Burning Passion

CHAPTER 166: SOUL BINDING MARRIAGE 

"He is head over heels in love with Nikki."

* * * 

(Hello, dearest. Before we proceed, a little info about the Soul Binding ritual. This is a fiction folktale I wrote in my main novel, MY STUBBORN MISTRESS. Thanks! Happy Reading!)

Nikki later notices that countless fireflies are now flying around them. 

Theo said, "They are the proof that our love is true. They said the fireflies of this garden could sense if the couple is qualified for the soul binding ritual. They were like celebrating for us once we have mutual feelings about soul binding marriage. We must proceed to the ritual now. Are you ready, Nik?" 

Nikki nodded and happily took Theo's hand. Together they entered the Floral Arch, and she feels a warm atmosphere inside the garden. 

The trail lit with torches. Waiting for them was a group of people seated on the ground. They all wear masks made of beautiful feathers and fresh flowers. Each of them is so colorful that it doesn't look scary at all, even though these people are wearing tribal costumes.

A female bowed to them. She handed Nikki a bouquet and gestured for them to kneel in the middle of the circle, facing each other, they held hands. 

Nikki and Theo followed it. They closed their eyes to begin the ritual. 

The tribe began humming a mellow song that both Theo and Nikki unknown to this native language. Along with their tribal instruments, their voices echoing in the garden as a person they called Shaman to begin humming an ancient prayer.

Both of them don't understand a thing. But the music and the tribe people are like singing a choral. And it was lovely.

The ritual lasted for thirty minutes, the shaman announced. "You are now husband and wife through an eternity until your next lives." 

Then, the tribe began singing fast pace songs, and they stomped their feet to dance while throwing fresh petals on them. They also invite Theo and Nikki to dance along with them. They copied their steps, later; they were joyously dancing with everyone. 

Later, slow music played, and the tribe stood outside the circle and clapped their hands.

Theo and Nikki look around and nod at them. But then, it made them wonder when they heard a rain of claps from everywhere down below this ridge.

They could also have heard claps from the distances and every direction of this island after that beautiful flute plays. The woman who welcomed them from before explained.

"The island celebrates your love. Every resident and guests were clapping their hands once they heard the Song of Love played alone by a flute. They said everyone heard the flute. Even though those who were out of the island, but close enough, they could overhear a flute playing a beautiful rhyme. Once this mysterious flute plays, it only means that a couple has bound their soul tonight. And those who heard clap their hands. Because of this experience, many believe that folktale and wish to find their true love to bind their soul."

Nikki and Theo awed from what they learned. And to think of every person on this island celebrating their love, it brings delight to their hearts. They thought the soul binding ritual is just a little special, more than the common traditional wedding they have known. 

But on this island, it was the most sacred one. Everyone highly valued this belief and even wished for themselves. 

Theo and Nikki thanked everyone before they left. Nikki thought they were going back to their cottage, but Theo brought her to the hot spring. She later realized it was an exclusive resort. 

"Wow. I heard it was just open recently." Nikki wandered her eyes to the entire place. They now headed to their suite.

"Luckily, it was the chairman's wedding gift for us."

"Oh, brother— I mean, Chairman Shun Crow?"

"Yup! He's really a very exceptional man." Theo complimented Shun.

"He is a very down-to-earth person. And very generous to his friends."

"Hm. I should consider myself as friends from now on." 

"Silly. Aren't you and him, are friends for a long time already?"

"Oh. That is possible. I just forgot everyone. But I am actually blessed to have a lot of friends from before. Now, I have you back." He leans over and kisses Nikki before he steps out of the car.

Theo helps her step out of the car, holding her right hand, and he then quickly holds on to her waist. The guy is such a gentleman. He was very attentive to guide her. How much of her belly grows bigger?

She could already imagine. Nikki did not stop herself to express her feelings toward Theo.

"I love you, Theo Shang."

His eyes gleam from delight, Theo replied to Nikki while he picked her up, before they entered their suite, "I love you too, Mrs. Nikki Lindsey Shang."

The exclusive Hot Springs Resort is a contemporary suite with its hot spring pool. After they help each other undress their clothes between kisses; they soak in the pool. And the suites were intentionally having an exclusive pool for such intimate moments for the newlyweds.

By the light of the blue moon, Theo and Nikki made love one more time and sealed the night with a passionate kiss.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Days have gone by. Nikki and Theo don't want to end their honeymoon, but they have to go back to Mainland City as Theo has a project he needs to finish.

The Shang Empire's hundred years of celebration are arriving too soon. It's just less than two months. Theo has to finish filming their new wine commercial, and the model is not aware that she will be the face of this event.

Theo has already prepared everything. And when they go back, he will tell Nikki about it.

Arriving at the Mainland Western Port, a car already waited for them. It was Donny. Nikki recognized him. He was their new neighbors who moved into their apartment about a month ago.

It made her realize, put someone to watch over them. Theo noticed her silence. He has an idea of what Nikki was thinking at the moment. So he explained to her…

"I am worried if my relatives find out about you and harm not only you but also mama Lucy. The more I want to make sure of your safety when I learn that someone is bothering you."

"Hum? What do you mean?" It seems another ninja move of Theo to get close to her.

"Well, last time when you went shopping at Anna's store and I accompanied Min Xi to pick up her dress. There is an anonymous number called you. I memorized the number and asked Matt to find out who is the caller."

"Oh, that day! Wait, oh my gosh! Your stalking level is unimaginable! You were also stalking the person who stalks me!" Nikki burst out.

Donny, shaking head; he's grinning while listening to the couple. But what amused him the most is to see that big smile in his young master's face and glow every time he talks while eyes spark. Definitely, he is in love.

No.. He is head over heels in love with Nikki.