Priest: "You may now kiss the bride."
Cassandra immediately took two steps backward, shaking her head.
Cassandra: "No."
The priest blinked.
Priest: "I'm sorry?"
Cassandra smiled awkwardly.
Cassandra: "Father... can we skip that part? We've already said 'I do.' Do we really have to kiss?"
A murmur spread through the guests.
Gabriel slowly lowered his head, rubbing his forehead.
Gabriel (muttering): "This child is going to give me a heart attack."
Charlotte bit her lip to stop herself from laughing.
A few rows behind them, Samantha folded her arms with an amused smile.
Samantha: "Only our eldest sister would argue with the priest."
Rose chuckled quietly.
Rose: "She's unbelievable."
Ruby covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
The priest cleared his throat.
Priest: "The kiss is a traditional part of the ceremony, my child."
Cassandra sighed dramatically.
Cassandra: "Can't we just shake hands instead?"
The entire hall burst into laughter.
Santino looked at her in disbelief before letting out a quiet chuckle.
Santino: "You've embarrassed both our families enough."
Before Cassandra could step back again, Santino reached out, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her gently into his embrace.
Her eyes widened.
Cassandra: "Santino, don't you da—"
Before she could finish, Santino leaned down and kissed her.
The guests immediately erupted into applause and cheers.
Camera flashes filled the beautifully decorated hall as photographers captured the unforgettable moment.
Little Leon clapped excitedly beside them.
Leon: "Daddy kissed Mommy!"
The innocent shout made everyone laugh even harder.
After a few seconds, Santino slowly pulled away.
Cassandra stood frozen, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Santino smiled smugly.
Santino: "There. Now the ceremony is complete."
Cassandra narrowed her eyes at him.
Cassandra: "You'll pay for that."
Santino: "I'll gladly accept the punishment... Mrs. Rodriguez."
Hearing her new surname only made Cassandra roll her eyes as the guests continued applauding for the newly married couple.This version keeps the story consistent with your timeline since Valentino hasn't appeared yet.
The applause echoed throughout the grand hall as the priest officially declared the ceremony complete.
The newlyweds turned to face the guests, cameras flashing from every direction.
The wedding march began to play once more.
Santino glanced sideways at Cassandra.
Santino (smirking): "Smile. They're taking pictures."
Without looking at him, Cassandra forced a smile.
Cassandra: "I am smiling."
Santino: "You look like you're planning my murder."
Cassandra: "Maybe I am."
He chuckled under his breath.
The two walked down the aisle together, Santino keeping one hand around Cassandra's waist while she secretly tried to remove it.
Cassandra (through gritted teeth): "Take your hand off me."
Santino: "Everyone's watching."
Cassandra: "I don't care."
Santino: "I do."
Instead of letting go, he pulled her a little closer.
She shot him a deadly glare, but maintained her elegant smile for the guests.
As they reached the end of the aisle, Gabriel and Charlotte were the first to congratulate them.
Charlotte embraced Cassandra tightly, tears glistening in her eyes.
Charlotte: "You look so beautiful."
Cassandra (smiling softly): "Thanks, Mom."
Gabriel stepped forward and looked at Santino.
After a brief pause, he extended his hand.
Santino accepted the handshake firmly.
Gabriel: "Take good care of my daughter."
Santino nodded without hesitation.
Santino: "I will."
Gabriel then turned to Cassandra.
Gabriel: "And you... try not to scare your husband away on the first day."
Cassandra laughed.
Cassandra: "No promises."
Everyone around them laughed.
A few moments later, Mrs. Eva Rodriguez slowly approached with Leon holding her hand.
Leon ran straight toward Cassandra.
Leon: "Mommy!"
Before Cassandra could react, the little boy wrapped his tiny arms around her waist.
She froze, looking down at him in surprise.
Mrs. Eva smiled warmly as she caught up.
Mrs. Eva: "I'm sorry, dear. He's been waiting all day to call you that."
Leon looked up at Cassandra with hopeful eyes.
Leon: "Can I call you Mommy?"
For the first time since the ceremony began, Cassandra's expression softened completely.
She knelt in front of him, gently brushing his hair away from his forehead.
Cassandra (smiling): "Of course you can."
Leon's face lit up with the brightest smile.
He hugged her again, making several guests smile at the heartwarming scene.
Santino watched quietly from beside them, unable to hide the small smile that appeared on his face.