Chapter 3 WEDDING BLISS

I had a bit skipped of heart, just the moment I saw Jack standing at the altar. Both of our eyes locked, but I had to clear the doubt lingering inside of me. That was it, a very perfect day of ours. I took a deep breath and began walking down the aisle. The air around me was filled with the soft melody march, my heart pounding, as each step taken brought me closer to him, whom I love and about to promise my life to.

Just as I approached, Jack's smile widened with tears glistening in his eyes, reflecting my own emotions. Immediately, I reached him he held onto my hand, and softly squeezed it "You look so beautiful and breathtaking, he whispered, with a voice filled with awe."

With blush creeping up my chick, I couldn't imagine after all these years, he still made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

The ceremony was filled with a blur of emotions, exchanging vows, trembling with the weight of our promises, and just immediately the officiant pronounced us husband and wife, Jack pulled and lifted me into a kiss that left me soaked with joy.

Turning to face the guests, my eyes caught with Jack's family, his father beamed with pride, while his mother dabbed her eyes with a monogrammed handkerchief. I felt a bit of sadness, as my parents weren't present to share this great moment, I managed to push the thought aside, to remind myself, that what the day seems to us, is looking forward, not back.

The reception was so splendid with a whirlwind of congratulations, champagne toast, joy, and laughter, Jack was all around me, never leaving my side, his hand holding mine, not to leave me apart.

As the night fell, Jack and I found a quiet moment alone on the terrace, stars twinkling above us, and the soft glow of lanterns beamed a romantic light over the garden.

"Jack murmured, wrapping his arms around me from behind. "How does it feel?", being called, Mrs. Ellison." Admittedly, I said, it feels like a dream, while leaning back into his embrace, savoring the warmth of his body against mine.

"Trust me, it is very real, Em, he chuckled, letting his breath tickle my ear. Jack turned me in his arms with a serious growing expression. "I want you to know something, Emma, that no matter what happens, or where life takes us to, you will always remain the most important thing in my world."

"Hmm, Jack, I..." Tears prickled in my eyes.

Pressing a finger to my lips, he silenced me. "This is not the moment for doubts. I know my family's wealth intimidates you sometimes, but I only want you to know, none of that matters to me. I chose you to build a life with you. We are now, just one, and equal. His words melt like a balm into me, soothing the insecurities that had so long plagued me. On tiptoe, I stood to press my lips to his in a kiss that heightened volumes.

After we parted, Jack's eyes were glowed with mischief. "Mrs. Ellison, it's time we sneak out of here and start our honeymoon." "Lead the way, Mr. Ellison." I laughed, feeling much lighter than I had in years. Like teenagers with a future stretched out before them, full of promise and possibilities, we quietly slipped out of the reception, hand in hand.

I woke up the next morning, to the sound of waves crashing against the seashore. For a moment, I felt disoriented, not knowing where I was, and before I knew I felt Jack's arms tighten around my waist, and everything came back normal.

In his embrace, I turned, drinking in the sight of him, his hair tousled from sleep, with a hint of stubble on his jaw. This time he looked much younger than the boy I had fallen in love with in high school. "Good morning, Mrs. Ellison, wife," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

"Wife!" With a thrill, I was Jack's wife now, I still don't believe it, this is unlike real. "Good morning, husband," I replied, not able to keep the smile from my face. He pulled me closer, nuzzling his face into my neck. "I want to get used to waking up like this every day." Running my fingers through his hair to reveal the intimacy in the moment, I replied, "Me too."

The honeymoon was just perfect the way I thought of it to be, as we spent the morning in bed, talking to each other, laughing, hugging, kissing, making love, and enjoying each other's company. And as the sun rose high in the sky, we took a walk to the beach. Under our feet, the sand was warm, the ocean stretching out before us in an expanse of blue. We both raced, running into the water.

I laughed as we chased after each other, the wind whipping through our hair. Together we splashed into the surf, shrieking at the cold water. Jack caught hold of my waist, lifting me and spinning me around. "I love you, Emma, truly I love you so much." "I love you too," I replied, my heart almost bursting.

