Chapter 8 (Part 1)

That day, their wedding unfolded exactly as Cordelia had dreamed—pure happiness.  

For her, just sitting beside Nathaniel would have been perfect enough. But somehow, that day felt as if the entire world was blessing them.  

The warm breeze and blooming flowers surrounded them. Even without music, the sweet chirping of the birds filled the air, almost like a melody. It seemed as though even Skoll, their horse, was in a good mood. That day, the usually stubborn horse, who hated leaving the stable, behaved unusually well.  

Later, Cordelia learned that Nathaniel had secretly bribed the horse with carrots. When she heard the story after their wedding night, she couldn’t stop laughing. His explanation, “It’s true. That’s the only way he listens. He’s so stubborn,” made it even more amusing.  

“Take good care of the bouquet! I’m going to make the cake now. See you later, okay?” 

Cordelia said cheerfully.  

“Okay.”  

After sharing a brief kiss, they parted ways to prepare for the wedding. 

Cordelia wasn’t particularly skilled at cooking, but there was one type of cake she could make rather well—a soft, fluffy vanilla cake. By adding a simple layer of cream and jam, and decorating it beautifully, she turned it into the perfect wedding cake. She poured her heart into making it.  

Fortunately, the cake turned out to be the most beautiful one she had ever made. Overwhelmed with pride, she even prayed over it, saying, “Please let it taste as good as it looks…!” Thankfully, it did. The next day, she even earned another kiss from Nathaniel because of it. 

After placing the cake where it belonged, Cordelia headed straight to the bathroom.  

She took another shower to make sure she was spotless and applied her treasured scented oil. Then, she put on the prettiest white dress she owned. Afterward, she braided her hair to one side and adorned it with flower-shaped pins.  

Normally, Cordelia didn’t like wearing accessories. She usually kept the bracelets and earrings Nathaniel gave her stored away under the pretense of saving them for special occasions. But this time, she wore all of them. The sparkling gold earrings, in particular, reminded her of Nathaniel’s golden eyes, and she felt immensely satisfied.  

Next, she applied simple makeup she had learned to do a while back and finished by painting her lips a lovely peach color.  

When she looked into the mirror after all that, she saw a radiant and happy bride staring back at her. For a moment, she was so moved that she wondered, “Is that really me?” She stood there in awe until she heard Skoll’s familiar whinny outside. 

“Please, behave yourself today.” 

Cordelia murmured as she stepped outside.  

At that moment, Nathaniel was busy calming the horse. Holding a lush bouquet in one hand, he stood with his back to her. As if they were in sync, he was dressed in a pristine white suit that matched hers perfectly. 

Cordelia opened the door and called out to him in an excited voice, 

“I’m here!”  

Startled, Nathaniel flinched slightly before turning to face her.  

“Cordelia…”  

“Wow…”  

Both of them froze in place as soon as they saw each other.  

Nathaniel looked so breathtakingly handsome that Cordelia couldn’t help but let out a foolish exclamation.  

“You look… amazing.” 

Nathaniel, who usually let his bangs fall over his forehead, had neatly combed back half of his hair. This revealed his pale, flawless forehead and eyebrows, giving him a more masculine and refined appearance than usual.  

He walked toward Cordelia and extended his hand as she descended the stairs. Then, he gave her a quiet, beautiful smile.  

If it weren’t for the firm grip of his hand, Cordelia might have tripped down the stairs while staring at his face. But thanks to his escort, she made it down safely.  

Once she reached the bottom, they stood face to face, gazing at each other.  

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Do I look weird?” 

Cordelia asked nervously.  

She doubted her cheeks would appear flushed since the makeup covered them. But her heart had been pounding so hard that she felt heat rushing to her face. Her cheeks even felt slightly tingly.  

Hearing her question, Nathaniel blinked slowly before answering.  

“No… That’s not it. You’re just so beautiful. I think I was momentarily mesmerized. You really… look like a bride.”  

