Chapter 20: Forever and Always

"No one could ever look this beautiful, my doll!" Aria's mother whispered, adjusting the final touches to her daughter's wedding dress.

Aria sat in front of the grand mirror in her room, her reflection a vision of elegance dressed in white lace and pearls. Her mother stood behind her, teary-eyed but smiling, as Kendall and Sophie fussed over her long, flowing veil. The house was filled with anticipation, laughter, and a flurry of last-minute preparations. Her aunts and cousins flitted in and out of the room, ensuring everything was in order, while the younger girls practised flower throwing in the hallway.

"I still can't believe it," Kendall said, fastening Aria's bracelet. "The history nerd who used to obsess over old books is now marrying her dream man."

Aria chuckled. "You make it sound like a fairy tale."

"Because it is one," Sophie smiled. Take care of him. Keep him happy. Love him always."

Meanwhile, the excitement at the Burton mansion remained high. Adrian stood before the mirror in his perfectly tailored suit, buttoning his cuffs as his cousins, uncles, and even Rogers gathered around him.

"I never thought I'd see the day," Rogers smirked, adjusting Adrian's tie. "The mighty, brooding Adrian Burton finally giving in to love."

"I never thought I'd find her again," Adrian admitted, looking at himself. His mother, standing at the doorway, wiped away a tear and smiled warmly.

"You, my son, deserve happiness. And now, instead of silence, our mansion will be filled with love and laughter."

The previous night, Adrian couldn't sleep. He picked up his phone and dialled Aria's number. She answered immediately as if she had been waiting for his call.

"Couldn't sleep?" she asked, her voice soft and teasing.

"How can I?" he sighed. "Tomorrow, you'll finally be mine. Forever."

She twisted in her bed, hugging her pillow. "Promise me something?"

"Anything."

"No matter what happens, no matter where time takes us, we'll always find each other."

Adrian's voice was deep with emotion. "I swear to you, even if I have to fight fate again, I will. Because you're my everything, Aria."

The grand church was filled with candlelight, flowers, and the choir's soft music. Aria's heart pounded as she walked down the aisle. Everything else faded away as her eyes met Adrian's. He stood at the altar, completely mesmerised. His lips parted slightly, and his breath caught—she was stunning.

"You are... unreal," he murmured as she reached him.

"Is this really happening?" she whispered.

"It is. And this time, nothing will take you away from me."

As the priest spoke the vows, they held hands, gazing deeply into each other's souls. When it was time to exchange personal vows, Adrian took a deep breath and spoke first.

"I used to believe that love was just an illusion, something that only the weak clung to. But you proved me wrong. You were my light in the darkest of times, my motivation to face destiny. Today, I promise to love you in every lifetime, every world, and every form."

Aria swallowed her tears and spoke. "I waited for you not only in this life, but in all of them. You're my heart, my home, and my greatest adventure. I promise to be by your side, to love you, and to make sure you never face the darkness alone again."

Adrian didn't wait long after the priest declared them husband and wife. He pulled her in for a deep, passionate kiss, sealing their eternal promise.

As Aria threw her bouquet, the flowers landed straight into Liesha's hands, making everyone laugh. Rogers leaned in with a smirk. "Guess we're next, huh?"

Liesha blushed but winked. "So, you better start planning!"

The grand celebration continued into the night, but Aria and Adrian only had eyes for each other. As they approached their bridal suite, Adrian was about to enter when Rogers appeared, grinning slyly.

"Hey, before you go in, I have something important to—"

"Oh, no, you don't!" Aria interrupted, dragging Adrian inside before Rogers could finish.

Rogers chuckled on the other side of the door. "Relax, it was only a joke. Enjoy your night, lovebirds."

The room was bathed in golden candlelight, and the air was heavy with the scent of roses. Aria turned to Adrian, her heart racing.

"No more waiting," she whispered.

Adrian cupped her face, brushing his thumb across her lips. "Are you sure?"

She smiled. "I have never been more sure of anything."

He drew her closer, his lips trailing from her brow to her cheek and the delicate curve of her neck. His hands traced every inch of her, remembering and cherishing. Their love had defied time, fate, and reality itself; tonight, they could embrace it.

The night was full of whispered promises, gentle laughter, and stolen kisses. And when Aria finally fell asleep, nestled in Adrian's arms, she knew there would be no more separation.

As Aria slowly opened her eyes, sunlight streamed through the window, and she found herself wrapped in Adrian's arms. She smiled and traced lazy circles across his bare chest.

"You're staring," Adrian said softly, half asleep.

"I'm just making sure you're real," she said softly.

He tightened his grip, bringing her closer. "I am. And I will always be."

Happily ever after? It wasn't just a fairytale. This was their reality.