60.1 | Wedding Bells pt. 2

***

Tiffany beamed with confidence as she posed for Seohyun's camera and Yoona's camcorder from inside the car, eagerly awaiting the cue to exit. However, a sudden wave of nerves washed over her as the bell chimed, signaling the arrival of Da-On and Yuri. Spotting Jessica among them, Tiffany's anticipation grew. As the organizer engaged with the group, Tiffany steadied her breath, mustering a sweet smile.

As the door swung open, Da-On led the procession into the church, a melodic tune accompanying their steps. Yihyun, Yuri, and Jessica followed suit before the door gently closed behind them. Tiffany, collecting her composure with a deep breath, readied herself for the moment ahead.

With the next opening of the door, Mr. Seo extended his hand, a gesture she accepted gracefully. Stepping out of the car with poised elegance, Tiffany embraced the moment with confidence as she walked to the church's entrance and staff came to help her with the dress that was heavy and long.

As she stood before the imposing, lengthy door, a makeup artist swiftly approached, eager to provide a final touch-up before the wedding veil graced her face and she received her flowers right after.

Inside the hallowed halls of the church, Taeyeon's heart threatened to burst with anticipation. Every passing second felt like an eternity as he awaited Tiffany's arrival. Gripping Da-On's hand firmly, he sought solace, gently rubbing it as he exhaled deeply, endeavoring to reign in his emotions and maintain composure.

After a brief pause, the music swelled once more, and the vocalist began serenading with 'I Get to Love You.' As anticipation filled the air, the door creaked open, unveiling Tiffany in the distance. Adorned in a radiant white wedding gown, she glided down the aisle with graceful steps, casting a luminous glow that captured every eye in the church. 

One look at you
My whole life falls in line
I prayed for you
Before I called you mine

Taeyeon sensed the impending wave of tears, but before he could succumb, it was Da-On whose emotions overflowed. Swiftly, Taeyeon scooped him up, cradling him close as he gently brushed away the tears. "No tears, little one," he whispered, though his own eyes shimmered with unshed emotion.

"Omma looks so beautiful, Appa," Da-On murmured between sniffs, tears trickling down his cheeks in a quiet testament to the moment's overwhelming tenderness.

"The loveliest woman in the world, don't you think?" Taeyeon whispered through his tears, his heart b with adoration.

"Yes, she is," Da-On chimed in, his cute pout melting into a radiant smile. "Omma! It's me, Da-On!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement, waving enthusiastically towards her. Laughter and warmth filled the church as everyone's hearts swelled witnessing this precious moment of innocent joy.

Tiffany felt her emotions teetering on the edge, but her son's voice brought a smile to her lips. As she approached the heart of the aisle, she was taken aback when Jessica and Seohyun stepped forward, joining her side in a heartwarming display of solidarity. "Are you two walking me?" she asked, her voice touched with surprise and gratitude.

"Who else, Unnie?" Seohyun's sweet smile radiated warmth as she clasped Tiffany's left hand tenderly who smiled emotionally at her.

"We're family, after all," Jessica whispered, pressing a kiss to Tiffany's cheek before they resumed their journey towards Taeyeon and Da-On, their bond strengthened by love and support.

And they say love is a journey
I promise that I'll never leave
When it's too heavy to carry
Remember this moment with me
I get to love you, I get to love you 

As they reached the altar, Seohyun delicately offered Tiffany's hand to Taeyeon, who gently lowered Da-On to the ground before bowing respectfully to his bride-to-be. With a tender grip, Taeyeon enveloped Tiffany's hand in his own, a silent promise of unwavering support.

Meanwhile, Jessica gracefully guided Da-On back to their seats, her reassuring presence comforting him in the bustling excitement of the ceremony.

"You're stunning," Taeyeon whispered, unable to contain his admiration as he gazed into Tiffany's eyes.

"You're utterly charming," Tiffany replied in a hushed tone, her heart swelling with affection as they finally approached the altar. With a respectful bow to the priest, they took their seats, ready to embark on their journey together as the sacred ceremony commenced.

—

"Unnie, do you see that guy over there? Is he somehow connected to any of the boys?" Yihyun finally spotted a familiar face among the guests, a recruit from her workplace. She couldn't resist leaning over to Seohyun, seated beside her, and posing the question.

"Oh, I forgot to mention, he's Taeyeon Oppa's cousin," Seohyun shared with a smile playing on her lips.

"Seriously?" Yihyun exclaimed, turning to look at the older girl. "He's from that wealthy family?"

