One Week Later
Alva stood in front of the mirror, dressed in an exquisite wedding gown that shimmered like starlight. The dress was a custom-made masterpiece—ivory satin hugged her figure gracefully, while delicate lace flowed down in elegant layers, each one embroidered with tiny crystals that sparkled with every movement. It was expensive, stunning, and one-of-a-kind.
She wore minimal makeup, just enough to enhance her already flawless features. Her skin glowed with a soft radiance, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. Her lips were a natural rosy hue, and her beauty was simply breathtaking.
Her hair was swept up in a graceful bun, with soft tendrils framing her face. A delicate white flower rested in her hair, completing her bridal look like a gentle touch from nature itself.
Her mother stood nearby, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.
"My daughter, you look so perfect… more beautiful than ever. You're truly my daughter," her mom said through happy tears. "I'm so proud of you and so happy to see you getting married."
"Mom," Alva said, trying not to cry, "don't make me cry—I don't want to mess up my makeup."
"I'm sorry, Alva," her mom said, chuckling through her tears. "I'll cry outside." She gave her daughter one last look before walking out, still wiping her eyes.
A moment later, her father stepped into the room. He wore a classic black tuxedo with a soft gray tie—a proud father of the bride. His eyes welled up the moment he saw her.
"You ready, Alva?" he asked, offering his arm.
"Yes, I am," she said with a nod.
The grand doors slowly opened, revealing the wedding venue outside.
The ceremony was held at Cody Mansion—but today, it looked like something straight out of a fairytale. White roses and lavender blooms decorated the columns and gates. The aisle was a long, elegant cascade of pale pink petals leading to a floral archway covered in vines and orchids. White curtains danced gently in the breeze, framing the view of the garden where guests sat smiling and waiting.
Alva walked down the aisle with her father, her hand gently resting on his arm. The crowd erupted into soft cheers and clapping. Guests tossed flower petals as she passed, filling the air with color and fragrance. Alva smiled at them politely, but her eyes remained locked on Cody—her future husband—who stood at the altar, his back still turned.
When she finally reached him, Cody turned around to face her.
He looked stunning in a tailored navy-blue suit with a silk tie and polished shoes. His hair was neatly styled, and his eyes sparkled the moment they landed on her. He looked like a man in love—completely and entirely.
"You look so beautiful, my future wife," Cody said, his voice full of emotion.
"And you look handsome as always, my dear future husband," Alva replied with a glowing smile.
The officiant stepped forward.
"Do you, Cody Jones, take Miller Alva as your wedded wife, to be with her in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, for as long as you both shall live?"
"Yes, I do," Cody said confidently, still smiling.
"And do you, Alva Miller, take Cody Jones as your wedded husband, to be with him in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
"Yes, I do," she replied, barely containing her excitement.
"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife—"
But before he could finish, Alva leaned forward and kissed Cody passionately, causing the officiant to pause.
"—Yeah, whatever…" the officiant muttered with a chuckle.
Everyone erupted in applause as the couple kissed under the archway, surrounded by petals, love, and laughter.
In the crowd, Alva's grandfather turned to Timothy.
"So, Timothy… when are you planning to get married?" he asked with a raised brow.
"Granddad, not now. I have a girlfriend," Timothy replied, flustered.
"You always say that. That's a fake relationship—I can tell," his grandfather said with a snort. "I'll give you some time to find a real girlfriend. If not, you're no longer my grandson."
Timothy groaned while clapping. "I don't know what you did to make Cody marry, but whatever it was… I'm impressed."
The laughter, music, and cheers continued as the celebration of love went on into the evening.
****
That Evening – Part Two of the Wedding Celebration
As the sun set and the fairy lights twinkled across the garden, the party only grew louder and more joyful. The second half of the celebration had begun—more music, more dancing, and more laughter under the stars.
Alva and Cody were in the center of it all, dancing with the other couples. The music shifted from slow and romantic to upbeat and playful.
"You're not good at dancing," Alva whispered to Cody with a mischievous grin.
"Uhmmm…" he mumbled, trying to keep up with the beat as she twirled.
Meanwhile, Brian sipped from a glass of wine, standing near the drinks table, watching the dancing pairs.
"You're a good dancer… unlike your brother," he said, smirking as he stared at Timothy, who was awkwardly bobbing his head to the music. Timothy shrugged and tossed back his drink in one smooth motion, the wine swishing dramatically before disappearing down his throat.
Everyone was dancing, laughing, spinning under the lights when suddenly—
"Aaargh!"
A sharp scream cut through the music. The music stopped. Alva stumbled and collapsed to the ground, clutching her belly.
"The baby… it's coming!" she cried, her voice laced with panic and pain.
Chaos erupted.
"Alva!" Cody shouted, frozen for a split second before rushing to her side.
"Are you okay?!" her mom asked, already kneeling beside her.
"I'm not okay, Mom!" Alva cried out, gripping her waist, tears filling her eyes. "It hurts so much…"
"Call for help!" someone yelled.
"Take her to the hospital—NOW!"
Cody blinked back to his senses and scooped Alva into his arms like she weighed nothing. Her head rested against his shoulder as she whimpered in pain. Everyone cleared the way as Cody ran to the car, heart pounding.
"Please stay with me, Alva. Just breathe… We're almost there!" he said, voice shaking.
"Arrrrghhh! Cody, it hurts so much!" she screamed, her grip tightening on his shirt.
The tires screeched as the car sped away into the night.
---
At the Hospital – Moments Later
Nurses rushed them inside. Alva was wheeled into the delivery room, her hands trembling as she cried in pain.
"Please! Please bring Cody in! I need him!" she screamed between contractions.
Cody paced outside, his palms sweaty, heart racing. The moment a nurse called his name, he darted inside the room without hesitation.
He saw her lying on the bed, soaked in sweat, clutching the sheets like her life depended on it.
"Alva! I'm here!" he rushed to her side, grabbing her hand.
Her eyes locked with his. "Where were you?! Don't leave me again!" she cried, her face twisted in agony.
"I'm here, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," Cody whispered, brushing hair off her forehead. "I didn't mean to put you through all this stress. I should've been more careful."
But Alva was already back in the throes of another contraction.
"Push!" the gynecologist instructed. "You can do this, Alva! The baby is almost here!"
"AAARRRGHH!" Alva screamed, gripping Cody's hand so tightly he winced—but didn't let go.
"You're strong, baby, you've got this," Cody whispered, tears in his eyes. "I'm right here."
Alva cried, shook, and yelled as each wave of pain hit her. Her voice echoed through the halls.
"I CAN'T DO THIS!" she sobbed.
"Yes, you can!" Cody said, kissing her forehead. "You're the strongest woman I know."
With one final, painful scream, Alva pushed—and then…
The sound of a baby's cry filled the room.
The room fell silent for a heartbeat before erupting in joy.
"It's a girl!" the doctor announced, holding up a tiny, healthy newborn wrapped in a soft blue blanket.
Alva collapsed against the pillow, her face wet with tears—tears of pain, relief, and happiness.
Cody leaned over, kissing her forehead gently. "You did it," he whispered. "I'm so proud of you."
Alva smiled weakly, eyes fluttering shut. "Thank you… Cody."
He sat by her side, holding her hand while watching the nurse clean the baby.
That night, under the hospital lights, a new chapter of their love story began—with the cries of baby Alice filling the air, and two hearts more in love than ever.
the end