Chapter 232: Epilogue 22
The antique chapel had been a sacred place where secret weddings had been held since ancient times. Apart from the aged priest standing inconspicuously like a backdrop and a baby dragon wearing a ribbon, they were the only ones in the chapel.
I requested it, to bring Your Highness here.
Why?
Lennox suddenly recalled.
It was said that misfortune follows if one sees the bride before the wedding. Although he didnt believe in superstitions, Juliet in front of him was dazzling to the point of being dreamlike.
Juliet smiled broadly.
You promised to hold a perfect wedding for me.
Thats right.
He had made that promise.
It was also the reason why Lennox sent someone to the capital to get Juliets childhood drawing.
He wanted to gift a perfect wedding on a dazzling day, just as she wished during childhood.
But Ive thought about it.
Juliet came closer.
The familiar scent made his throat dry for a moment. The distance was close enough for Lennox to count her eyelashes.
Unaware of the priests discomfort, Juliet slowly lifted the bouquet to the height of their heads.
Lennox, you see.
Wearing shoes, Juliet tiptoed and whispered into his ear.
Behind the bouquet, in a voice so faint that the priest couldnt hear.
I dont want to wait anymore.
I mean I want to spend the whole day together.
Lennox gritted his teeth for a moment.
Juliet lowered the bouquet again and spoke seriously.
So, lets do it now.
Are you serious?
He needed a superhuman patience not to pull her closer without kissing her.
Lennox suspected that Juliet might be doing this on purpose.
But Juliet nodded her head very seriously.
Yes. Who knows when the rain will stop.
Yes what yes? It was clear that Juliet whispered without a second thought.
Lennox regained his composure.
Are we going to get married right here?
If we hold the wedding here now, it doesnt terribly offset our plans, does it?
Lennox seemed to understand what she meant.
But he looked around the chapel. Due to the dark weather, the only lighting inside came from countless candles. It had its own charm, but there were neither lavish flower decorations nor guests.
Theres neither music nor lighting?
Seeing Lennoxs uneasy expression, Juliet smiled sweetly.
It may not be grand, but Ive waited too long.
Lennoxs eyes narrowed.
He had been waiting too, for so long that he couldnt remember.
So I dont want to wait anymore.
Peep.
Below, the baby dragon made a small cry. Onyx was holding the rings well.
Is it possible, Mr. Priest?
Um Of course.
Suddenly pointed out, the priest was briefly flustered but nodded.
If thats what both of you desire
Juliet asked him again.
Is it okay, Lennox?
Is it okay to do as you wish?
Juliet.
Lennox smiled faintly, almost imperceptibly.
I never thought Id get married.
He pulled Juliet into his arms.
If its not with you, marriage is just a wordplay.
It was sincere.
All I need for my wedding is you. How can it not be okay?
Upon hearing this, Juliet smiled brightly.
There was a priest, rings, and although not human, a magical creature to serve as a witness.
Lets start.
Oh, yes.
The priest looked at the two people and a creature surrounded by the faint candlelight for a moment. He had officiated countless marriage ceremonies, but this was his first time attending a wedding like this.
So before the vows, the rings-
Grr?
Their attention was drawn to the baby dragon holding the rings.
But instead of bringing the rings as practiced, Onyx was twitching its ears, looking towards the door.
He never made a mistake during practice?
Nix?
The moment Juliet called the baby dragon, a ruckus arose outside the chapel.
Your Highness! Where are you?
They are here, both of them?
Please come out!
Whats going on?
Exchanging puzzled looks, both of them stepped outside.
Thud. Outside in the chapels outdoor garden, a bunch of excited people had gathered.
Lennox, do you like this house?
I do.
Juliet smiled warmly for a moment.
Theres a lot about you I dont know. So, I thought Id understand more by coming here.
What do you mean?
About the house you grew up in, what family means to you.
Juliet looked at him quietly for a moment.
Lennox had never specifically mentioned his parents. But she had heard enough about the tragedy of his family, and she faintly sensed it.
She wasnt sure what lay behind his arrogant pride.
Lennox.
Tell me.
Do you still dislike children?
After a brief pause, Lennox softly answered:.
I dont. If they were like you, theyd be lovable.
And he honestly added:
I dont want to see you suffer though.
He now remembered how hard it was for Juliet to have a child. Of course, it was because of the damn curse, but still, there was nothing he could do other than forcing food down her throat.
And?
As Lennox glanced gently at Juliet, he smiled softly, holding Juliets cheek with his left hand.
I wont be a good parent like yours, Juliet.
He had never had good parents, and didnt even know what a proper family was.
He wanted to give Juliet anything, but his affection was infinitely shallow. His desire to provide a happy family for Juliet seemed like explaining a rainbow to the blind.
However, Juliet held his hand and leaned her cheek against it.
Lennox, do you know why I decided to marry you?
He really didnt know.
Out of pity?
Isnt it?
Do I look like someone who would accept a proposal out of pity?
As Juliet rolled her eyes sweetly, Lennox smiled with an unconfident tone.
A madman who bought dozens of rings before proposing?
There was that, too.
Juliet giggled.
Do you remember? In Velot, the day we went to see the festival.
Yes, I remember.
At that time, Your Highness-
Suddenly Lennox smiled and swiftly kissed the inside of Juliets wrist.
Lennox, who won the horse riding bet yesterday, had banned the title Your Highness. He mischievously smiled, suggesting she think of another title, as he increased the level of intimacy whenever Your Highness slipped from Juliets lips.
Ah, Juliet quickly corrected herself.
You said something.
What did I blabber again?
You said our child.
-If our child isnt baptized, youd be upset. How can I stand seeing you like that?
So, it will be okay.
You really
He was helpless in front of the smiling Juliet.
Stretching out her pale arm, Juliet gracefully commanded:
Kiss me.
Lennox knew he would never be able to resist her in his lifetime.
As you wish.
An eager and affectionate kiss followed, and he felt unbearably happy and thrilled.
But if Lennox Carlyle could see the future, he would know theres not much to worry about.
Though its a matter of the distant future, fortunately, it wasnt Juliet who suffered severe morning sickness when she was pregnant, but him, who couldnt even swallow a sip of tea and became thin like he lost blood.
Nine months later, the child, who was born safely amidst blessings, resembled both parents equally.
Despite the worries of the Duke family members who prayed the baby would resemble the mother. The moment he held the newborn, he realized.
A person who was inherently arrogant and twisted, who never had good parents, can indeed love a child unconditionally.
But that was a matter for later, and they didnt know what future awaited them.
It might not be as easy as we think.
I know. But its okay.
Juliets soft hair scattered over the white sheets. The evening sky turned purple, and Juliets pale cheeks were tinged with the color of a peach.
As always, we will do well.
As Juliet smiled, Lennox instinctively felt that he would never forget the scene of this day.
Juliet.
He wrapped Juliet who was covered with the sheet from behind, with a tender motion as if handling fragile glass.
Hmm?
My heart is yours.
As he softly whispered, kissing her bare shoulder and nape, Juliet giggled as if tickled.
Yes, I know. Because youre mine, obviously.
She seemed not to fully believe it, though sincere. He wished he could hand over his heart as proof.
I love you. Ill tell you as many times as you want.
Me too.
Juliet turned her head and tenderly kissed his cheek.
The warm twilight bathed the room. It was an endless honeymoon. From the intertwined hands of the couple, a pair of rings sparkled beautifully.
(Epilogue: THE END)