Chuckling, Seohyun nodded. "Well, he's been around lately. How did you two meet?"

"He's actually one of the new employees in my workplace. No wonder his skin is like porcelain," Yihyun remarked.

"What?" Seohyun quietly giggled at Yihyun's observation.

"But why is he working in a mall?" Yihyun pondered, glancing over at Dongwhi's seat.

"I remember Tiffany mentioning Dongwhi. It seems he doesn't live in his parents' house, opting for independence instead. I bet he wants to live on his own terms," Seohyun speculated in a soft voice. "He's quite diligent, you might find him appealing," she teased, nudging Yihyun's arm with a playful smile.

"Omo, I doubt I'll like him, I mean, I'll date him. He's a rich kid."

"Tsk, who knows, right?" Seohyun grinned mischievously, enjoying the playful banter.

"Okay, okay, let's focus now, Unnie," Yihyun quickly interjected, urging the older girl to steer the conversation back on track.

Meanwhile, seated to Seohyun's right, Yoona discreetly passed a cupcake to his girlfriend as they listened to the priest. She indulged in a few bites, eliciting a chuckle from him as he savored his cupcake with small, amused bites.

—

"Aish, I specifically told them not to bring those two. Why did they have to invite them?" Jessica couldn't quite believe her co-workers. They had invited the two colleagues who were meant to stand by her side during their team dinner.

"Who are they again?" Yuri softly whispered to her. He recalled the two colleagues his girlfriend was talking about, their faces etched in his memory from the CCTV footage he had seen.

"The one in the green checkered shirt is Song Ji-Ho, and the other in the blue blouse is Lee Sun-hyub," Jessica shared with a shake of her head. "I still can't believe they had the audacity to leave me, especially after the supervisor specifically asked them to look after me. And they come here, to what? Tsk."

"Don't worry, I'll give them some punishment later."

"What? No, please don't do anything foolish. It could spoil the wedding," she cautioned her boyfriend immediately.

Yuri shook his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Relax, it'll be discreet, just a little prank at the mansion. You focus on your colleagues, alright?" he reassured her with a grin.

"Tell me later what kind of punishment you'll impose," Jessica stated firmly.

"No worries," he replied, winking playfully at her. He then gently held her hand, seamlessly shifting their attention back to the ongoing ceremony.

***

When it was time for the wedding vows, Tiffany suggested to came first and she had written down her vow in a piece of paper she had been hiding in her bouquet. Taeyeon couldn't help but smile in amusement as she held the mic with trembling hands and started reading her wedding vow.

"I wrote it down because my mind might not work if I do it impromptu," Tiffany explained first before she cleared and smiled sweetly at Taeyeon before finally starting it. "To my dearest, Kim Taeyeon..." she paused and glanced at her husband-to-be.

"As I stand before you today, surrounded by the beauty of this moment and the promise of our future together, I vow to cherish and honor you for all the days of my life.

I promise to be your partner in every sense of the word, to stand by your side through all of life's joys and challenges. I will be your rock, your confidante, and your greatest supporter." She paused and looked at him again but only to see his tears one more time but he was quick to wipe it off with a handkerchief.

She chuckled as she continued, "I vow to love you fiercely and unconditionally, to celebrate your triumphs and share in your sorrows. I will strive to be patient and understanding, to listen with an open heart, and to always communicate openly and honestly.

"... I promise to nurture our love, to keep the flame of passion burning bright, and to never take our connection for granted. I will make our family a priority, always putting in the effort to keep our bond strong and resilient... With you, I have found my truest companion, my soul's counterpart.

She then gave the mic to the church staff to hold it for her and hold Taeyeon's hand as she continued while staring at him, "Today, I give you my hand, my heart, and my unwavering devotion. I am profoundly grateful for the gift of your love, and I promise to spend the rest of my days proving myself worthy of it.

Together, we will create a life filled with laughter, adventure, and endless love. Today, tomorrow, and for all the days to come, I am yours, completely and forever.

I love you, now and always."

With the end of her vow, Da-On approaches them picks one of the rings, and puts the ring on Taeyeon's left ring finger. 

"Appa, please don't cry," Da-On playfully requests, eliciting laughter from the guests and a warm smile from Taeyeon.

"I can't help it, sweetheart. Your mother's words have truly touched me," Taeyeon explains, his voice choked with emotion as he takes a moment to compose himself. With a deep breath, he gazes lovingly at Tiffany before taking the microphone in hand.

