Devilish secretary
Chapter 399 Promise

Chapter 399: Chapter 399 Promise

Ava’s eyes widened like a startled kitten, and she almost squeaked, "Late? Oh no! Is it that late already?" She turned her head toward the clock on the wall but realized she couldn’t even see straight with her nerves bouncing around.

Lilith gave her shoulders a reassuring squeeze, suppressing a small laugh. "You’ll be fine," she said, her tone a soothing blend of warmth and command. "Your makeup is perfect. Your dress is perfect. You’re perfect. The only thing you’re going to ruin is the patience of everyone waiting to see you walk down that aisle if you keep fidgeting."

Ava let out an embarrassed giggle, her shoulders relaxing a bit as she breathed out, "Okay, okay. You’re right. I’m ready. I think..." She paused, then reached for Lilith’s hand again, her eyes soft with gratitude. "I’m really glad you’re here."

Lilith just hummed, squeezing her fingers back once before letting go. Her smile lingered, quiet but genuine — a rare softness that only a few ever got to see. "Come on, bride. Let’s get you married."

•••••

The wedding hall looked like something out of a soft dream. Delicate white roses trailed over wooden arches, and golden fairy lights draped down like starlight caught in a net. The air was warm, carrying the faint scent of lilies and fresh-cut grass drifting through the open doors.

Ava stood just inside those doors, her hand clutched tightly around her father’s arm. Her dress shimmered like a river of silk, and the veil over her hair couldn’t hide the slight trembling of her lips. She looked up at her father with big, wet eyes and whispered, "Dad... what if I trip?"

Her father squeezed her hand gently, his own eyes already misty. "If you trip, I’ll trip with you," he said, smiling down at his little girl. "And if you cry, I’ll cry too, so please don’t cry yet."

That made Ava laugh softly, though her voice still shook. She glanced down the aisle and saw Nova standing at the other end. He looked a little stunned, hair brushed back for once, his suit perfect — but that crooked grin gave him away. He kept shifting his weight like he might sprint down the aisle if he couldn’t hold it together.

When the music began, Ava felt her heart jump into her throat. Her father leaned in and whispered, "You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen, Ava. Go show him what he’s waited for."

And together, arm in arm, they began walking slowly down the aisle. Guests rose from their seats, phones out, eyes bright but for Ava, there was only Nova. She saw his goofy grin widen, his eyes glassy, and she couldn’t help but giggle, tears pooling all over again.

Lilith stood at the side near the altar, dressed in a simple, elegant bridesmaid dress that hugged her waist and made her eyes look like sapphires under the lights. She watched Ava and then her gaze drifted, caught like a moth to flame, straight to the front row where Alexander sat.

He was there in the VIP family seat, his tailored suit sharp, tie undone just a fraction like he owned every shadow in this hall.

Their eyes clashed and held. For a second, it felt like the candles flickered just for them. He didn’t blink. Neither did she.

Lilith felt a pulse in her neck. Her lips twitched into a slow, dangerous curve.

Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly at how beautiful she looked and at the few single men who kept stealing glances at her. His jaw tightened, as if he wanted to drag her out of this hall right now and remind her exactly who she belonged to.

Nova laughed when Ava finally reached him, taking her hands like she was made of spun sugar. He pressed a kiss to her knuckles, making the guests sigh and clap.

But even as Ava’s father kissed her cheek and stepped back, and the vows began, Lilith and Alexander’s eyes locked again like two predators watching each other from opposite ends of a field of roses.

***

Ava and Nova stood under the flowered arch, the roses almost trembling with the hush of so many held breaths.

Ava’s fingers trembled in Nova’s steady grip, but when she looked up into his eyes playfully and a little teary — she smiled.

She took a small breath, her voice delicate but clear.

"Nova... I used to think love was too fragile for me. I thought it would break in my clumsy hands. But you... you made it feel so simple, so easy to hold. You’re my best friend, my loudest laugh, and my quietest place."

Nova squeezed her hands tighter, nodding as she sniffed back a laugh. Ava giggled too and went on, her eyes filled with tears.

"I promise to stand with you when your hair turns grey, when your jokes get worse, and when life tries to pull us apart. I promise to keep fighting for you, and with you but I’ll always come home to you. You’re my always, Nova."

A few guests wiped their eyes, and Nova’s own lips trembled with a wide grin as he let out a shaky exhale. He chuckled and shook his head, lifting her fingers to his lips before he spoke.

"Ava..." he began, and his voice was soft but certain.

"You’re my calm when I’m chaos, my light when I’m lost. I never knew home could be a person until you fell over your own feet and laughed like you owned the floor."

The guests chuckled gently, and Ava giggled through her tears, shaking her head at him.

"I promise to love you when you steal the blankets. To protect you, trust you, and annoy you until we’re old and you’re still rolling your eyes at me. I promise to stand behind you when you’re strong and carry you when you feel weak. Ava, you’re my once-in-a-lifetime and my every day after."

A hush fell again as the priest stepped forward, his gentle voice filling the decorated hall.

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