When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 290: The Wedding Part 2

Chapter 290: The Wedding Part 2

A sleek, elegantly decorated car pulled up to the wedding venue, its tires crunching softly against the sandy path leading toward the aisle. As the driver stepped out to open the door, all eyes turned toward the vehicle, anticipation thick in the air.

Samuel stood at the altar, his breath hitching the moment he saw the car door open. His fingers curled slightly at his sides, his heart pounding against his chest. And then—she stepped out.

Zinnia emerged gracefully, her wedding dress flowing like liquid silk around her. The delicate lace detailing adorned the bodice, accentuating her slender frame, while the soft, ethereal fabric cascaded down in gentle waves, trailing behind her with each step.

A sheer veil, embroidered with floral patterns, draped over her shoulders, giving her an almost otherworldly glow as the sunlight kissed her skin. Her brown wavy hair was styled elegantly, with a few loose strands framing her radiant face.

Samuel was frozen in place.

She looked... breathtaking. Stunning. Like an angel who had descended upon the earth just for him.

For a moment, he couldn’t believe it. This was really happening. After everything—the pain, the heartbreak, the misunderstandings—he was finally going to marry her.

Zinnia’s eyes scanned the venue, but they only sought one person. The moment she saw Samuel, a bright, heartwarming smile spread across her lips.

He looked incredibly handsome in his tailored wedding suit, the crisp white fabric making his sharp features even more striking. Her heart raced as she took in the sight of him, standing at the altar, waiting for her. This is real. This is happening.

And in that moment, all doubts faded. Whether he was James or Samuel didn’t matter anymore. He was the same person—the man she had always loved. Her first love, her last love, and now, her forever love.

Behind her, her parents—Elena and Ricardo—stepped out of the car. Elena dabbed at the corners of her eyes, trying to hold back tears of joy, while Ricardo stood tall, his pride evident in the way he watched his daughter take in the moment.

The soft melody of the wedding march filled the air as Zinnia took her first step toward Samuel.

On either side of the aisle, guests watched with admiration, whispering amongst themselves about how beautiful the bride looked. The floral arrangements swayed gently in the ocean breeze, their scent— a blend of fresh roses, lilies, and zinnias— mingling with the salty sea air.

Ricardo and Elena walked beside Zinnia, their hands resting lightly on her arms, guiding her forward.

Samuel exhaled slowly, his throat tightening with emotion. He had never felt like this before—this overwhelming surge of love, of gratitude, of certainty.

When they finally reached the altar, Ricardo turned to Samuel, his expression a mix of solemnity and warmth.

"I will now hand my precious daughter to you," Ricardo said, his voice steady but full of emotion. "I hope you take good care of her and love her forever."

Samuel swallowed and nodded firmly. "I promise you, Dad, I will cherish her for the rest of my life."

Elena, unable to contain herself, reached out and patted Samuel’s hand. "I hope you both live a happy married life. And," she added with a teasing glint in her eye, "don’t keep us waiting too long for grandchildren."

Laughter rippled through the audience, lightening the moment. Zinnia let out a small chuckle, her cheeks warming, while Samuel, though caught off guard, managed a lopsided smile.

"We’ll do our best, Mom," he said, earning another round of chuckles.

Finally, Ricardo placed Zinnia’s hand in Samuel’s, their fingers intertwining naturally. Samuel gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before leading her up the small platform where the priest stood, waiting.

The priest smiled warmly at the couple before beginning.

"We are gathered here today to witness the union of Samuel Lucas and Zinnia Lopez in holy matrimony. Marriage is not just a bond, but a promise—a commitment to stand by each other through all of life’s joys and trials."

Samuel and Zinnia stood close, their gazes locked, their hands never letting go.

"Do you, Samuel Lucas, take Zinnia Lopez to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, as long as you both shall live?"

Samuel didn’t hesitate. "I do." His voice was strong, unwavering, filled with love.

The priest turned to Zinnia. "And do you, Zinnia Lopez, take Samuel Lucas to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, as long as you both shall live?"

Zinnia’s eyes glistened with emotion as she smiled softly. "I do."

The priest nodded approvingly. "Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Samuel, you may kiss the bride."

Samuel didn’t need to be told twice.

He reached for Zinnia, cupping her face gently, and as she tilted her head up toward him, he closed the distance. Their lips met in a tender, heartfelt kiss—one that spoke of love, of promises, of forever.

Applause erupted from the crowd, cheers and whistles ringing through the air as they sealed their union with a kiss that neither of them wanted to end.

After the ceremony, it was time for the traditional bouquet toss.

Zinnia, now glowing with happiness, turned her back to the gathering of eager women. "Alright, ladies! Who’s ready to be the next bride?"

A chorus of excited giggles and cheers followed as Zinnia counted down.

"One... two... three!"

She tossed the bouquet over her shoulder, and for a brief second, it soared through the air before landing—right in Lily’s hands.

Gasps and cheers broke out as Lily stared down at the bouquet, wide-eyed.

Timmy, standing nearby, let out an excited laugh. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, gently taking Lily’s free hand.

"Well," he said, grinning as he intertwined their fingers, "looks like fate just gave us a little push."

Lily, still a bit stunned, finally smiled. "Guess we’ll have to see where it leads us."

They stood there, hands clasped, gazing at each other as the guests clapped and cheered.

Samuel and Zinnia, watching from a distance, shared a knowing smile.

Their love story had just reached its happy beginning.

And perhaps, another love story was about to unfold.