Chapter 101
101
~Elara’s POV
Darlon sat close, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face, his hand lingering on my cheek. “You’re my sweetheart,” he whispered softly, the words carrying weight I hadn’t realized I’d missed so much. “And I’ll always be here. Always. I’ll be your family, your home, your shield p>
I let my eyes close, leaning into his hand. “I… I believe you,” I murmured. “After everything, I finally believe it p>
He leaned down then, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to my lips. It was gentle but full of emotion, a promise, a vow, a reminder of all we had survived to find each other again. I felt my chest tighten with relief and longing, all at once.
Dinner was quiet but comfortable. The maids had brought in food, and Darlon insisted on feeding me some bites, smiling whenever I tried to protest. “Sweetheart, you need to eat,” he said, brushing my hair back as I accepted a spoonful. “You’ve been through more than anyone should ever have to, and I won’t let you starve now p>
I laughed softly, shaking my head. “You’re ridiculous,” I whispered, though I felt safe and cherished in a way I had never known.
“Maybe,” he said with a teasing glint in his eyes.
After we finished, he helped me settle into bed. He tucked the blankets around me, smoothing the sheets with careful hands, and pressed another soft kiss to my forehead. “Sleep well, my love,” he murmured. “I’ll be right here p>
The next morning, sunlight poured gently through the tall windows, spilling across the room and warming the soft carpet beneath my feet. The golden light made everything feel alive, like the world itself was holding its breath in anticipation. Today was not just any day. Today was the press conference, the moment when the world would officially see Darlon and me as husband and wife. The thought made my stomach flutter with excitement and nerves at the same time.
Darlon moved around the room with a calm confidence that made my chest ache a little. Every step he took seemed measured, purposeful, as if the entire day rested on his shoulders, but at the same time, he carried me through it all with ease. He spoke softly to David, instructing him to bring in the stylist, hairdresser, makeup artist, and even the shoe designer. Each person arrived promptly, and I could feel the energy of the room shift as they began setting out all the tools and materials they would need.
When I saw the items they brought, my heart skipped. Expensive fabrics were carefully folded and laid out, sparkling jewelry glinted in the sunlight, and shoes of every shape and style were neatly arranged, each pair polished to perfection. I could feel my hands trembling slightly at the sight of it all; it was overwhelming but also exciting. Darlon’s designer was there too, moving with precision and authority, making sure every color, every seam, and every accessory would match perfectly.
He stepped close to me then, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and his touch sent a small shiver down my spine. “Relax, sweetheart,” he said softly, his voice low and comforting. “I want you to look beautiful, but more than that, I want you to feel beautiful. Every piece, every touch, it’s all for you p>
I nodded, taking a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering in my chest. Slowly, the team moved around me with quiet efficiency. The stylist took the fabrics and began draping them over me, carefully adjusting seams and folds so everything fit perfectly. The hairdresser sectioned my hair, curling and smoothing until the soft waves framed my face just right. The makeup artist worked meticulously, highlighting my features without making me feel like I was losing myself in the process. Every brushstroke, every touch, every careful adjustment felt like it was done with love, care, and an understanding of who I was.
“Relax, sweetheart,” he said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered for a moment, warm and comforting, and I felt my cheeks heat slightly at the tenderness. “I want you to look beautiful, but more than that, I want you to feel beautiful. Every piece, every touch, it’s all for you p>
I watched as the stylist gently lifted my dress from the hanger, smoothing it over my shoulders and adjusting the seams so it fit perfectly. Each fold of fabric was measured carefully, pinned, and tucked to give me the cleanest lines, and I could feel her hands working with care, making sure nothing dug in or pulled. Darlon stood behind me, his hand brushing lightly against my back as if to steady me, whispering encouragements in a low voice I could only hear.
Next, the hairdresser took over. She brushed my hair slowly, untangling any knots, then sectioned it with precise fingers before curling each piece into soft, flowing waves. Darlon watched with a faint smile, leaning closer to whisper, “These curls are made for you, sweetheart. Even the wind will envy them.” I laughed softly, feeling both shy and delighted, glancing back at him to catch the teasing in his eyes.
The makeup artist worked carefully, applying light foundation that evened my skin tone without hiding me, soft eyeshadow that made my eyes appear brighter, and a delicate touch of color on my lips. Each stroke was measured and slow, like an artist painting a portrait, enhancing what I already had rather than changing me into someone else. I could feel the gentle warmth of Darlon’s hand resting lightly on my shoulder the whole time, his thumb brushing in tiny circles to reassure me.
Finally, the jeweler stepped forward, selecting pieces that complemented the dress perfectly: a pair of simple yet elegant earrings, a thin bracelet, and a small, shining necklace that caught the light just enough to sparkle without being overbearing. He fastened each piece carefully, checking angles and symmetry, while Darlon murmured soft approval.
“You look stunning,” he said quietly as he adjusted the final touch of my hair, tucking a curl behind my ear. His fingers lingered, brushing my cheek with the gentlest pressure. “Absolutely perfect. No one will be able to take their eyes off you p>
I blushed, trying to hide my smile. “You’re just saying that,” I said softly, though my eyes stayed on him.
“I’m saying it because it’s true,” he replied, leaning down to press a light kiss to my temple. “But also… maybe because I like seeing you blush p>
We laughed softly, the tension of the past finally loosening in small, intimate moments like this. Every brushstroke, every gentle touch, every whispered word felt like a promise that we had finally made it through the worst, and now we could build something beautiful together.
As the last adjustments were made, I stepped back to look at myself in the mirror. The reflection that stared back at me was elegant, poised, and radiant—but more importantly, it was me, standing beside the man I loved, ready to face the world together.
Darlon moved behind me, his hands resting lightly on my shoulders. “You’re ready,” he said, his voice low but full of certainty. “And when we step out there today, everyone will see not just my Luna, but the woman I’ve loved across lifetimes p>
I took a deep breath, feeling his warmth and strength behind me. “I’m ready,” I whispered. “With you p>