The Royal Contract

As she stood in front of the massive doors, waiting for her turn to walk down the aisle. All she could think about was all the blessings she should be thankful for.

She had rejected everything her father had sacrificed to give her a comfortable life. She had continued to fight Alex's attempt to protect her and keep her safe.

"You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen," Ethan whispered to her daughter.

He was not only saying that because she was his daughter. But he had seen her grow as a kind and caring woman who was neither selfish nor materialistic. She always had a pure heart.

He was lucky that she did not inherit any of his bad traits nor corrupted by the rotten system. She had remained vigilant in making things right, even if it was not the easy way out.

"You are only saying that because I am your daughter, and you love me." She teased her father, but she knew her father would never lie to her.

She believed every parent would say that their children were the most beautiful creatures in the world despite how they looked or what they did.

But everything her parents did for her was only to show her how much they loved her. How much they were willing to do anything to give her everything she would ever need in life.

Maybe it was time that she returned all of that love and sacrifice. It was her chance to prove that she was also willing to do anything for them.

"Thank you so much, Dad, Mom." She hugged them both, glad that she had agreed to this wedding. She suddenly realized the importance of the matrimonial ceremony. 

She learned that the real reason for getting married was more than the celebration itself. It was not just a mere event where everybody flaunted their best or wealth.

She believed it was something so much more, just like the giddy feeling she was experiencing at the moment. The anticipation of seeing the man she was about to marry and spent the rest of her life with.

"We only want the best for you." Her father stated, kissing her lightly on her forehead.

He would give her the universe if he could continue to see that sweet smile on her face right now, over and over again. But he was passing down the torch to another man. 

It would be Alex's responsibility to keep his daughter happy and safe by the time they got married. If he failed, he would not have a second thought of taking her daughter back. But he doubted Alex would ever fall short in his obligation.

"I know now." She acknowledged the sacrifice and the love that her parents had given her. "I'm sorry for doubting it before."

She would embrace this opportunity for a brand new life. With Alex by her side, she could make her world far better. Opening herself more to her family and the family she would be making with Alex.

"We love you, our princess. That is all that matters." Laura finally spoke up, pleased to hear that her husband and her daughter had finally reached an understanding.

She had waited for this moment. The point where they would finally see eye to eye and not just be civil because of their blood relations.

"Excuse me, but we are about to start." Antonette broke the little bonding that the three were sharing.

Dealing with rich, powerful, and royalties alike was not usually easy for her. But it was rare that she found a bridal client that acted rational and uncomplicated with her demands.

"I guess it is time." Dani faced her mother and father for the last time before she journeyed to her next adventure.

Her excitement went through the roof as the wedding bug began to infect her with a vengeance. Her first opposition to the entire big wedding celebration had finally rubbed her in a good way.

More than that, it was the memory that she would share with their kids. The fairy tale that every young child dreamt of having when they grew up.

She might have forgotten all about it or chosen to ignore her childhood whims. Today, she was reminded of her fantasy to meet her prince charming and to wed in a magical palace.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, please follow me." Antonette requested as she showed them to the door. 

They stood at the center and walked inside the aisle with Laura's hand in his arms. They proudly walked in the long pathway, showing how proud they were to be the parents of the bride.

They only stopped a few rows before the front of the church, where they would have to wait for their daughter as she followed them to her destiny.

"Ms. Daniella, are you ready?" Antonette asked as she prepared everybody for the grand entrance.

She looked at herself, alone in the big mirror, not far from where she was standing. She could see a beautiful woman staring back at her.

She loved her gown and the crowning veil that cascaded down the floor-length hemline, extending to the floor by more than a few meters. It flowed like a white shadow, following her every movement.

She also saw a big girl who had been through a lot. But she figured she had been tougher because of the experiences in her life. She had grown to be who she was today because of the hard choices that she had to make.

"I am ready." But marrying Alex was one decision that she would not regret in her entire life. It might not have been the easiest decision she had to make, but she knew it was the right one. 

She stepped into the middle of the closed door, preparing herself for the big reveal. She waited for the cue, which meant it was time to move her feet and face the music.

When she heard the first melody of the song, she knew it was the beginning of a lifetime of ups and downs with the only man she would love forever.

"It is your moment to shine," Antonette whispered in her ears as she made her final touches on her hair and her gown. "Now, go get your prince, princess."

She never felt emotional in ceremonies like this because most of the work she had done was only a job to her. But after talking to her clients, learning more things about them. She became a fan.

She began to believe that fairy tales still might be true. Well, at least with this incredible couple who seemed genuinely in love. She suddenly wished that more people would follow their example.

"Thank you so much for all your help, Antonette." She appreciated what she had done to make this enchanted wedding come true.

They might not have started at the right foot, but she believed she had won her over to her side eventually. It was not hard since they believed in the same thing.

"Shall we do this?" Dani squared her shoulders, held tight to her bouquet, and put a big smile on her lips.

When the big oak doors opened and presented her for the first time to all their guests, friends, and family, her eyes only saw one person, and she planned to keep it that way.

This occasion was one tiny dot in her entire life, but it had made one of the enormous impacts on her past, present, and future.. They did say that life was a series of moments, and marrying the man destined to be hers was definitely one of them.