Chapter 722 - Happily Every After

"It's so unfair… Darling, how can you say such words to sabotage me? How can I say my vows if I can't stop crying…!?" 

If Matthew's opening words startled them before he made everyone cry, Zoey's opening remarks just flipped through their emotions. The cries turned into chuckles as the bride complained in between her cries.

"I messed up my makeup." Zoey mumbled as she tried to recover so she could say her vows.

Everyone was patient, waiting for her to gather her thoughts. When Zoey held up her cue cards, she sniffed.

"I…" As soon as she spoke, tears streamed down her eyes. She couldn't stop her tears. Her emotions were all over the place. She's self-destructing.

But Zoey forced herself as she put down her cue cards. She had written all the words on it herself. Hence, she could remember them clearly.

"They say love hides behind every corner, but I often thought I was walking in circles. I searched every nook and cranny. Who would have thought I'd find love in the back seat of my car?" Zoey let out a sharp sigh.

Upon hearing her words, Matthew chuckled as the side of his lips stretched broadly. Only Matthew understood her words, because that would happen five years from now.

Five years… they would meet under a strange circumstance. They saved five years and got married sooner than that fateful encounter. 

It made him smile.

"I know I'm not the best; I have a temper, I sometimes go overboard, I don't know my limits, and sometimes I just go full blown crazy and make impulsive decisions." Zoey muttered meekly, glancing at her guests, who were nodding approvingly.

Yet Zoey held back on berating them for nodding at her confession. But, it's a fact, though.

When Zoey returned her focus towards her groom, she bit her inner lip.

"I still don't know why you love someone like me. After all, I'm just smart and pretty; I only have a nice body and flawless skin that you can caress smoothly; a very independent lady who can finance herself, and is very talented." Zoey's vows nearly made everyone choke on their own saliva.

She's bragging? Right now? They all thought the exact words at the exact same time! 

SHAMELESS. 

Even during her wedding, her shamelessness was just overflowing. If the guests covered their lips to stop themselves from crying out loud because of Matthew's vows, this time, they covered their lips out of disbelief.

Yet, there were a few people who were smiling and chuckling at her vows: Zion, Vivian, and Matthew. This was so Zoey.

"Even so, this imperfect me is blessed to be loved by the perfect you. I always wondered why I was born, what my purpose is, and why I have such misfortune in life." Zoey's voice gradually volumed down as she stared at her groom bashfully.

Zoey didn't know that expressing her heart aloud was this awkward and embarrassing. But it's her wedding, and she could only say everything now. As her words grew deeper, silence and liquid started filling the eyes of the masses.

Zion smiled bitterly as he listened to Zoey's bashful confessions. Ivan as well, stared at her worriedly, as it never crossed him that Zoey had such thoughts, despite her savage attitude.

"Sis..."

"But when you came into my life and started painting colors in it, I realized my luck in meeting you is greater than my misfortunes. Why was I born? I still don't have a clear answer. However, what I'm certain of, is that if I wasn't born, I wouldn't meet you… and that would be just tragic, wouldn't it?"

Matthew held back on cupping her cheek as he smiled lovingly at her. Tension started building up in his throat as his chest moved heavily in and out. His eyes welled up.

"I love you, more than you and I can imagine. I will go through it again if that means I can love and be with you again. I have no regrets, Matty. I have no regrets going back in time and marrying you for the second time." 

Zoey smiled, not caring at the words she dropped the words only the two of them could understand.

"Be it the first or the current lifetime, it will always be you. Nothing but you." Zoey paused as she took a deep breath. 

"So, I promise you, this time, in front of your wonderful mother who will soon become my mother; in front of our colleagues, our beloved friends, and in front of those two men who showed me how a man should treat me… I promise to love you with all my heart and soul, in sickness and in health, till death do us part. I will always be a strong pillar of support who will stand beside you while holding your hand. I love you, Xi Matthew. And I will always do so in this lifetime and the next."

