Book 2: So, this is Forever
30 – I can't believe it
Irin's POV
"Ugh!"
"Iriiiinn!"
Our synchronized moans filled the air as we reached the peak of our passion.
"You're amazing, honey," Noey declared, her breath still ragged as she remained draped over my body, our legs intertwined in a blissful tangle.
"You too," I responded, pulling her close to my side. She obliged, and we shared the warmth of each other's embrace under the blanket that covered our nakedness.
As we lay together, basking in the aftermath of our lovemaking, a serene tranquility enveloped us. The soft moonlight spilled through the window, casting a gentle glow upon our entangled forms.
With a contented sigh, I nestled even closer to Noey, relishing the comfort of her touch. Our breaths danced in harmony, the rhythm of our hearts echoing the depth of our connection.
Lost in the embrace of our love, I felt a profound sense of unity—a bond that transcended the physical and delved into the depths of our souls. In that moment, it was as if the universe itself whispered that we were meant to be together.
Noey's tender fingers brushed a stray strand of hair from my face, her touch a tender caress. "Irin," she whispered softly, her voice filled with an abundance of love, "you mean everything to me. I love you more than words can express."
Tears of joy welled in my eyes as I met her gaze, witnessing the pure depth of her affection. "And I love you, Noey," I replied, my voice trembling with emotion. "More than anything else in this world."
In the quiet sanctuary of our shared moment, we reaffirmed our love for each other, our hearts entwined in perfect harmony.
"Hon, why didn't you just call me instead of waiting at my condo?" I queried my handsome lover.
"Uhm.. Well..." she hesitated, but I waited patiently for her response, and she chuckled, "My phone is kinda under the sea."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Oh! When you said no, I was devastated," she confessed, pain evident in her eyes, which tugged at my heart. I gently caressed her cheeks, coaxing a smile from her lips. "I drove to the seaside in an attempt to clear my mind. I tossed my phone in frustration and cried my heart out. And as I've said, I realized maybe you simply weren't ready. So, I drove to your condo to make things right, to beg you to stay, and to tell you that I'm willing to wait until you're ready to marry me," she explained, her voice filled with sincerity and love.
As guilt began to creep into my heart once again, I couldn't bear to meet Noey's gaze. But she refused to let me retreat into the shadows of my own remorse. With gentle insistence, she cupped my chin, guiding my eyes to meet hers.
"Don't," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm to my troubled soul. "Don't feel guilty. You didn't intend to hurt me, and we've moved past that. We're good now. I've already placed a ring on your finger. We are getting married, and all that matters is our future, together."
Her words washed over me like a healing tide, washing away the lingering traces of guilt and uncertainty. In her eyes, I saw nothing but love and forgiveness, and I knew that with her by my side, we could conquer any obstacle that lay ahead. With a grateful smile, I nodded, allowing her words to fill me with hope and renewed determination.
"Noey," I murmured, my voice tinged with excitement and a hint of nervousness, "have you thought about when we should have our wedding?"
Turning to me, Noey's eyes sparkled with tenderness under the moonlit sky, her expression a reflection of the love that enveloped us both. With a soft smile, she reached out to stroke my cheek, her touch igniting a flurry of emotions within me.
"Irin, darling," she began, her voice a gentle melody in the tranquil night air, "our wedding day is a dream we'll create together. Whenever and wherever you feel ready, that's when it should be."
"But what about..." I hesitated, my mind swirling with concerns about my professional obligations.
Noey placed a comforting finger over my lips, silencing my doubts with a reassuring gesture. "I know, hon," she murmured, her gaze filled with unwavering understanding.
"You're still finalizing your consultancy status at the hospital," she declared, her gaze meeting mine. I nodded softly, grateful for her unwavering support.
"But our love is patient. Whenever the time is right for you, that's when our married journey will begin."
Tears of gratitude welled in my eyes as I gazed into hers, overwhelmed by the depth of her love and support. "Noey, thank you so much, I love you."
With a tender smile, she leaned in, her lips meeting mine in a gentle kiss that spoke volumes of her devotion. "I can marry you anytime, Irin. Soon or after that, all that matters to me is that I can finally call you my wife" In that sacred moment beneath the moon's soft glow, I knew that together, we would navigate life's challenges and cherish every moment of our shared journey.
