"Get up, girl, it's the big day!" Ciara's energetic shake jolted me awake. "Oh, shoot," I muttered, springing out of bed and nudging everyone else. "Come on, bro, time to rise and shine! We've got to hustle to the event centre."
"Relax, the wedding's still three hours away," came the nonchalant response.
"Three hours to shower, dress, pack, tackle rush-hour traffic, glam up everyone's faces, fix any last-minute snags, and make it to both the church service and reception."
"Ugh, fine. Let's get Jennie up. We'll shower when we get there."
In the car, Ciara began rummaging in the back. "Hey, guys? The dress isn't here."
I slammed on the brakes, whipping around to face her. "What do you mean the dress isn't here?!" I demanded, turning to Jennie. "Did you forget your dress?!"
"I thought it was already at the venue," Jennie sheepishly admitted.
"How could it be there if we're all here?!"
"Elara, calm down. I'll have my assistant bring it," Jennie offered, trying to defuse the situation.
"We don't have time for this!" I exclaimed, taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry," Jennie mumbled, her guilt palpable.
"You should be," I muttered, refocusing on the road ahead.
At the venue, we scrambled to get ready. Jennie remained silent, her distress evident.
"I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier. I didn't mean to be so harsh," I apologized, noticing her somber expression.
"It's my fault for not double-checking," Jennie admitted, her eyes welling up.
"It's okay. Don't cry. You didn't do anything wrong," I reassured her, enveloping her in a comforting embrace.
"I'm just so overwhelmed. My life feels like it's turned upside down," Jennie confessed, her voice trembling with emotion.
"I'm sorry. I should've protected you better," I choked out, feeling the weight of my own failures.
"I haven't even done my makeup, and I'm already in tears," Rochelle joked, attempting to lighten the mood.
As the makeup artists arrived, we settled into our seats, laughter mingling with nervous energy.
Suddenly, the room fell silent as our father entered, his presence casting a shadow over the festivities.
"My daughter!" he exclaimed, arms outstretched for a hug. Despite his outward warmth, there was an underlying tension.
"What's going on?" he demanded, his tone laced with thinly veiled threats.
Undeterred, our mother approached Jennie, her eyes brimming with tears. "You look absolutely stunning, my darling," she whispered, a mix of pride and sorrow in her voice. "You look gorgeous too mommy," Jennie replied.
"You're getting married today, my dear. You're too old for such childish names," she teased, attempting to lighten the mood.
Jennie's laughter mingled with our mother's tears, creating a bittersweet moment.
"Don't let your emotions get the best of you. We've got a wedding to attend," our father interjected, his words a stark reminder of the looming expectations.
With a final warning, he left the room, leaving behind a palpable sense of unease.
The makeup artist, her face frozen with fear, suddenly snapped out of it and tentatively began to apply my makeup. Yet, her hands trembled visibly.
"It's okay. No one is going to hurt you. You're safe," I reassured her, gently holding her quivering hands to provide some comfort.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to act like that! Please forgive me," she stammered, her voice trembling even more.
"It's fine. You did nothing wrong. What's your name?" I inquired softly, trying to ease her nerves.
"I'm Aaliyah, Aaliyah Morant," she replied, her words shaky.
"Aaliyah is such a pretty name," Azalea said, entering the room. "Girl, where have you been? I didn't even know you were gone!" Lia exclaimed.
"Bruh, some women caught me on my way here, fighting over whose son would get to marry me. They even wanted to pay me millions!" Azalea recounted, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.
"Shit, I would've taken that cash and dipped," Rochelle laughed, adding to the lighthearted banter.
"Anyways, Aaliyah, how old are you?" Azalea asked, a playful smile on her face.
"I'm eighteen," Aaliyah replied, her voice still shaky.
"You're my age!" Jennie exclaimed, startling Aaliyah with her sudden outburst.
"Calm down, kid, just wear your dress," Marsha, still nursing a hangover, quipped as she held her head up.
"Do you go to school?" Devina inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Well, I used to, but I had to drop out to take care of my mother. Now I'm saving to go to cosmetics school," Aaliyah explained, a hopeful smile gracing her lips.
"Aww, poor baby," Devina sympathized, her heart going out to Aaliyah. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to ramble," Aaliyah quickly apologized, realizing she might have overshared.
"No, it's fine. I asked," I reassured her, offering her a warm smile.
