101st Confession

“Of course! Here comes the bride!”

The door opened, revealing a bride as beautiful as a painting. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereEveryone marveled at Lucia’s fair features as if a goddess had descended.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

Herwin, in particular, could not take his eyes off Lucia as she walked down the aisle, holding John’s hand.

All of the imaginations he has been imagining have not been the blood of the current scene.

He couldn’t believe that such a beautiful woman, the cutest woman in the world, was now his wife.

Brian whispered to his friends as Herwin stared open-mouthed, forgetting to control his expression.

“He’s going to lose it.”

“It’s not that we don’t understand how he feels. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereIf Lucia looks so beautiful to us, how can she not be in his eyes?”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

Their friends weren’t the only ones who saw Herwin’s surprise.

Some of the young ladies, who had never forgotten how much they adored Herwin and were planning to catch a small pod at today’s wedding, couldn’t help but raise their hands and feet when they saw Herwin’s expression.

Lucia was the only one who could bring out that expression in him.

Everyone was stunned and confused as they watched the usually stoic Herwin break free. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereHenry smiled as he listened to the chatter.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

After less than a minute, Lucia finally arrived in front of Herwin. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereJohn smirked when he saw that Herwin couldn’t take his eyes off Lucia.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

“Herwin, take care of my daughter.”

The sound of John’s voice sobered him, and he straightened up. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereHe grasped John’s hand tightly as he offered Lucia’s to him.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

“I will make her happy for the rest of her life.”

“……Yes.”

John stepped back, finding his seat. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereHerwin felt a slender hand that fit right into his hand.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

He caught a glimpse of Lucia’s face, hidden by the cotton cloth. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereEven when he couldn’t see her face properly, she was blindingly beautiful, and now that she was up close, he felt ecstatic all over again.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

“Herwin, look ahead.”

Lucia laughed and called his attention to the stinging poke on his right cheek. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereHerwin responded immediately, turning his head straight ahead.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

After the officiant and other formalities, the Pope, who stood at the front, recited the wedding vows.

Every time he called her Lucia Phoenaeus instead of Lucia Agnes, he realized that she was now his wife.

“Do you, Herwin Phoenaeus, the groom, promise to love and honor Lucia Phoenaeus, the bride, in joy and sorrow, and to be her constant pillar for life?”

“Yes!”

The confident, booming answer brought laughter among the guests, including Lucia.

The smiling Pope turned to Lucia.

“Do you, Lucia Phoenaeus, the bride, promise to love and honor Herwin Phoenaeus, the groom, in joy and sorrow, and to make him your home for life?”

“Yes, I do.”

At the soft, faltering answer, Herwin pressed his hand against Lucia’s.

“You do hereby solemnly swear, in the presence of your loved ones and friends, to be man and wife for life. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereAs witnesses, all present today solemnly declare that this marriage is truly solemnized.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

Whoah!

Cheers and applause erupted everywhere. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereIt was deafening. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereLucia and Herwin looked at each other and smiled widely. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereThe sight of them brought tears to the eyes of their parents.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereread only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereread only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

The Pope raised his hand to calm the crowd. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereThe ring bearer, who had been waiting by the Pope’s side, came forward with the ring.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

“Then, there will be a ring exchange ceremony.”

Herwin slipped the ring on Lucia’s finger first. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereAt first, it was a ring with more than 10 carats of diamonds, but Lucia found it too much for her, so he changed it.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

Still, Herwin couldn’t give up the diamonds, so the entire ring was encrusted with them.

This time, Lucia put the ring on Herwin’s finger. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereIt fits perfectly.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

It seemed to cement their love even more.

“There will be a kiss of vows, Herwin Phoenaeus, the groom, please hand over the veil of the bride, Lucia Phoenaeus.”

With trembling hands, Herwin grasped the veil that had been hiding Lucia’s face, and as he pulled it back over her head, he could see her fair face.

Herwin froze in his position. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereThe guests began to gossip.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

As they craned their necks to see what was going on, they heard someone startle.

Upon closer inspection, a single tear fell from Herwin’s eye.

Not only the families and friends of both families sitting in the front row but also the Pope was surprised.

Herwin looked at Lucia with tears streaming down his face. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereEmbarrassed, Lucia burst into laughter. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereThen she turned to the Pope.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereread only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

“He’s supposed to give me a kiss of vows, right?”

“That… yes, it is.”

Lucia grinned and grabbed both of Herwin’s cheeks, pulling him toward her.

Herwin’s upper body leaned forward, and Lucia raised her magpie feet in response.

Lucia’s lips met Herwin’s. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereIt was the first time they saw the bride kiss first.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

After a moment of silence, the wedding hall erupted in cheers. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereThere was also the occasional laugh.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

Herwin, who finally returned to reality, blinked with a handsomely heated face.

“Lucia…….”

“I can’t have you crying already, people are going to think you’re a crybaby.”

“You’re so pretty, I can’t help it…….”

Drowned out by the cheers, the Pope was the only one who heard the couple’s conversation. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereIn an aristocratic society where arranged marriages were rampant, it had been a long time since a couple had been so fond of each other.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

“You love this woman so much that you weep for her. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereYou have the lover of the century.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

The pope’s not-so-subtle joke quickly filled the wedding hall with laughter. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereFor a moment, Herwin felt embarrassed, but then he saw Lucia’s smile and felt his heart fill.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

This was happiness. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereHerwin swept Lucia into a quick hug and blew her another kiss. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereWhistling and clapping could be heard all around.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereread only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

After a moment of surprise, Lucia wrapped her arms around Herwin’s face and returned his kiss.