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As we drove home, the familiar streets passing by in a blur, my phone suddenly buzzed with a message from my best friend. Glancing at the screen, I read the words with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Let's meet later Beck. You and I only. Keep it a secret from your wife. My sister will surely talk it out with my fiancé."
Freen noticed my distraction, her curious gaze fixed on me. "What is it, babe? Who texted you?" she inquired, her voice laced with concern.
My mind raced, searching for a plausible explanation. I couldn't possibly tell her the truth about meeting Irin, not when we've been inseparable throughout our IVF journey.
"Uhmm, it's Charlotte," I improvised, trying to keep my voice steady. "She wanted to meet later."
Freen's face brightened at the prospect. "Oh, we can do that," she replied, a smile spreading across her lips.
Panic surged within me. How would I manage to meet Irin without Freen suspecting anything? I had to think fast.
"Babe, she asked for me only, a matter of the heart, I guess," I fibbed, hoping to assuage her curiosity.
Freen's expression softened, but I could tell she was disappointed. "Okay," she sighed, sounding resigned to the idea.
We arrived home to a still-silent Freen. She held the door open for me, leading the way into our home.
Seated on the couch, she flicked on the television. "Want some snacks, babe?" I offered.
She shook her head, a palpable sulk in her demeanor. Determined to lift her spirits, I nestled beside her, enveloping her in an embrace.
"Don't sulk, my love. I'll be back before you know it,. She just needs me." I reassured her, deliberately avoiding names to sidestep a web of lies.
"It's okay. I get it. I'll just miss you," she pouted, leaning into my embrace, cherishing the moment.
I gently stroked her hair, feeling a pang of guilt for the deception that was necessary to keep my meeting with Irin under wraps.
"I'll miss you too, Freen," I murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "But it won't be for long, I promise."
She nestled closer, finding solace in our embrace. Despite the unease gnawing at me, I savored this moment of intimacy.
After three hours, I finally arrived at the café where Irin and I were set to meet, a wave of relief washing over me. Convincing Freen to allow me to drive alone had been quite the challenge, necessitating careful persuasion to assuage her concerns.
I was thankful for her eventual acquiescence, even though it had required hours of gentle negotiation and reassurance. Despite the weight of guilt for deceiving her, I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity and anticipation as I approached our rendezvous spot.
Pushing open the café door, I immediately spotted Irin seated in the corner, her hand waving in greeting as our eyes met.
I made my way over to her, wrapping her in a hug before settling into the seat across from her.
"So, what's this all about, Irin? You even had me lie to my wife, to your sister? Hmmm?" I cut to the chase, skipping any preamble.
"I'm getting married, Beck" she smiled
"Uhm.. Yeah, I know. You told us last week that you agreed to marry Noey, that you are engaged" I frowned in confusion.
______________________
Noey stood there, resplendent in her pristine white suit, her heart aflutter with anticipation as she awaited Irin for what she believed to be just another day of their prenuptial photoshoot. Yet, as minutes stretched into what felt like eternity, her patience waned, replaced by a gnawing worry for her beloved.
"Hon, if by any chance you're delayed at the hospital, it's alright, but please, let me know you're safe. I'm worried sick," Noey whispered into Irin's voicemail, her voice laced with concern, as she stole a glance at the photographers.
Sighing softly, she turned back to the waiting team, a brave smile masking her unease. "I suppose we'll have to start with my solo shots for now. Hopefully, my beloved will join us soon," she said, trying to sound optimistic despite her growing apprehension.
With nods of understanding, the team guided her through the poses. As they neared the end of the solo segment, Ben, the head photographer, positioned Noey at the makeshift altar, instructing her to gaze expectantly towards the entrance.
"Move a little to the right Noey and look at the door" he shouted which she obliged.
Then, as if scripted by fate, the melodic strains of a familiar tune filled the air, setting her heart racing. Noey, initially dismissing it as mere background music, froze in astonishment as the grand doors swung open to reveal the breathtaking sight of Irin, adorned in a stunning wedding gown.
