NOVEL NEXT Chapter 528: "I do"
As Xinguan offered each other the wedding rings, symbolic of their never-ending commitment, love, and devotion to one another, the crowd of guests gasped at the sheer finery of them. An elegant blend of Rose Gold and Platinum elements, the sacred jewelry articles were quite evidently, one of a kind. Whilst Xi Yuan had a classic band around his right ring finger, the girl's ring was shaped into a five-spiked crown, three relatively minute but exquisite diamonds etched into their centers, modestly speaking of the three-year anniversary that they shared today.
But that was not even the standout about them. As observed from a keen eye, next to the three diamond pieces, upon Xi Yuan's band, were the English alphabets 'RX' engraved in Black. Her initials. And upon hers, was 'XY'. His name.
"Are those the rare black diamonds carved out?!", one of the young women covered her wide open mouth, her other hand tugging onto Ningtao's dress. Stunned, the woman turned around to look at the person, only to realize she was one of the Youth Team. A young actress.
Letting out a laugh then, Ningtao nodded, "Yes.", she answered, "Designed by Chris Collins. One of the Bride and Groom's friends."
The second the name reached the journalists' ears, they couldn't help but confirm the information, at least thrice. Collins was not an ordinary man. With a passion for jewelry creation, this person was but Asia's most prominent business tycoon today, his industry excelling in ornaments, of course. Not a fan of fame but, the man preferred to explore himself freely, away from the media's scrutiny. Then again, most artists did, didn't they? To seek inspiration from the simplest of things.
But that wasn't that to Chris Collins. Very few people in Country X were aware of it, but the man was none other than the only breathing descendant of Duke Raphael and Princess Pearl. Hence, a royalty himself. And for him to personally serve the Military Chief and the Business King of the nation; was not something to be described as an issue of little significance.
"Now.", the priest smiled at the couple shortly, as he urged the man's groomsmen to silence the wonderstruck crowd in front of them. And as they did so, the old man began, "You two have professed your love by exchanging your vows. You have symbolized your commitment by exchanging rings. And so, there is just one more question I need each of you to answer.
"Miss Rong Xinghe, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do.", Rong Xinghe smiled, staring at her darling sincerely.
"And Mr. Xi Yuan, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do.", Xi Yuan said, his gaze filled with affection.
"Very well.", the officiant nodded, turning to the guests now, "By the power vested in me by the Almighty, I now pronounce these two, husband and wife. You may now kiss your partner."
Letting out a shaky breath, Xi Yuan raised his brows, closing in the distance parting them. And as their lips met, melting into one another, gradually, elegantly, they could listen to the sounds of cameras shuttering and of people cheering them on with applause and acclaims.
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Castle Tryst, 21:30;
"Hello, Husband.", Rong Xinghe walked up to the man, stretching her right hand toward him. Xi Yuan was indulged in a conversation with one of the many guests they were supposed to greet in person tonight, at the time she approached him.
"Hello, Wife.", the man smiled, placing his hand onto hers, elated by the way she'd addressed him just then.
"First dance. As Bride and Groom.", the woman laughed, "Our siblings insist, so for their 'partayyy' to really begin."
"Sure.", Xi Yuan shrugged, glancing at the middle-aged man he'd been speaking to, apologetically.
"Forgive us, Prime Minister.", Rong Xinghe said. "Go, Ma'am, enjoy.", Li Boquin shook his head casually, returning to the fellow diplomats next to him then.
A minute later, Xi Wei climbed up on the dance stage, tapping the microphone in his hands twice, hauling the guests' attention to him. "Mr. and Mrs. Xi, everyone!", he presented, a pinch of exuberance in his tone.
Xi Yuan got onto the stage, followed by Rong Xinghe, as Ed Sheeran's song Perfect came on, lights on them dimming mercifully. And underneath them, her Hazel Brown eyes glistened, a giggle escaping her mouth. It was her favorite song, and so his, as well.
Placing her hands over his shoulders, the woman closed her eyes as his fingers brushed against the small of her back before finally halting at her waist. The next thing she knew, he drew her closer to him, whispering to her in his soul-stirring deep voice, "You look irresistible tonight, Military Chief.", he said, "Like really, really, sexy."
Letting out a genuine laugh, the girl started moving to the music around them, him syncing to her every step naturally. "Why, you look dashing yourself, Mr. Xi!", she complimented softly, looking straight into his eyes.
The two did not say anything anymore. Simply, they swayed back and forth, their every movement like those of from classic romances. It was quiet throughout the royal space, the hundreds of spectators watching them smile, laugh, and dance as if they were the only living, breathing things in the world. It was divine, their love. The harmony those two shared.
In ways, Xinguan reminded people of their young selves. Passionate, and zealous. Hopelessly intimate in love.
But to some, they were so much more than that. And for such, Xinguan radiated an impression of eternity. They promised assurance to those around them, and to the millions of those who watched them from afar. They provided them with hope; about love, and about the deepest of the wounds healing, with time and patience. Somewhat like how the story of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle did, and that of the Obamas too.
Such love was, in its true sense, rare. Epic, and noble, even. Something that allowed others to survive into it, and to seek relief and comfort from. Something... that was understandably uplifting for those who saw it.