After a successful ceremony, the reception began.

After the wedding dress, Lucia wore a light blue dress.

In keeping with the winter theme, the gown was so beautiful that it looked like snowflakes had fallen on the dress. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereShe wrapped herself in a shawl made of snow-white fox fur that Herwin had caught himself to keep her warm and cozy.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

As beautiful as the wedding dress was, it was also quite fitting for the reception.

It was no secret that when Lucia returned with her new outfit, Herwin was once again on the verge of tears.

Barely able to hold back the tears, Herwin could no longer control his expression and looked at Lucia with an unraveling face.

Lucia doesn’t know if this is the same man who rejected her confession a year ago.

‘At least he gave me the benefit of the doubt.’

There was, frankly, a little uneasiness when she accepted Herwin’s heart.

She thought deeply about him the other day and accepted him with the determination to endure everything, but not all the anxiety has disappeared.

She used to have negative thoughts about what if he suddenly changed his mind and broke up with her, or what if he told her it was all a mistake, but the more time she spent with him, the more those negative feelings melted away.

‘How could I doubt him with those eyes?’

Whenever Lucia turned to look at him, his red eyes would turn sweeter than chocolate, surprising her every time, like a new love.

Before she knew it, she realized that he had been crushing on her for years. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereShe could see that he loves her more.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

She had never thought of him as annoying, but she had to admit that sometimes she found his cheekiness annoying.

It was quite unthinkable, considering the last confession she made to Herwin this spring.

She had a feeling that there would be nothing but peace and happiness ahead.

Lucia looked up, feeling the warmth of his hand clasped tightly in hers. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereHerwin was still looking at her.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

Lucia’s eyes softened, and Herwin’s face lit up with emotion.

Smiling sheepishly, she whispered to him.

“I love you, honey.”

It was the first time she’d ever called him that. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereHerwin shuddered as if struck by lightning and squeezed Lucia’s hand. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereIt hurt a little from the ring on his finger, but she could handle it.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereread only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

He looked like he wanted to pull Lucia into a hug and kiss her right then and there, but there were a lot of eyes on them, so he held back.

“……I love you too, baby.”

It was a satisfying enough answer. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereLucia leaned her head on Herwin’s shoulder for a moment, then turned to face the people watching them.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

They greeted them enthusiastically as they are in their wedding dresses.

“Today, I would like to thank you all for attending this reception, which we have organized to the best of our ability, so please enjoy it to the fullest.”

After Lucia’s brief greeting, the band began to play.

Then Herwin casually led Lucia out into the empty dance floor. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereLucia and Herwin swayed to the music.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

As the first song ended, people began to come out onto the dance floor with their partners, including Countess Agnes, Duke and Duchess Phoenaeus, and Brian and Christine.

As the crowd grew, Lucia’s vision caught two familiar faces. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereSurprise blossomed on her face.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

Herwin, who had been staring at Lucia’s face, shook his head.

“What’s wrong, baby?”

The nickname sounded so natural coming out of his mouth, but Lucia couldn’t help but notice.

“Two o’clock here.”

“Two o’clock…….”

Turning his head to the two o’clock position to match Lucia’s view, Herwin could see why Lucia looked surprised.

Lucas and Arista were dancing together.

As he wondered if Arista had gained courage, he realized that Lucia had stopped paying attention to her dance and was watching them.

He wondered if Lucia was aware of their relationship, but he was more than a little annoyed that she was not paying attention to him.

Herwin quickly grabbed Lucia’s waist and spun her around so that the inside of her wall was facing him.

“Baby, where are you looking, can’t you see me?”

“……Phew! Are you pouting because I saw someone else?”

“Who’s pouting? I’m not that narrow-minded.”

No, he’s not.

Into Lucia’s eyes came Herwin, his lips pouting. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereLetting out a weak laugh, Lucia decided to focus on him.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know the two were going to dance. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereI’m only telling you, but I think my brother is interested in Arista.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

“Ho-ho-“

The words were tantalizing. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereThe next song was starting. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereThe two excused themselves from the dance floor to observe Arista and Lucas.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereread only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

Sure enough, after hearing Lucia’s words, it was transparent that Lucas couldn’t take his eyes off Arista.

“Baby, Arista likes him too.”

When he realized he couldn’t hide it any longer, Herwin told Lucia the truth. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereLucia’s eyes widened and she let out a silent scream.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

All their attention was focused on the future couple. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereAs they whispered to each other, the people around them smiled at what they thought was a perfect couple.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

However, those who knew Herwin and Lucia well had different reaction.

Agnes and Phoenaeus, in particular, shook their heads in disbelief.

“What on earth do they think they’re up to?”

“Julian, you can see it, right? It looks like there will be something happening.”

“I thought they’d grown up since they got married, but they’re still like that.”

“Well, maybe that’s because they’re relaxed now, and they’ve been busy planning their wedding.”

“Well, that is also true.”

Everyone nodded in agreement with Julian. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not thereBy now, their faces were full of smiles.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there

For all their differences, the two of them looked great together.