Cordelia’s voice rang out, bright and cheerful, as she exclaimed. 

“‘I look like a bride? I am a bride! I’m marrying you right now!”  

As her radiant smile bloomed, Nathaniel couldn’t help but let out a laugh of his own. Clearing his throat to regain composure, he suddenly extended something toward her. A sweet fragrance wafted through the air. It was a beautiful bouquet; one he had woven together himself.  

“Oh, my goodness…! It’s so beautiful. How did you make it look this pretty?”  

“Really…?”  

“Yes, truly. I love it so much. I think I’ll sleep hugging this tonight” 

Cordelia said, her voice filled with awe as she admired the vibrant bouquet of colorful flowers. Hugging it close to her chest, she felt the faint scent of wood emanating from Nathaniel, mingling with the flowers.  

But just then, she felt a light kiss brush against her lips—soft and fleeting.  

“That’s not allowed… The groom is me. The bouquet can stay by your side when we sleep”

Nathaniel teased, his voice carrying a mischievous yet sincere tone.  

Cordelia laughed at his playful words, her heart fluttering with joy. Unable to resist the warm, ticklish feeling bubbling within her, she stood on her toes and planted a kiss on his cheek.  

“Oh no, it left a mark” 

She said, noticing the faint blush of her lipstick on his cheek. Quickly, she raised her hand to wipe it away. As she did, she caught sight of the back of his neck, which had turned red.  

“Are you nervous?” 

She teased, her voice light and playful.  

Nathaniel, trying to feign composure, awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, pretending not to notice. But when Cordelia fixed him with a knowing gaze, silently urging him to confess, he finally caved. Covering his eyes with one hand, he admitted. 

“Stop looking at me like that. You’re too beautiful—it’s making it hard to breathe. I feel like dragging you inside right now.”  

“Ha ha, just hold on a little longer. We still have things to do.” 

She replied with a laugh.  

“Alright. Let’s go.”  

Nathaniel helped her onto the horse and climbed on behind her. Wrapping his arms securely around her and the bouquet she held, he urged Skoll to move. Their gentle horse trotted forward at a leisurely pace, allowing them to enjoy the golden hues of the sunset that painted the forest around them.  

“Wow…! Flowers…!” 

Cordelia’s voice broke the peaceful silence.  

Leaning against Nathaniel’s chest, she had been proudly talking about the cake she had made when a sweet floral scent reached her nose. Turning her head, she saw vibrant crimson petals blooming all around them.  

The fragrance was so enchanting that even Skoll sniffed at the air in interest. Surrounded by the delicate shade of the flower trees, they paused to take in the serene beauty of the moment.  

Cordelia’s heart stirred. Was it the sweet scent of the flowers? Or the feeling of being inside a scene straight from a cherished memory? Or perhaps it was the disbelief that she was the protagonist of such a perfect moment.  

So, this is what it feels like.

She thought.  

For the first time, she understood the feelings of brides she had seen in her youth—overflowing joy and happiness beyond measure. With the person she loved by her side and the breathtaking scenery surrounding them, her heart felt full. 

 “Cordelia.” 

Nathaniel called softly. 

“Yes?” 

She replied, turning her head toward him.  

Nathaniel leaned slightly to the side and kissed her. This time, it wasn’t a fleeting peck but a deep, lingering kiss. The soft sensation of his tongue intertwining with hers conveyed the depth of his love.  

They remained on the horse, kissing as the golden sunlight turned into a deep crimson glow. When they finally pulled apart, Nathaniel’s gaze was more tender than ever, his eyes glistening with emotion.  

Dismounting from the horse, Nathaniel looked up at her and spoke, his voice steady and filled with sincerity.  

“I will love you forever. No matter what happens, I will never betray you, and I will always stay by your side.”  

“Oh…” 

Cordelia gasped softly.  

“Cordelia, will you be my wife?”  

It was a marriage vow.