"What about your father?" Lia asked as she picked up her dress.
"Well, he died a few years ago," Aaliyah replied, her gaze dropping sadly.
"I am so sorry," Lia apologized, her tone filled with genuine sympathy.
"How did he die?" Jennie asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"That's rude! You can't ask that," I scolded Jennie gently, sensing Aaliyah's discomfort.
"No, it's fine. He was shot by a stray bullet on his way home during a mafia shootout," Aaliyah explained, her voice tinged with sadness.
"I am so sorry," I apologized, reaching out to hold Aaliyah's hands in mine, offering her some comfort.
"It's fine," Aaliyah replied, trying to reassure me despite the pain in her eyes.
"Well, my name is Elara. This is my little sister, the bride Jennie, Devina, Marsha, Ciara, Rochelle, Lia, and Azalea," I introduced, gesturing towards my friends.
"Hi," Aaliyah waved, offering a small smile despite her inner turmoil.
"Stay for the wedding. You'll have a blast," Jennie pleaded, her eyes shining with excitement.
"I'm sorry, but I can't stay. I have to take care of my mother after this. You're already paying so much for your makeup; I don't want to stay long," Aaliyah explained, her voice tinged with regret.
"It's fine, don't worry. Just give me your number," Ciara insisted, handing her phone to Aaliyah.
"Thank you so much, but I have to leave," Aaliyah replied, her voice filled with gratitude.
With that, Aaliyah packed her things and left, leaving us to continue our preparations for the wedding.
Taehyung's POV:
Jungkook was getting ready, struggling with his suit. My little annoying brother was now getting married to a girl he barely knew. It's a fucked-up life we're living, but there's nothing we can do. We just have to live through it.
Jungkook was struggling to tie his tie. "Let me help you," I offered, taking over.
"Are you nervous?" I asked, fixing his tie.
"To be honest? Yeah. I don't know if doing this is a good decision or not." He shrugged.
"Why?" I stopped to look at him. It was the first time he told me he had second thoughts.
"I like Jennie, but that doesn't mean I love her. She is only marrying me because she doesn't have any better options. I am marrying her for a little crush on her. I feel like I'm being selfish."
"You even considering her side makes me know that you really care about her and that you'll be a good husband. From what I can see, Jennie doesn't hate you. She's just in a really shitty place right now, and you deciding to marry her gives you the responsibility to get her out of there."
"I know, and I am ready to do so, but it's really shitty, you know?"
"Yeah, I do, but she's a good kid, and so are you," I reassured him, offering a supportive smile.
"That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me," Jungkook replied, his expression softening.
"Don't make me choke you with your tie before the wedding," I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
We laughed together, sharing a moment of camaraderie amidst the chaos of wedding preparations.
"Well, I'm going to check on your bride-to-be," I announced, preparing to leave the room.
"Handle my wife with care!" Jungkook called out, offering a playful grin.
"I will," I replied, returning his grin before heading off to find Jennie.
Elara's POV:
We all adorned ourselves in elegant attire, meticulously placing each piece of jewellery, perfecting our appearance for the momentous occasion. As we indulged in the final touches, my mother-in-law made her entrance, her eyes alight with admiration.
"You all look beautiful. Oh, Jennie, you look marvellous," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine awe.
"Elara, you and Jennie have fulfilled my wish of seeing my two most troublesome sons getting married, and I'm glad it's you both they married," she continued, her words tinged with emotion. "I know the conditions you married in were not ideal, but thank you so much. I am seeing a change in Taehyung I never thought I would see," she confessed, tears welling up in her eyes.
Offering her comfort, I gently wiped away her tears. "Please don't cry; you'll ruin your pretty makeup," I teased, a warm smile gracing my lips.
"You're so thoughtful. I'll get going for you guys to finish up," she replied with a grateful smile, preparing to leave the room.
As she turned to depart, she spotted Taehyung entering. "Is your brother ready?" she inquired, her gaze shifting to him.
"Yeah, he's on his way to the altar," Taehyung confirmed, adjusting his suit with a sense of purpose.
With a tender hug, she bid him farewell before joining the others outside.
"Are you ready?" Taehyung asked Jennie, his expression strangely comforting as he gazed at her.
"Almost done!" Jennie replied, swiftly grabbing her bouquet before rushing out of the room.
With a deep breath, I retrieved my bouquet, feeling a surge of anticipation as we all made our way to the church.
