Simon Riley — Wedding

The church was silent. Flowers adorned the altar, warm lights illuminated the space, and soft music filled the air. Everything was ready.

And at the front, waiting by the altar, was Simon Riley.

Straight. Still. Trying to hide the nerves that were tearing him apart inside. His hands remained tense as he breathed slowly, as if he needed to convince himself that this was real. Because after so many years… this day had finally arrived.

The day you would marry him.

Then the church doors opened.

And the world ceased to exist.

His breath caught in his throat when he saw you at the end of the hallway in that white dress, looking directly at him. Beautiful. So beautiful that his chest ached with love. Because it was you walking toward him. You smiling at him in a way that could break down all his defenses.

Simon's eyes began to water almost immediately. He tried to hold it back, barely lowering his gaze as he clenched his jaw, but it was useless. Because as you approached, all he could think about was everything they had been through to get there. The goodbyes. The nights waiting to return alive. The constant fear of getting lost.

And yet… you kept choosing him.

A tear finally slid down his cheek. Then another. His lips trembled as he let out a small, nervous laugh, completely overcome with emotion. The guests began to feel moved to see him cry, but Simon didn't even seem to notice. He couldn't take his eyes off you.

And when you finally stood before him, he took your hands carefully, as if you were something too precious.

—“God…” —she whispered, her voice breaking—. “You look beautiful…”

Another tear fell down her cheek as she smiled shakily.

—“You have no idea how much I dreamed about this…”