
“Father..,”
“Just remember that you are a daughter of Lancia’s family. No one dares to insult you. Otherwise, I will give them a lesson. Don’t worry, I’ll be always on your side. No matter what.”
She bit her lips. Tried her best not to sob or cry. Armano is not her real father. But, she never feels overwhelmed by her parent’s love like this.
Not even with her previous life. “Th-thank you, Father. I’ll try my best to not disappoint you. I’ll be the perfect daughter that you can be proud of.”
“No need. Your task is to be happy because you are already perfect.” Armano let out another heavy sigh when they reached the opened door and look at the groom’s face with a dissatisfied gaze, “I wonder what is the Dragon thinking when blessed you with a man with that idiotic smile.”
Cecilia shifted her gaze and saw him. Max wearing his black military suit. His dark hair was combed to the back, showing his forehead.
It’s a bit surprised her since she never saw his forehead before. “Father, it’s just between us, but I never thought that Max can’t be this handsome. He looks like a prince from the fairytale.”
All he can do is sneered, “My Dear Daughter, do not let yourself be deceived by the outer looks.”
“I understand, Father.”
Looking at her dumbstruck expression, Armano shook his head, “I’m not sure. Now, are you ready to go?”
As an answer, she nodded and held Armano’s arm tightly. She let exhale deeply before shifted her gaze to her surrounding.
So many familiar faces smiling at her. From Baron and Havana Ambrose, Chef Adrian, to the people from Icicle Town like Desmond, Helga, Gregorio, and even Chris. Callisto is nowhere to be found.
But, there is only one unfamiliar face in the crowds.
A middle-aged woman who has an aristocrat face sitting beside the emperor. Her golden eyes look cold and dominating like a storm. She looks so beautiful yet vicious. Cecilia almost thought that she is the queen from the fantasy world
“Don’t look at her. You will get a stroke of bad luck.” Armano said in her ears.
“Who is she?”
“The stepmother of that rascal. I don’t like her.”
Her purple eyes widen, “She is… The Empress?”
“That’s what people said. Now, chin up. We're almost there.”
Cecilia shifted her gaze to meet with Max’s smiling green eyes. Both of them look so happy. When they reached the aisle, Max gently take her hand and Armano took a step back until he reached his bench along with Grant and Kalela.
“Happy birthday, My Dear Daughter.” He murmured to himself.
Meanwhile, Max whispered in her ear when The Holy Priest talking about the ceremony, “You look taller.”
“Is that the only compliment you have? I was doing makeup before the sun rises.”
Max pretended to look surprised,”Really? But, you look the same.”
“Stop talking, Max. The Holy Priest is looking at our direction.”
“Don’t worry, wedding ceremonies always take a long time.”
“Max, I’m serious. He is looking on you,” she said between her gritted teeth.
That place turned into complete silence when the old wise man start talking, “Do you take Cecil--,”
“I do.” Max then turned his gaze to Cecilia and hold her hand. Smile innocently as if he didn’t feel guilty to cut the priest’s words.
The Holy Priest nodded as an agreement then he turned to Cecilia’s face.
He can’t see her expression perfectly since her face was covered with the veil, “Do you take Maxwell Ignatius Alexander as your lawful husband to have and to hold from this day forward. In good times, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health until the death do your part?
“Yes, I do.”
Hugo, as the best man, walks approached the wise old man and gives him a small red box contain two silver rings. The Holy Priest then blessed it. After that, he gives a sign to them for exchanging the rings.
“You have so many rings, Chili,” Max said when he put the ring on her middle finger.
Cecilia smiled warmly to him before putting it on his ring finger.
“Now, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Max slowly uncovers the veil before planting a kiss on her lips. But, it was only lasted for two seconds and make Cecilia feeling a bit surprised.
Then he whispered to her. Somehow, his voice sounds tempting, “I’ll save it for later, Chili. Be prepared because I won't stop even you begging me to.”
“What--,”
Before Cecilia can continue her words, all the crowds gave them standing applause and loud cheering.
But, something unbelievable happened. The snowflakes were falling!
All the people look at the blue bright sky with amazement. How come snow comes in the spring season?
Cecilia then catches a glimpse of a blue-eyed man standing in the shady trees. When their eyes met, the man slightly bowed to her. But, it almost felt like a dream. Because he was gone when she blinked.
Max gently touched her shoulder, “Wife, it’s time for throwing the bouquet.”
“Oh, yes.” She looks at her surrounding with warm smile and feeling overwhelmed with joy. Cecilia then realized that this is not the end. but a new beginning to starting a new life and keep doing her best to live to the fullest.
This time, no matter what happened she won’t run away.