An Inevitable Fate?

The hall was decorated with white lilies everywhere. Many tables were arranged with white cloth laid on them. Red ribbons were tied to the back of the chairs. The flower vases were placed at the center of the table.

People were dressed in their most exquisite dresses and had created a sophisticated atmosphere. Children's laughter and the elder's talk brought more liveliness to the occasion.

In the middle of the stage, a man in a white suit stood tall and elegant. He had his hands at the back as he waited for his bride.

A loud cheer erupted across the hall which made the man turn his head in that direction.

A fragile and petite girl came into view wearing a white bout-neck gown which ended just above the tip of her shimmering silver pumps. A white veil was put on her head which trailed all the way down.

She had her hand-hooked to her an elderly person who treated her like a precious gem. She slowly marched towards her man, with nervousness.

She had waited for this day from the time she had seen him. Finally, the day had come where they would belong to each other. She couldn't have asked for more.

When she reached the end of the aisle, the man took her hand in his and made her stand opposite him.

"Do you take Ms.Rachel Smith as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

There was a long pause which made Rachel lift her head with confusion. Even after staring for a while, she couldn't read his eyes. It was empty.

Just as everyone thought something was wrong, he spoke.

"I do."

Colin breathed a sigh of relief hearing his son's words. Gabriel was on the verge crying due to happiness.

"Do you take Mr. Eric Stein as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

"I do."

Rachel said with determination. There was no hesitation in her voice.

"Now, I pronounce you both, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." The priest declared and motioned Eric to continue.

As soon as the words left Priest's mouth, the determination and boldness abandoned Rachel at that second itself. Her face heated up and shyness crowded her. Geez!

Eric finally, made a move by removing the veil from her head. He was met with eyes filled with nothing but purity and anticipation. Her innocent eyes showed her sincerity, love for him. Her baby face made her look even younger than her age.

Seeing a naive eighteen-year-old girl standing in front of him, full of anticipation, he was helpless.

After considering it for a long time, he held her delicate face in his palms. He bent his head and inched near her face.

Rachel's face couldn't have gone bright red anymore. She closed her eyes with shyness.

But even after waiting for ages, the kiss didn't happen. She peeked with her one eye only to see Eric with closed eyes.

They were millimeter distance away from there lips to touch. But, why wasn't he kissing?

Eric finally opened his eyes and turned her face a little and gave a peck on her right cheek.

That's it?

Rachel pouted unknowingly. The disappointment was written all over her face. This wasn't what she had expected!

"Aye, come on, how could you kiss her cheek! Look, even your bride is disappointed with your way of kissing."

"I know, right? Come on, don't be shy, kiss her!"

"Kiss her!"

"Kiss her!"

Everyone in the hall started to cheer for them in a union. Eric was put in a difficult position. He stood there awkwardly.

Seeing him not making a move even after pushing him on the edge, Rachel mustered her courage.

She stood on her tip-toes to reach his lips. But... she barely reached his chin. With a plop, she landed back on her heels.

How embarrassing!

From the start till the end, the first time, she saw Eric's smile. She could have missed it if not for her keen observation.

"Don't laugh."

With one hand on his shoulder, she pulled him close to her with the other hand by tugging his bow-tie.

And just like that, her warm lips met his cold ones.