Wedding Day
The first rays of sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Clifford mansion, bathing the halls in a warm golden glow. Unlike most mornings, the house was already bustling with activity.
Wedding planners hurried through the corridors carrying flower arrangements. Makeup artists wheeled in cases filled with cosmetics. Designers carefully unpacked the custom wedding gown while photographers prepared their equipment.
In the master bedroom, Cassandra stood silently before the full-length mirror in a silk robe, her expression unreadable as she watched the preparations unfold around her.
A knock sounded on the door before Charlotte stepped inside with a gentle smile.
"Cassandra," she said softly, "everyone is waiting for you."
Cassandra turned and smiled faintly.
"I know, Mom."
Charlotte walked over and gently cupped her daughter's face.
"You look nervous."
"I'm not nervous," Cassandra replied with a small laugh. "I'm just wondering how my life changed so quickly."
Charlotte chuckled.
"Sometimes the best chapters begin when we least expect them."
Just then, Samantha, Rose, and Ruby burst into the room without knocking.
"There she is!" Samantha exclaimed.
Rose folded her arms dramatically.
"I still can't believe our shameless eldest sister is actually getting married."
Cassandra raised an eyebrow.
"Want me to cancel it so you can go first?"
Rose quickly shook her head.
"Absolutely not."
Ruby laughed as she hugged Cassandra from behind.
"You look beautiful already, and you're not even wearing the dress yet."
Samantha smirked.
"I give Santino three minutes before he forgets all his wedding vows."
Cassandra rolled her eyes, trying to hide the smile forming on her lips.
"Can all of you stop teasing me for five minutes?"
"No," all three sisters answered in unison before bursting into laughter.
Across the city, at the Rodriguez estate, Santino adjusted the cuffs of his tailored black tuxedo while staring out the window.
His best man finished straightening his tie.
"You've negotiated billion-dollar deals without breaking a sweat, yet today you're quiet."
Santino glanced at his reflection.
"This is different."
Before another word could be spoken, the bedroom door flew open.
"Daddy!"
Five-year-old Leon ran into the room wearing a tiny tuxedo, throwing his arms around Santino's leg.
"Do I look handsome?"
Santino smiled, lifting his son into his arms.
"You look like the most handsome little gentleman in the world."
Leon grinned proudly.
"Will Cassandra become my mommy today?"
Santino looked at his son for a moment before smiling warmly.
"If everything goes well... yes."
Leon's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I can't wait!"
Before the grand altar, the wedding hall glowed beneath magnificent crystal chandeliers. White roses and fresh lilies decorated every aisle, while golden ribbons wrapped elegantly around each chair. The hall was filled with influential business tycoons, celebrities, politicians, and close family friends. Every seat was occupied, and cameras flashed as the bride and groom stood before the priest.
Cassandra, breathtaking in her elegant white gown, stood a small distance away from Santino. Beside Santino stood five-year-old Leon in his tiny tuxedo, smiling from ear to ear.
The priest continued reading from the holy book, his calm voice echoing through the silent hall.
Meanwhile, the bride and groom had no intention of behaving.
Santino leaned ever so slightly toward Cassandra without taking his eyes off the priest.
Santino (under his breath): "I still can't believe I'm marrying you."
Without looking at him, Cassandra forced a smile for the guests.
Cassandra (through gritted teeth): "Funny... because I can't believe I'm marrying you either."
Santino smirked.
Santino: "You should feel honored."
Cassandra let out a quiet scoff.
Cassandra: "Honored? Please. You're not that special."
Santino: "Keep telling yourself that."
Cassandra: "Trust me, I will."
Several guests smiled, thinking the couple were whispering sweet words to each other.
Charlotte wiped a happy tear from her eye.
Charlotte (whispering to Gabriel): "Look at them. They're already talking so lovingly."
Gabriel smiled proudly.
Gabriel: "They're perfect together."
Standing a few rows behind them, Samantha leaned toward Rose.
Samantha (trying not to laugh): "I don't think they're saying romantic things."
Rose covered her mouth to hide her grin.
Rose: "Nope. They're definitely arguing."
Ruby chuckled quietly while Dhruv shook his head with an amused smile.
Back at the altar, Santino glanced sideways at Cassandra.
Santino: "Smile a little. The photographers are here."
Without moving her lips, Cassandra smiled even wider.
Cassandra: "I am smiling."
Santino: "Looks more like you're planning my funeral."
Cassandra: "Depends on how today goes."
Santino let out a quiet laugh.
The priest suddenly stopped reading and looked up at them.
Priest: "Would the bride and groom kindly save the conversation until after the ceremony?"
The entire hall erupted into laughter.
Cassandra and Santino froze for a second before awkwardly clearing their throats and facing forward as if nothing had happened. Even Leon couldn't hold back his giggle as he looked up at his father.
The priest smiled warmly as he looked at the couple standing before him.
The hall fell completely silent.
Priest: "Santino Rodriguez, do you take Cassandra Clifford to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love her, honor her, and stand by her through every season of life, for as long as you both shall live?"
Santino didn't hesitate.
Santino: "I do."
The priest nodded before turning to Cassandra.
Priest: "Cassandra Clifford, do you take Santino Rodriguez to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love him, honor him, and stand by him through every season of life, for as long as you both shall live?"
Cassandra stared at Santino for a long moment.
Santino raised an eyebrow.
Santino (under his breath): "Don't even think about it."
She rolled her eyes.
Cassandra (quietly): "Bossy."
The priest cleared his throat politely.
Priest: "Miss Clifford?"
Everyone held their breath.
Gabriel gripped Charlotte's hand tightly.
Charlotte whispered nervously, "Please say it..."
Cassandra let out a quiet sigh before looking back at the priest.
Cassandra: "I do."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the guests.
Gabriel finally relaxed.
"I thought she was going to run away," he muttered.
Charlotte smiled with relief.
"I told you she'd stay."
The priest beamed at the couple.
Priest: "By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
He paused, smiling warmly.
Priest: "You may now kiss the bride."This leads naturally into Cassandra stepping back and asking if they can skip the kiss, followed by Santino pulling her close anyway.