"It's my turn now," he announces, his tone filled with anticipation. As he gently clasps Tiffany's hand in his own, memories of their journey together flood his mind, strengthening his resolve. Locked in a tender gaze, he begins his vow, each word carrying the weight of their shared experiences and unwavering love.

"My beloved, Tiffany Young, as I stand before you, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love...

"... Today, I not only take you as my wife, but I embrace the beautiful bond that we have already begun to build with our son." he paused to look at their son and so as Tiffany. They both smiled at him sweetly before their eyes met again and he continued, "You have given me the greatest gift, a piece of your heart and a part of your soul in the form of our child, and for that, I am eternally grateful. As your husband, I vow to honor and cherish this family we have created, to support and guide our son as he grows, and to be a steadfast partner to you in every adventure life throws our way."

"...I promise to be there for both of you, in laughter and in tears, in triumphs and in challenges. Together, we have already weathered storms and basked in the sunshine, and I am eager to continue this journey, hand in hand, as a family united. With every beat of my heart, I will love you and our son, today, tomorrow, and for all the days of my life." he ended it with a charming smile as then he got the ring from Da-On and put the ring on Tiffany's left ring finger. 

"With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declares solemnly, his voice resonating through the gathered crowd. "You may now seal your union with a kiss, Mr. Kim," he adds, gesturing gracefully towards the groom.

As the guests rise from their seats, a wave of anticipation fills the air, mingled with the sound of applause. Taeyeon steps forward, his heart pounding with love and excitement, as he gently cradles Tiffany's face in his hands. With a tender touch, he guides her close, their lips meeting in a sweet, lingering kiss.

Cheers erupt from the assembled friends and family, the joyful sound mingling with the click of cameras capturing this precious moment for eternity. Amidst the celebration, Da-On playfully hides his face behind a pillow, overwhelmed by the joy and emotion of the occasion.

***

[Mansion]

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?" The emcee's voice boomed over the crowd, commanding the room's focus. "It is my honor to introduce to you for the first time, as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Kim Taeyeon and Tiffany Young!" 

As the entourage completed their entrance, the room erupted into applause and cheers. Without skipping a beat, the melodic strains of Coldplay's 'A Sky Full of Stars' filled the air, setting the stage for the newlyweds' grand entrance. Taeyeon and Tiffany, now officially united, moved gracefully through the aisle adorned with peach flowers, their path illuminated by the gentle cascade of cherry blossom petals showering down upon them. Hand in hand, they danced joyfully, their love shining brightly for all to see.

On the sidelines, Da-On watched with wide eyes, eagerly catching falling petals in his hands. His enthusiasm was palpable, but it came to a sudden halt when his parents gently grasped his hands, guiding him to join them at the center of the dance floor. 

Rather than a traditional romantic first dance for the newlyweds, it became an unforgettable family affair for the Kims. Da-On, his excitement bubbling over, jumped up and down with delight as he joined his parents in their dance. Surrounding them, family and friends showered them with congratulations and well-wishes, their joy and love filling the room with warmth and happiness.

***

As the emcee called for the girls to converge at the center, Jessica, Yihyun, Seohyun, and four others swiftly assembled. Holding a bouquet, Tiffany positioned herself at the forefront, exchanging knowing glances with Seohyun and Yihyun. With a graceful turn, Tiffany signaled to the group behind her, and they all poised themselves for the moment ahead.

"In the count of... 3..."

"Seohyun gently set her DSLR aside and exchanged a meaningful glance with Yihyun, who nodded in response. Meanwhile, Jessica, unaware of the silent exchange, remained relaxed, eagerly anticipating the flowers so she could plan a photo session with Yuri later." 

"2..."

In an unexpected turn, a woman stepped forward, obstructing Jessica's view. Without hesitation, Yihyun swiftly intervened, gently nudging the woman aside to ensure Jessica's line of sight remained clear.

"1. With those words, Tiffany tossed the bouquet into the air behind her.

As the flowers soared, all eyes turned upward, tracking their trajectory. To everyone's amazement, Yihyun leaped gracefully, executing a high kick that sent the bouquet sailing towards Jessica with surprising precision."

Jessica exclaimed, "Omo," bracing herself to catch the bouquet. But before she could react, a sudden shove from behind sent her stumbling, and she tumbled to the floor with a gasp.

"Seohyun gasped in alarm, acting swiftly to prevent the woman from catching the bouquet. With a determined shove, she redirected the flowers towards Jessica, who had fallen to the ground. As the bouquet landed on Jessica's stomach and bounced, she instinctively reached out and caught it.

