Chapter 130: Wedding (4)

The music began to play, and the guests gradually turned their attention toward the entrance of the wedding hall. Albert, who had been standing at the altar with the officiant, straightened his suit and looked toward the doors. Although he had spent the morning smiling and joking with everyone, the sight of the doors opening seemed to make the occasion finally sink in.

His bride was coming.

Yasmine appeared in an elegant white wedding gown, her dark hair styled neatly beneath a delicate veil. She held a bouquet of white flowers in both hands, and her expression remained composed despite the many eyes watching her. Beside her, Karim El Mansouri walked at a measured pace, his arm offered to his daughter as he escorted her down the aisle.

Albert’s smile widened when their eyes met. He had probably imagined this moment countless times, but now that it was happening, he seemed to have forgotten whatever he had planned to do with his hands. He clasped them together in front of himself, then quickly adjusted his jacket when he noticed Ethan watching him from the audience.

Ethan immediately grinned. ’Look at this dude. He’s nervous.’

Beside him, Evelyn followed Yasmine’s progress with a small smile, her hand resting comfortably in Ethan’s. When she noticed his expression, she leaned closer and whispered, "Why are you smiling like that?"

"Nothing. I’m just admiring the groom’s confidence," Ethan replied, keeping his voice low enough that only she could hear him.

Evelyn glanced toward Albert, who was now standing stiffly as Yasmine and her father approached the altar, and covered her mouth to hide a laugh. "You shouldn’t tease him today."

"I’m not teasing him. I’m appreciating the rare sight of Albert being speechless," He mused.

"Ethan...!" She called his name seriously, seemingly displeased.

"Alright, alright." He chuckled and slipped an arm around her waist, drawing her a little closer. "I’ll behave."

Evelyn shook her head, but she settled against him without protest. Ethan looked back toward the altar, his smile softening as Karim reached Albert and placed Yasmine’s hand in his.

The older man said something to Albert that the guests could not hear. Whatever it was, Albert’s expression became noticeably more serious as he nodded and accepted Yasmine’s hand with both of his. Karim then kissed his daughter’s forehead before stepping away to take his seat.

Ethan watched the exchange quietly. The sight brought back memories of his own wedding ceremony, when he had stood before Evelyn and promised to spend his life with her.

Back then, he had been a different man in many ways, carrying habits and expectations that had made it difficult for him to appreciate the simplest things. Even now, he could remember the nervousness he had felt, the way Evelyn had looked at him, and the strange certainty that had settled in his heart when they exchanged their vows.

He glanced down at the woman beside him. Evelyn was watching the couple with a peaceful expression, apparently unaware that he was studying her.

"What’s wrong?" She whispered when she caught him looking.

"Nothing." Ethan brushed his thumb over the back of her hand. "I was just remembering our wedding."

Her eyes widened slightly before her cheeks took on a faint pink hue. "Why are you thinking about that now?"

"Because I’m watching another man get married, and it reminded me that I made a pretty good decision myself." He nodded with a smile.

Evelyn lowered her gaze, trying unsuccessfully to suppress her smile. "You always know what to say."

Chuckling, he agreed. "Of course. I’m a married man. It’s one of the skills I had to develop."

"You’re really annoying," She murmured, though she leaned closer to him all the same.

Ethan smiled and held her comfortably against his side as the ceremony continued. The officiant spoke about commitment, patience, and the responsibilities that came with marriage, while Albert and Yasmine listened attentively. When they were asked to exchange their vows, Albert took Yasmine’s hands and looked directly into her eyes.

His usual playful expression disappeared, replaced by a sincerity that made Ethan pay closer attention.

Albert spoke about standing beside Yasmine through the good and bad times, respecting her dreams, and building a life in which neither of them would have to face their difficulties alone. His words were not particularly elaborate, but they were honest. When Yasmine responded, her voice remained calm, although the affection in her eyes was unmistakable. She promised to stand with him, challenge him when necessary, and support the man he wanted to become without losing sight of the person he already was.

Ethan’s smile grew faintly.

’Good. At least the boy understands what he’s getting into.’

The exchange of rings followed, and soon the officiant declared them husband and wife. Applause filled the hall as Albert leaned forward and kissed Yasmine, prompting several guests to cheer. Albert pulled away with a broad grin, and Yasmine laughed softly when he whispered something in her ear.

Ethan joined the applause, clapping with genuine enthusiasm. Beside him, Evelyn squeezed his hand, and he returned the gesture without looking away from the newlyweds.

He had known Albert since they were children. He remembered their mischief, the arguments they had over the smallest things, the times they had covered for each other when their parents were angry, and the countless afternoons they had spent together while growing up. Albert had always been the sort of person who could turn an ordinary day into an adventure, and even when they disagreed, the bond between them had never really weakened.

Now, the boy he remembered was standing before his bride, beginning a new Chapter of his life.

’Time really does move quickly,’ Ethan thought. ’One day you’re getting into trouble together, and the next you’re expected to be responsible for a whole family.’

He glanced at Albert again, his expression warm.

’Don’t disappoint me, bruh.’

......

After the ceremony, the guests gathered around the newlyweds to offer their congratulations. Albert had barely finished greeting one group before another approached, and he spent much of the next several minutes smiling, shaking hands, and answering the same questions about how he felt.

When he finally spotted Ethan approaching with Evelyn, relief flashed across his face.

"Ethan!" Albert called, immediately walking over to them. "There you are. I was beginning to think you had escaped."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And miss the opportunity to watch you become a married man? I’ve waited years for this day."

"You’re acting like you raised me." Albert scowled.

Wearing a smug expression, Ethan whistled. "Someone had to teach you something useful."

Albert laughed and pulled him into a tight hug, clapping him on the back before stepping away. "Seriously, though, thanks for coming. It means a lot to me."

Ethan’s teasing expression softened. "Of course I came, idiot. Did you think I’d let you get married without checking whether you were making a terrible decision?"

"See? This is why I should have sent you the invitation late."

"Too late now."

Albert shook his head with an affectionate grin before turning to Evelyn. "Thank you for coming too, Evelyn. I’m glad you could make it."

"Congratulations, Albert." Evelyn smiled warmly. "I wish you and Yasmine a happy life together. I hope you always find reasons to laugh with each other, even when things aren’t going perfectly."

"Thank you. I’ll try my best."

Yasmine stood beside him, listening quietly. When Evelyn turned to her, she offered a gentle smile and congratulated her as well. Yasmine thanked her, then glanced toward Ethan, who had been watching Albert with the expression of someone preparing to deliver an important lecture.

Albert noticed the look and immediately became suspicious. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Come here for a moment," Ethan said, motioning him closer.

"Why?" Albert’s brows furrowed as he suddenly felt wary.

"Because I want to talk to you." Ethan insisted.

Shaking his head, Albert didn’t budge. "Can’t you talk from there?"

"Albert."

"Alright, alright." Albert sighed dramatically and moved closer. "I’m listening."