A gasp escaped her lips, a radiant smile blossomed upon Noey's features, her heart soaring at the sight before her, the urge to rush towards her nearly overwhelming. Yet, before she could take a single step, a gentle voice interjected, "Stay still buddy, just look at my sister". Noey just nodded.
Noey's gaze returned to Irin, her eyes drinking in her beauty with unabashed adoration, the strains of "A Thousand Years" serving as the perfect backdrop. As Irin made her way towards her, Noey's attention briefly flickered to the gathering of loved ones who had silently joined them.
Tears welled up in Noey's eyes, overwhelmed by the realization dawning upon her. This was no ordinary photoshoot; it's their wedding day, a surprise orchestrated with love and care by Irin.
As Irin drew near, their eyes locked in a shared promise of forever, Noey's worries melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of love and certainty.
With each graceful step Irin took towards the altar, Noey felt her heart swell with an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude. As they stood, their eyes locked in an intimate embrace, the rest of the world seemed to fade into insignificance, leaving only the two of them cocooned in a bubble of love and devotion.
Tears of sheer happiness welled in Noey's eyes as she reached out, her fingers delicately intertwining with Irin's, symbolizing the merging of their souls and the binding of their destinies.
Then, as if swept away by the magic of the moment, Irin's voice broke the serene silence. "I think by now, you already know what's happening? Marry me today, honey?" she asked, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Yes, and yes, Irin," Noey replied, a radiant smile gracing her lips as she struggled to contain her overwhelming emotions, her heart bursting with love for the woman standing before her.
"So let's begin," the officiant declared, his words drawing their attention back to the present moment.
With a shared nod of agreement, Noey and Irin turned towards the officiant, their hands still intertwined, ready to embark on the journey of marriage together, united in love and devotion.
As they turned towards the officiant, Noey and Irin stood before each other, their hands clasped together, their hearts beating as one. With a deep breath, they prepared to exchange the vows that would bind them together.
Irin gazed lovingly into Noey's eyes, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "Noey," she began, her words filled with sincerity and devotion, "from the moment I met you, I knew that my life would never be the same. You have brought light and love into every corner of my existence, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I know we planned to have our wedding unto next year, and you are willing to wait for me. But I guess you waited more than enough, and you have proven more than enough. You changed, we both did, but for the better, for a stronger versions of ourselves and to stronger love we have."
"Today, in the presence of our loved ones, I vow to stand by your side through every trial and triumph, to support you, cherish you, and love you unconditionally for all the days of my life. You are my rock, my heart, and my home, and I am humbled to become your wife."
Noey's eyes shimmered with tears of happiness as she listened to Irin's heartfelt words, feeling the depth of her love wash over her like a warm embrace. With a trembling voice, she began to speak, her own vows pouring forth from the depths of her soul.
"Irin," she whispered, her voice filled with love and reverence, "you are the beating rhythm of my soul, the melody that fills my days with endless joy. I've made mistakes, I learned from them, and thank you for giving me, giving us another chance. You have shown me what it means to love and be loved unconditionally, and I am forever grateful for the gift of your presence in my life. Today, in front of our friends and family, I vow to stand by your side through every joy and sorrow, to support you, uplift you, and cherish you with every breath I take. You are my soulmate, my partner, and my greatest love, and I am honored to call you my wife."
As they exchanged their vows, their voices trembling with emotion, the air around them seemed to crackle with the energy of their love. With each word spoken, they sealed their commitment to one another, promising to walk hand in hand through life's journey, come what may.
And as they shared a tender kiss to seal their vows, the world around them seemed to fade into insignificance, leaving only the two of them, bound together in a love that would last for eternity.
Becky and Freen stood side by side, their hearts brimming with joy as they witnessed the union of Irin and Noey amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the picturesque setting. The golden rays of the sun lent an ethereal glow to the ceremony, highlighting the profound love shared between the newlyweds.
Becky couldn't contain her excitement as she stole a glance at Freen, her eyes shimmering with happiness. "Isn't this just enchanting?" she whispered, her voice filled with awe.
Freen nodded in agreement, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Absolutely magical," she replied, her gaze fixed on the couple exchanging their heartfelt vows. "Irin and Noey are a match made in heaven. They deserve all the love and happiness in the world."
