The evening sky blazed gold, casting a soft glow over the Vaughn family's estate, which had been transformed into a celestial garden. Crystal lanterns hung between willow trees that swayed gently in the breeze, while garlands of white roses adorned every edge of the marble pathway leading to a small altar. The delicate notes of classical music floated through the air from a hidden orchestra behind curtains of orchids.
Celeste stood before a full-length mirror in the glass-paneled room, dressed in a champagne-colored evening gown that shimmered faintly under the lights. The dress was not merely clothing—it was a masterpiece: hand-sewn with delicate beads forming intricate vine patterns that traced her curves with effortless grace. Her hair was styled elegantly, half swept up while the rest cascaded in soft waves down her back.
When the door opened slowly, Alistair stepped inside.
He froze. His breath caught as if stolen by the vision before him. His eyes locked onto her without blinking, like a man seeing light after a lifetime of darkness.
"You..." he murmured. "Celeste... God. I can't even think right now."
Celeste turned and met his gaze from behind the sheer curtain. A small smile played on her lips. "I'm only wearing what you chose for me."
Alistair approached, then gently turned her to face him fully. His hands settled on her waist before he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "And it makes me want to cancel this party, lock you away with me all night, and forget the world exists."
"But the world is waiting for you to show off your wife, Mr. Vaughn," Celeste teased in a whisper.
Alistair smirked. "Then let me tell the world... that my wife is my greatest victory."
His fingers intertwined with hers as they stepped out together.
Guests from across the country had gathered—politicians, royalty from neighboring nations, A-list celebrities, and CEOs of renowned corporations. They all rose and cheered as Alistair and Celeste made their entrance.
Spotlights illuminated them, yet Alistair saw only one light: the woman beside him.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the host announced. "Tonight, we celebrate the official debut of Mrs. Vaughn! Let us raise a toast to the most beautiful couple of the evening!"
Crystal glasses clinked. Music swelled once more. But Alistair's focus remained solely on Celeste, who clung to his arm.
"Ready to dance with me, Lady Vaughn?" he whispered in her ear.
"What if I don't know how...?"
"It doesn't matter. I'll teach you. Even if you step on my feet... I'll still fall for you."
Celeste laughed softly, then placed her hand on Alistair's shoulder. Amidst the dazzling party, under the gaze of hundreds, the world witnessed only two souls lost in love.
And in their hearts... this marriage was not the end of their story.
It was just... the beginning.
After their opening dance, the celebration remained lively yet grew warmer, more intimate. Guests dispersed to enjoy the evening's banquet and the garden now aglow with soft lights. Celeste and Alistair moved among them, greeting each congratulatory guest one by one.
Yet Alistair's eyes never truly left Celeste. He kept her close, like a man afraid the star he'd just captured might slip away.
"Celeste..." he murmured when they found a quiet moment behind an arch of roses.
She turned, offering a small smile. "Hmm?"
He leaned in slightly, brushing his thumb along her cheek. "You know, I've never felt this restless before. Not because of the party... but because I don't know how to hold back when I see you like this."
Celeste's breath hitched as Alistair's fingers traced the delicate skin beneath her ear.
"Every second of tonight makes me want to steal you away faster than anyone," he murmured. "Take you far from all these people... and make you completely mine, Celeste Vaughn."
He spoke her new name in a low, heated voice. It seeped into her skin like a slow-burning fire.
"Alistair..." Celeste whispered, barely audible. "Are you teasing me in the middle of our party?"
"Not teasing. Stating facts." He kissed the top of her head. "You're mine now. My wife. And I want the whole world to know you're more than just Mrs. Vaughn. You're the heartbeat of my life."
Celeste lowered her head, blushing. "You could make a woman collapse with just your words."
Alistair smirked, then whispered in her ear, "Then I hope you collapse later... in our bed tonight."
Celeste stifled a laugh, her eyes sparkling with amusement and nerves. She turned her face but didn't pull away—only leaned closer. Deeper.
"And I hope you don't escort me to that altar too quickly, Mr. Vaughn."
"Oh, trust me. I know how to be patient... in a way that makes you not want to wait."
Their kiss was quick, hot yet tender. But brief—because the music swelled again, reminding them the outside world still existed.
Alistair took her hand, this time declaring proudly, "Come, Mrs. Vaughn. Let's give them one more reason to envy us before tonight truly becomes ours."
And they returned to the crowd—with shared breaths, bound hearts, and the promise of a long night neither could wait to claim.