However, our arrival was met with agitation as my father stormed towards us. "What took you so long?!" he demanded, his tone laced with impatience as he grabbed Jennie's arm.
"Drop her hand right this moment," Taehyung commanded, his voice firm and unwavering.
"Excuse me?" my father retorted, his confusion evident.
"You heard me. Drop her hand right this moment," Taehyung repeated, his gaze piercing.
"I don't have time for this. I am going to walk my daughter down that aisle," my father insisted, his grip tightening.
"You should be lucky enough that you were invited. Now, go in there and take a seat," Taehyung countered, gesturing towards the church with authority.
"I don't know what you're playing at, but I will not take any disrespect from you," my father seethed, his frustration mounting.
"I am going to walk Jennie down that aisle, so kindly take your seat before you get escorted out of the premises," Taehyung asserted, a smug smirk playing on his lips, his determination palpable.
Jennie looked up at Taehyung, her eyes brimming with tears. "Really?" she whispered, disbelief coloring her voice.
"Don't let your husband disrespect your father in front of these many guests," my father directed his anger towards me.
"Did you not hear what my husband said? Take a seat or get escorted out," I replied firmly, echoing Taehyung's sentiments.
Defeated, my father begrudgingly complied, his fury evident as he stormed into the church.
"Thank you so much!" Jennie exclaimed, wrapping Taehyung in a grateful hug.
"Don't mention it," Taehyung replied, his expression softening as he returned the embrace.
As we regrouped outside, Taehyung's brothers joined us, and together, we proceeded to walk into the church. All eyes were on us as we made our way down the aisle, the murmurs of surprise and curiosity filling the air.
Jungkook stood at the altar, a wide smile adorning his face, his anticipation palpable as he waited for Jennie to join him.
As the moment arrived for the vows to be exchanged, Jungkook's heartfelt words echoed through the church, filling the air with sincerity and love.
"Jennie, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever met," he began, his voice trembling with emotion. "I will always cherish the first day we met, as I saw you walking through those doors. Our situation is not ideal, has never been, and sadly will never be. But I stand here to promise to you, in front of all these witnesses, that I, Jungkook, vow to love you, protect you, and cherish you for the rest of my days on this earth. You will be my every breath, my every step, my every thought, and my first choice for every decision I make."
As Jungkook professed his love, tears welled up in my eyes. Here he was, promising to love and protect my Jennie, something I couldn't do. He was perfect for her in every way.
Glancing across the room, I caught Taehyung's gaze. His reassuring look offered me comfort from afar, a gesture I never expected from him.
Then, it was Jennie's turn to speak, her voice steady despite the overwhelming emotions.
"Jungkook, I was taught to never lie in front of God and his witnesses," she began, her words resonating with sincerity. "Our situation was not meant to be, and I will forever be indebted to you for the rest of my life. I stand here today, in front of everyone, to pledge that I, Jennie, will stand by you in sickness and in health, through thick and thin, and for better or for worse, till death do us part."
I struggled to contain my tears as Jennie declared her commitment to Jungkook. She had grown up, and it was time for me to accept that.
Around us, the wives of the mafia leaders were in tears, their emotions mirroring mine. Even some Yakuza members were visibly moved by the heartfelt exchange.
"Do you, Jungkook Kim, take Jennie Lee to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the officiant asked.
"I do," Jungkook replied, his voice filled with conviction.
"Do you, Jennie Lee, take Jungkook Kim to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the officiant continued.
"I do," Jennie affirmed, her voice unwavering.
"You may now kiss the bride."
With tenderness, Jungkook cupped Jennie's face, sealing their vows with a soft, loving kiss. The congregation erupted into cheers and applause as they celebrated the newlywed couple.
As Jungkook and Jennie walked down the aisle, showered with flower petals and surrounded by the joyous applause of their loved ones, I couldn't help but feel a sense of bittersweet happiness. Our eyes were red from crying, but our hearts were filled with love and hope for the future.
(HI GUYS I AM SO SORRY PLEASE FORGIVE ME. IT WAS REALLY HARD TO KEEP ON UPDATING WITH SCHOOL WORK AND EVERYTHING AND TBH IT WAS REALLY HARD SEEING PEOPLE NOT INTERACTING WITH THE STORY LIKE I HOPED. THIS TIME I PROMISE TO UPLOAD REALLY SOON.) THANK YOU BYE!!❤️🔥