"I've got it," Jessica declared triumphantly, holding the bouquet aloft as she sat amidst disheveled hair and broken heels."

Silence enveloped the onlookers, their astonishment rendering them momentarily speechless... until Yuri emerged from the crowd, gracefully stepping forward. With a single knee touching the ground, he presented a velvet box to Jessica, unveiling its contents to reveal a dazzling diamond snowflake ring. 

"What the ?" Jessica cursed out loud in surprise. 

A hush fell over the crowd, leaving the air charged with anticipation. Among the gathering, their friends gazed upon them with affectionate smiles, their eyes reflecting the warmth of the moment, particularly Tiffany, Seohyun, and Yihyun.

"Jessica Jung," Yuri began, his voice carrying the weight of his emotions. "From the moment our paths crossed, my world has been illuminated, and my heart has found its home. I can't fathom a day without you by my side. Will you grant me the honor of spending a lifetime together? Jessica Jung, will you marry me?" With bated breath, Yuri posed the question he had longed to ask. His heart raced as he awaited her response, while Jessica, visibly stunned, grappled with the flood of emotions, unsure of how to react.

"This... this isn't...," Jessica began, her voice faltering momentarily as she struggled to find her words. After a brief pause, her emotions overwhelmed her, and tears welled up in her eyes. She glanced around at her friends and then back at Yuri, her expression a mix of disbelief and raw emotion.

"This isn't some kind of joke, is it?" she managed to ask, her voice trembling with a mixture of vulnerability and a faint glimmer of hope, her smile wavering through her tears.

"None of this is a joke, Jessica," Yuri assured her, his voice gentle and sincere. Sensing her discomfort, he extended his right hand to help her up from her embarrassing position.

"Thank you," Jessica murmured gratefully, wiping away her tears as she grasped his hand and rose to her feet, her emotions still raw but tempered by the warmth of Yuri's reassurance.

"Say yes!" echoed a voice from the crowd, breaking the silence and sparking a wave of encouragement.

"Just say yes!" another voice joined in, quickly followed by a chorus of cheers and chants from the gathered guests, all rallying behind Jessica in a jubilant display of support and excitement.

Jessica glanced over at her friends, noting their shared expressions of anticipation, but her attention was drawn to Da-On, whose tears puzzled her. "Why is Da-On crying?" she mused silently.

"He probably thinks I'm about to steal you from him," Yuri quipped with a soft chuckle, his eyes twinkling with affection. "Anyway, I'm waiting, my love."

Returning her gaze to Yuri, Jessica's eyes fell upon the ring, triggering a sudden recollection of the special candy. "So, this was the thing I saw in your pocket?" she inquired, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as the pieces fell into place.

"Yeah, you were drunk and don't have a clear view of it." Yuri shared with a charming smile.

"Um..." Pausing, Jessica inhaled and exhaled while looking at Yuri's loving yet waiting gazes. "Yeah, sure. It's definitely a yes!" She said and quickly threw her arms around his neck, tears immediately dropped again. "It's a yes, Kwon Yuri." she whispered as she sniffled and softly sobbed on his shoulder.

"I know you would be this happy." Yuri whispered back. "But let me put the ring on your finger first, my love." he said and the latter pulled back to offer her trembling ring finger. He softly chuckles as he holds her hand and carefully puts the ring on. 

Jessica looked at it closer and cupped Yuri's face before she leaned in and kissed him a couple of times before they hugged once again.

"Congrats, Unnie!" exclaimed a woman's voice, quickly followed by another chorus of congratulations.

"Congrats, Kwon Yuri!" chimed in another one, filled with genuine happiness.

"Congrats, Hyung!" added yet another voice, joining in the jubilant celebration.

The cheers reverberated through the mansion, filling the air with joy and excitement. Amidst the festivities, Taeyeon and Tiffany shared another tender kiss at their table, surrounded by the love and warmth of their friends' well-wishes.

***

"After Seohyun returned to the table she shared with Yihyun and Yoona, settling into her seat, she felt a playful tap on her head. Yoona, sliding back into his place with plates of food in hand, couldn't resist the opportunity for a little mischief. 

 "Why would you do that?" she protested, giving his arm a playful swat."

"You jumped earlier just to bring the flowers to Jessica. You know you have someone in your stomach; we can't afford to risk it. Don't do that again," Yoona scolded with a serious tone, expressing genuine