Applause resonated in the air as smiles resurfaced on everyone's lips. No amount could pay for these priceless moments, witnessing them tie the knot. 

The wedding might be meticulously simple, but the love in the air didn't change. Everyone could tell that the bride and groom loved each other dearly. More than they could imagine, more than they could describe.

All they could do was feel happy for the two of them. Because deep down, they all felt that the two had a long journey before they all came down to this. 

And that was true. It took them two lifetimes to get in here, speaking words of love, in front of the very few people who they held close to their hearts.

Soon, they heard the officiant announce, "I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride!"

"Wooh!" 

"Just a light peck! Don't overdo it!"

"Z, keep yourself together!"

Zoey and Matthew chuckled upon hearing the teasing cheers from their friends. As the latter approached his bride, Matthew carefully raised her veil. His eyes were quick to fasten with admiration upon locking gaze with her.

"Kiss the bride! Kiss the bride! Kiss the bride!"

Matthew and Zoey glanced at their supportive audience. Their good circle of friends and exceptional individuals that surrounded them.

"Geez. They act as if they really like when we display our affection." Zoey mumbled mischievously as she faced Matthew.

"They've lost their minds, but they're distinguished guests." Matthew humored, placing his fingers on her chin, tilting his head as he leaned forward. "Though, I must say, you have to meet me before we go to the reception." 

Zoey giggled, knowing what mischievous plans he had in mind. She then slowly closed her eyes as she welcomed the kiss from her husband.

After they kissed, the newlywed couple faced everyone who was clapping their hands in delight. Seeing them all shedding happy tears for them and beaming them broad smiles, Zoey's heart felt full.

'Why was I born?' She whispered internally. 'For this.' She raised her bouquet and waved it in the air.

"I'm no wild young miss, no more! I'm Wild Young Missus!" Zoey grinned as she faced Matthew. "Mister, let's kiss!" 

-THE END-

To my dearest,

We made it, dear! 

It's been a year and many months since I started my journey writing Zoey and Matthew's rollercoaster story. I couldn't make it to this point without all of you! Yes, YOU! Who is reading this!

Writing WYM, I've grown fond of the characters and readers who have been there since day one. You guys don't know how much you helped me grow as a person and as a writer. 

That is why I loved writing even more.

Now that we've reached the end, I can't help but feel emotional (currently sobbing while writing this). My journey of writing this story has taught me a lot as a writer and as a person. I still can't believe that I finished another novel! I'm crying!!! TT.TT

So, THANK YOU. :) 

Your comments, your votes, your never-ending understanding, your unwavering support, and even just your silent presence have become my strength, my motivations, and just the reason I'm still writing.

I know 'thank you's are not enough to express my emotions right now. So, to show my gratitude, I will continue writing, continue improving, and just do my best.

Wild Young Princess: Mister, let's sleep? Is now up and I will start updating on July 1st, 2021.

I hope to see you in my next novel, dear. 

Zoey and Matthew are now signing off. (sending kisses)

Forever grateful,

BAJJ

PS. I won't forget the epilogues. There will be a few.

*****

EXTRA: (WILD YOUNG PRINCESS: MISTER, LET'S SLEEP?)

"Why are you crying?" Lewis asked, raising a brow as he darted his eyes from the television and to the woman sobbing silently on the couch.

Devon, who was chewing her lower lip, slowly turned her head in his direction.

"Levi and Evalyn… they finally got their happy ending." She choked as tears streamed down her eyes.

"I'm so happy for them. They deserved it." 

Lewis rested his fist on his hips, sighing. Devon had turned her attention back to the television, covering her lips to muffle her cries.

"Damn it…" He muttered, scratching his temple annoyingly before marching towards her.

Resting his arms on the headrest of the couch as he stood behind. He cocked his head in her direction, staring at her side profile.

"There, there." He extended his arm and patted her head gently. "Don't cry. If they're happy, that's all that matters, right? My lady?" 

A subtle smile resurfaced on his lips as Devon turned to him. "Mhmm."