We spent the entire day exploring the island, hand in hand like being intertwined together. Everything seems new and exciting as if seeing the world through fresh eyes.

At sunset, we discovered a secluded spot on the beach. Jack spread out a blanket on the sand, and we sat together viewing the sky, as it changed from blue to orange, then to pink. Gazing into my eyes, "What are you thinking?" Jack asked, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my arm. Leaning into him, and resting my head on his shoulder, I replied, "I am just thinking of how lucky I am," I admitted. "I still can't believe this is real, you chose me."

Forcing me to meet his gaze, Jack tilted my chin up, Emma, you are not the lucky one, rather, I am the one who must be lucky who can't believe got married to you. You are the most incredible and talented woman I have ever known. His words brought tears to my eyes, seeing the sincerity written all over his face, but there was still a small part of me quite not believing.

"I just want to be more than enough for you, "whispering, and voicing out the fear that had been nagging with me, a long time ago. "Oh, Emma, you are more than enough, and everything," Jack, softened his expression, kissing me, then slowly and deeply pouring his love and reassurance into the gesture. With his words, I felt steadier, and more grounded when we parted.

With a mischievous glint in Jack's eyes, "Are you say we head back to our room and I show you how much you mean to me." "Lead Mr. Ellison," I replied laughing.

Just as we began walking back to our bungalow, the stars were ahead, I felt a sense of peace over me, and whatever challenges that lay ahead, or doubts about creeping in, we would have to face them together, but little did I know that those challenges were about coming so soon than either of us expected. All that matters for now was Jack 's hand in mine, and our future promise together.

I woke up the next morning to an empty bed, Jack's voice was low and urgent coming from the bathroom, I frowned, then sat up, straining to hear him properly.

"I understand, but you need to know that I am on my honeymoon. Can't it just wait until-"

There was a long pause, and then a heavy sigh. "Okay, I will be there. Goodbye."

Just then Jack opened the bathroom door, his face covered with frustration and regret. I felt so uneasy as my eyes met his eyes, knowing what he was about to say. "I am so sorry, Emma." My heart constricts, "what is it, Jack?" I asked.

A gesture, as he ran his hand through his hair. "I guess, there is an emergency at work, a major client is about pulling out of business, which is not too good for the company. I have to return to New York immediately, my father needs me."

Like a physical blow, the words hit me, just after two days on our honeymoon, it was cut short. "When are we going to leave?" I asked, keeping my voice steady. Jack's expression tightened. There is only one available seat on the next flight, and I am being needed today.

"Are you leaving me here alone?" As I felt as if the whole air had been sucked out of the room. "I will be only away for a few days," Jack said quickly, moving to sit beside me on the bed. I promised to make it up to you, feel free and enjoy yourself around, or maybe work on some of your artwork.

His words meant nothing to me, as they faded into background noise. I struggled to know what was happening, this time was supposed to be for us, our perfect beginning. And now.... "Emma?" Jack's voice cut through my thoughts, say something please."

Looking up at him, and seeing the conflict in his eyes, I wanted to beg him to stay, but I knew what importance his career meant to him, the pressure chasing him, and how he must have to prove himself in his family legacy. "I understand Jack." "Go," I said softly, as I forced a smile.

Quickly, Jack's face was filled with relief, but behind was guilt. "I love you," he said, pulling me tightly close to him, I promised, I will make this up to you."

Jack rushed to pack, and while making calls to arrange his travel, I sat on the bed, feeling numb, when I realized what I just signed into. This was married life, and sometimes it comes with sacrifice.

A cold fear gripped my heart, as I watched Jack prepare to leave. Is this just the beginning? Would our life together come second to his work?

With his suitcase in his hand, Jack paused at the door, and leaned in for a quick kiss, "I will call you as soon as I land."

Not trusting myself to speak, I nodded. And then all of a sudden, he was gone, leaving me all alone in our honeymoon suite.

The moment the door clicked shut, something inside of me cracked. Tears quickly welled up in my eyes, and a sob escaped my throat. I held onto Jack's pillow clutching it, while I curled up on the bed.

What had I gotten myself into?