Time passed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, it was time for Emily and Derek's wedding.
Surveying the bustling attendants and the increasing number of guests, Emily couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.
"Hey, Emily, you look stunning today."
At that moment, Louise's voice suddenly came from behind. She was adorned in a simple black evening dress, smiling at Emily.
Emily hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. She then furrowed her brow and nodded gently.
"Emily, today is a day of celebration. Don't look like that; you need to be happy, like this."
Noticing Emily's unease, Louise approached her with concern, making a funny face to lighten the mood. Truth be told, Louise did manage to ease Emily's tension.
"Thank you, Louise."
"Oh my, why are you still here? The ceremony is about to start!"
Just then, an officiant hurriedly approached, grabbing Emily's hand and rushing her to the entrance of the venue.
"And now, we present the entrance of the most beautiful girl in the world today!"
With the high-pitched announcement and a melodious melody, lively cheers erupted around them.
The doors swung open, and a brilliant spotlight illuminated Emily. Before her stretched a narrow path adorned with flowers, culminating in the figure of Derek, who stood with a warm smile.
A mixture of emotions filled Emily as her heart both leapt and sank with a dull heaviness. However, as the distance between Emily and Derek gradually diminished, the uneasiness within her began to dissipate. This relief was short-lived, as Derek's broad palm closed firmly around Emily's hand.
"Hey, Emily, you look beautiful today," Derek greeted, tilting his head slightly, his deep eyes hinting at hidden depths.
"Today is a special day, Emily—my life partner and my only love. I will cherish the love we share, now and forever. I promise to love you faithfully, whether our future is good or bad, hard or peaceful. I will be with you through it all, committing my life to you," Derek recited the sweet wedding vows with profound emotion. Emily's heart seemed to melt as she gazed into his determined eyes.
Derek concluded his vows with a slow descent of his head, planting a gentle kiss on Emily as the guests erupted in cheers.
Emily closed her eyes, savoring the long, soft kiss.
Yet, in the next moment, she snapped back to reality, questioning the authenticity of her emotions amidst the joyous atmosphere.
After all, her connection with Derek was primarily due to the four children, and she feared her emotions were merely a response to the celebratory ambiance.
The kiss concluded, and Emily returned from the clouds to the ground. Unexplainably, her eyes moistened, and crystal tears traced down her cheeks.
Derek tenderly wiped away her tears with the back of his hand, winking at her and offering a warm smile.
The wedding concluded with resounding cheers, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Emily's life.
After bidding farewell to the guests, Emily and Derek sat on the edge of the bed in silence for a prolonged period.
Emily absentmindedly traced the pattern on her wedding dress, attempting to maintain composure. After all, there was an unspoken agreement between Emily and Derek regarding what was to unfold later.
"Um... Emily."
"What?"
Derek's abrupt utterance caught Emily off guard, prompting her to cry out almost reflexively. However, her exaggerated reaction also caused Derek to flinch.
"I mean, Emily, it's been a busy day for you, and you must be tired. Either that or get an early night tonight."
Derek's voice trembled slightly, conveying the nervous tension he was experiencing.
"Uh-huh," Emily responded, lowering her head and blushing intensely.
"Then... then I'll sleep in the other room. You... you get some rest."
Derek, looking determined, slowly stood up, preparing to exit the bedroom.
"Don't!"
Immediately, Emily blurted out, her face growing hotter with each passing moment. "I mean, it's late, and the other rooms aren't cleaned up, so we can just sleep here."
Emily avoided making eye contact with Derek, and by the end of her sentence, her voice was barely audible even to herself.
Derek was evidently taken aback by Emily's unexpected response. He hesitated momentarily before sitting back on the bed with renewed vigor. However, he seemed a bit closer to Emily than before, and Emily could even catch a faint whiff of cologne.
"Was everything you said at the wedding true?" Emily looked up at Derek. A flash of consternation crossed Derek's face.
"Of course, I would never lie to you..."
"Then I will fulfill my duties as your wife as well." Emily's words interrupted Derek's defense. After a brief moment of silence, he discerned the deeper meaning and a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes.
"Emily..." Derek gently called out her name, his burning breath reaching her face, causing Emily to blush.
Immediately, Derek moved closer, and Emily anticipated what was about to happen. She closed her eyes, and their lips met. Emily's body stiffened at first but yielded to Derek's passionate advance.
"Derek..." Emily's sanity slowly faded, and she pressed closer to his solid chest.
Derek gasped as his hands traced along the seam of her wedding dress, gently caressing Emily's smooth spine. The touch made her shudder, a muffled grunt escaping her throat.
It was a signal for Derek to intensify his advances. He gently lifted Emily, allowing her to sit on top of him in a more comfortable position. A glint of cunning flashed in Derek's eyes as he slid his lips down Emily's neck.
"No!" Emily tilted her head back, biting her lip lightly in a sound that hinted at unwilling submission but leaned more toward seduction.
Derek's hand reached Emily's peak, and he removed the sacred wedding dress. Emily's sanity faded in that moment.
She lay on top of Derek, her body moving with muffled grunts. Closing her eyes, she bit her lips tightly, transforming into a creature surrendering to its natural instincts, willingly sinking into the swamp of love.