As the ceremony reached its emotional peak, Becky reached out to gently squeeze Freen's hand, a silent gesture of love and camaraderie. Freen returned the squeeze, their connection reaffirming the deep bond between them as partners and best friends.
When Irin and Noey sealed their vows with a tender kiss, the garden erupted into jubilant applause, echoing the joyous celebration of love. Becky and Freen joined in, their voices harmonizing with the chorus of well-wishers.
"You've outdone yourself with this surprise wedding, babe," Freen remarked, pressing a loving kiss to Becky's hand.
Becky chuckled, a twinkle of mischief dancing in her eyes. "It was a labor of love, even if it meant keeping it a secret from you," she teased.
Freen laughed, recalling her initial suspicion that Becky was hiding something, which led to a comical misunderstanding. "I suppose I owe you an apology for suspecting you of having an affair," she admitted sheepishly.
"You're forgiven, my dear detective," Becky quipped, pulling Freen into a tender kiss to dispel any lingering doubts.
"Mommy, Tita Irin is so beautiful," Zea declared, her innocent voice breaking the quiet moment between her mothers.
Becky and Freen exchanged a fond smile, their hearts swelling with pride at their daughter's observation.
"Yes, she is, sweetheart," Becky replied, her eyes shimmering with affection as she gazed at their friend-turned-bride. "She's like a princess, isn't she?"
Freen nodded in agreement, her gaze drifting back to Irin, who looked radiant in her wedding gown. "Absolutely, Zea. Tita Irin looks like she stepped right out of a fairy tale."
Zea beamed with delight, her small hand reaching out to grasp Freen's fingers. "I want to be a princess too, Mommy. Just like Tita Irin."
Becky and Freen shared a knowing look, their hearts overflowing with love for their daughter. "You're our princess, Zea," Freen said tenderly, pressing a kiss to her daughter's forehead. "And you're the most beautiful princess in the whole wide world."
With Zea nestled between them, Becky and Freen watched Irin and Noey, their own love shining brightly in the glow of the moment. And in that precious instant, surrounded by love and laughter, they knew that they were exactly where they were meant to be—wrapped in the embrace of family, forever bound by the threads of love that connected them all.
As the festivities continued into the night, Becky and Freen found themselves swaying together on the dance floor, lost in the enchanting melody under the starlit sky. Their laughter mingled with the music, a joyful symphony celebrating the enduring bond of love and friendship that would carry them through a lifetime of shared moments and cherished memories.
After a particularly spirited dance, Becky checked her phone and noticed a notification for an email from the hospital. She quickly pulled Freen aside to a quiet corner, a mix of apprehension and resolve in her expression.
"What is it, babe?" Freen asked, concern flickering in her eyes as she noticed Becky's serious demeanor.
Becky took a deep breath, her fingers trembling slightly as she opened the email. "It's from the hospital. I think it might be the results of our IVF," she said, her voice tinged with nervousness.
Freen's heart skipped a beat, her stomach churning with anticipation. "Should we open it now?" she asked, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and fear.
Becky nodded, her heart heavy with dread as she clicked on the email. With hesitant fingers, they both read the contents of the message, their eyes scanning the words with trepidation.
And then, as the reality sank in, Becky and Freen exchanged a look of profound disappointment and sorrow. Tears welled up in their eyes as they struggled to comprehend the news.
"It's negative, Freen," Becky whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
Becky's shoulders slumped in defeat, her heart breaking at the realization of their dashed hopes. "I can't believe it," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "All this time, all our efforts..."
In that quiet corner, amidst the sounds of celebration and the gentle glow of the stars above, Becky and Freen stood together, their hearts heavy with pain and sorrow.
Tears streamed down Becky's cheeks, her shoulders trembling with the weight of their shattered dreams. Freen's expression was etched with anguish as she wrapped her arms around Becky, holding her close in a silent embrace.
The music from the dance floor seemed distant and muffled, overshadowed by the overwhelming ache in their hearts. Each note served as a painful reminder of the happiness that had eluded them, amplifying the emptiness they felt inside.
Author's Note:
Hey dear readers,
So, what's next for our favorite couple? Any guesses? Any recommendations? Let's speculate together!
Did you read my other story? hope you like it too...