Married To The Billionaire Alpha King-Chapter 145 - comes after

145

~Elara’s POV

The morning sunlight poured through the palace windows, making everything sparkle as if the world itself was celebrating. Today was the day. The day my closest friend would marry the man she loved, David. I could hardly believe how fast the preparations had gone, and yet, as I looked at the dress my staff had helped me into, all doubts melted away.

I had chosen a design myself. I wanted something that reflected me, of course, but also subtly promoted my company. The fabric was a soft ivory with golden embroidery along the edges, delicate but powerful, like me. My hair was pinned into an elegant updo, and my makeup highlighted my eyes without stealing attention from the gown. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and smiled.

"Gorgeous," one of my assistants said softly, adjusting the hem.

I laughed lightly. "Thank you. You all did this, not me. I just... wore it."

Darlon stepped into the room then, dressed in a classic black suit, sharp and commanding as always. His presence made the room feel steadier. Calm. Strong. He looked at me, eyes softening.

"You look incredible," he said, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from my face.

I felt warmth creep into my cheeks. "You look... very Alpha today. I think the cameras will explode."

He smirked. "I think they always do when I’m with you."

We walked out together, the palace buzzing behind us. Cameras clicked immediately. Guests bowed and whispered, some stretching their necks for a better look. Every step toward the car felt surreal. It was as though the world had paused just long enough for this moment.

The ride to the venue was quiet. Darlon held my hand briefly, giving me a small, reassuring squeeze. I rested my head lightly against his shoulder, feeling the pulse of his calm energy.

When we arrived, photographers were already in place. Everyone bowed and whispered their greetings. Darlon guided me through the crowd, hands steady on my back.

"I need to see Janae first," I murmured, keeping my voice low.

He nodded, eyes softening. "Take care of yourself. I will be right here when you need to return."

I smiled and stepped away, weaving through the staff and assistants toward the bride’s room.

And then I saw her. Janae. In her gown. The soft ivory fabric shimmered under the lights, delicate lace tracing her arms, a flowing train behind her that looked almost unreal. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her makeup made her glow without hiding her natural beauty.

She saw me at the same time. Her eyes widened, and then a huge smile broke across her face.

"Elara!" she whispered, almost trembling. I rushed forward, and we hugged tightly, holding each other as if we could absorb some of the other’s strength.

"I cannot believe this," I whispered into her ear. "You look... perfect."

She laughed softly, tears brimming. "So do you. Honestly, I think we both might ruin our makeup if we keep crying."

I pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her face. "I am so happy for you. You deserve this."

"Thank you," she said, her hand gripping mine. "I could never have done this without you. You’ve been here for everything, Elara. You’ve always been here."

I smiled softly, brushing a tear from her cheek. "Always. That doesn’t change. And I am so proud of you."

We stayed together a few more minutes, talking quietly, sharing laughs, holding back tears. Then I looked at the clock and realized it was almost time.

"I should get back," I said reluctantly. "Darlon will be expecting me."

She nodded, squeezing my hand one last time. "Go. Enjoy. And... thank you, really."

I nodded and made my way back to Darlon, who waited at the edge of the hall, calm as ever. I took my place beside him, adjusting my gown slightly.

The host stepped forward, clearing his throat to command attention. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said, voice warm and commanding, "please rise and greet Alpha Darlon and Luna Elara."

The room bowed in unison. Some of the Alphas and Lunas straightened their postures, others whispered quick greetings, but all acknowledged them with respect. Cameras flashed, and the moment felt ceremonious.

Darlon led me down the aisle, his hand lightly guiding me as though nothing else in the room existed. We reached the center, and he gave me a reassuring smile. As we took our seats. I nodded.

"Welcome, everyone," the host continued. "It is my honor to welcome the groom first. David, please, come forward."

David appeared at the end of the aisle, eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on Janae. His smile was wide, nervous, and excited. I felt my chest tighten just watching the happiness radiate from him.

"And now, the bride," the host said. "Janae, please step forward."

The doors opened, and she walked in, flowers in hand, a soft breeze from the fans making her veil shimmer. Petals fell from the ceiling as she stepped gracefully down the aisle, every step commanding attention. Guests clapped, many wiping away tears.

I held my breath as Janae approached David, her hands lightly clutching the bouquet. The way her eyes met his, sparkling, alive, full of a trust and love that radiated through the entire hall, made my chest tighten. Every step she took felt deliberate, graceful, like she was floating toward the center of the world.

The priest stepped forward once they reached the altar, his voice calm but commanding, carrying through the hall.

"Welcome, beloved guests," he began. "Today we gather to witness the union of David and Janae. Not merely as individuals, but as souls brought together by love, honor, and the blessings of the Moon Goddess."

I leaned slightly on Darlon’s arm, watching every detail, the way the candles flickered, their reflections in the polished floor, the petals still drifting lazily from above. There was a soft murmur as the audience followed the ritual’s steps, some whispering prayers, others taking slow, deep breaths to take in the sacredness of the moment.

The priest continued, his hands raised gracefully. "By the light of the Moon Goddess, I ask you both to affirm your devotion. Speak your vows from your hearts. Let them be your promises, sealed not just before these witnesses, but before the divine."

Janae took a deep breath first, her hands reaching out to David, brushing against his palms. "David," she said, her voice steady but soft, "from the moment we met, I knew there was something unexplainable between us. You make my laughter louder, my sadness lighter, and my heart fuller than I ever imagined. I promise to stand by you in every joy and every sorrow, to love you without condition, to support your dreams, and to be your home in every storm. I choose you, today, tomorrow, and all the days we are given."

Her voice cracked slightly on the last word, and I felt a lump in my throat. I had to blink fast to keep the tears at bay. David’s hands trembled slightly as he took hers, squeezing them gently in response.

"And you, David?" the priest prompted.

David cleared his throat, his eyes never leaving Janae’s. "Janae, I... I cannot imagine my life without you. You have shown me what it means to be understood, cherished, and truly loved. I promise to protect your heart, to honor your spirit, and to walk beside you in every path we choose. I will celebrate your victories, comfort you in your losses, and hold you steady when life tries to shake us. I choose you, for this life and whatever comes after."