LUCAS KNIGHT

From the moment I saw Amelia in her wedding dress, gliding towards me, time seemed to suspend its march. She looked like an angel descended upon Earth, her gown adorned with delicate lace and flowing satin that embraced her curves with a soft elegance, accentuated her radiant femininity. Her hair cascaded in gentle waves, crowned by a glimmering tiara. As our eyes met, I felt ensnared by her gaze - a mixture of nervous anticipation and undeniable admiration. When our hands intertwined, a surge of warmth and familiarity coursed through me.

"I never expected this day to be so beautiful." I whispered to myself as Amelia slipped away to the bathroom. Drawing in a deep breath, I decided to change too.

Just as I was nearing the end of changing, the door creaked open, revealing Amelia. Her widened eyes and the blush tinging her cheeks indicated that my shirtless state had caught her off-guard. I cleared my throat, pulling her from her reverie. A small smile crept onto my lips as she blushed and swiftly pivoted away, allowing me to finish donning my shirt. Her adorable reaction wasn't lost on me.

"You can turn now, Amelia." I whispered.

"I am so sorry. I didn't know..." She began to apologize.

"It's alright. My mistake. I thought you might need more time, so I started changing. I should have waited." I explained, observing the subtle dissent in her eyes before she nodded, accepting my explanation.

The distant sound of approaching cars heralded the arrival of our guests.
"They must be here." She murmured, and I nodded in agreement, my gaze briefly shifting to the window.

We made our way to the living room, where our family was immersed in laughter, celebrating the day.

"Didn't expect you guys down here." Nathan's characteristic mischief found its way into his words as he draped an arm around Emily, provoking amused chuckles from everyone except me. Amelia seemed slightly uneasy amidst the commotion and sought refuge in the kitchen, where she lent a hand to the housekeepers in preparing lunch.

With a sigh, I settled at the dining table, setting an example for the others to follow. My concern for Alex's well-being prompted me to suggest he take some rest, a sentiment that Amelia echoed.

"Lucas is right. Let's eat first, and then you can get some rest." She advised, approaching us with a pan of delectable food in her hands. Alex agreed, his weariness evident.

"What's on the menu for the big day ?" Nathan inquired excitedly.

"Chicken Roulade as the main course and Chocolate Ganache for dessert." Amelia answered with infectious enthusiasm. With the help of the servers, she skillfully served each person before finally taking her place next to me.

"I hope you all enjoy it." She said with a radiant smile, and we delved into the delightful feast.

"Did you cook this yourself ?" Emily asked, savoring the exquisite flavors.

Amelia nodded modestly, adding, "Yes, with the assistance of the housekeepers."

"It's absolutely delicious." Emily exclaimed, a sentiment echoed by everyone else. She turned to me, her smile bright.

"It's amazing." I complimented her. Her subtle nod and smile conveyed her gratitude, and we resumed our meal.

After lunch and a scrumptious dessert, exhaustion caught up with all of us, prompting the decision to rest for a while.

Upon waking up later that evening, the remnants of sleep lingered, obscuring my vision momentarily. I rubbed my eyes, the last traces of sleep dissipating as I realized Amelia wasn't in the room.

She must be downstairs.

After a quick freshening up, I descended to join the scene of joy that unfolded before me.

Amelia's attention shifted from Nathan's whispered words to me as my footsteps neared. Her smile widened at the sight of me.

"You're up. Join us, I'll get you a cup of coffee." She offered, heading toward the kitchen while I settled next to Nathan.

My curiosity got the better of me as I finally asked Nathan, "I didn't get the chance to ask you earlier, but what prompted this sudden change of mood ? Out of nowhere, you decided to marry. What changed ?"

My gaze shifted between Nathan and my mother, who was engaged in a conversation with Emily and Alex. I explained the cause of change in my decision to him.

"Why marry Amelia ? Were you two secretly dating all these years ?"

My sigh conveyed my mixed emotions. "She's understanding, not demanding in any way, and she knows me well enough to give me the time I need to change - if I can."

He chuckled, "Man, you know how Wesley was, a certified playboy. I don't know what Diana did, that he transformed into a lover boy but after witnessing that, I don't believe anything else is impossible."

I joined in his laugh, "Sounds plausible."

As we talked, I turned my attention to the soft sound of Amelia's voice.

"Your coffee." She offered, taking her seat across from me.

Nathan's playful inquiry about our plans for the evening shifted the atmosphere. Emily, embracing her role, suggested a movie night with her trademark energy. Nathan's agreement fuelled her suggestion, setting the stage for the evening's entertainment.

"I am not so interested." I confessed, rising from my seat, Amelia following suit.

Emily's determination flared as she retorted, "You're not going to ruin the night, big brother." My raised eyebrow had no impact on her tonigwaite.he's right, after how long we're all spending time together, especially with the new additions to the family. What better way to welcome them ?" Nathan supported her, looking at Alex for concurrence. Alex's nod mirrored his agreement.

Turning to my mother, I was met with hopeful eyes, while Amelia contemplated my response. It seemed I was outvoted.

"Fine." I conceded, eliciting a wide grin from Emily as she rushed to start the movie.

Everyone was engrossed in the film, particularly Emily, Alex, and Nathan. However, as the movie progressed, a heavy drowsiness enveloped me. Leaning back on the sofa, I rested my head against its headrest.

"Bored ?" Amelia's whispered question stirred me, and I turned my head to meet her gaze, my answer unspoken.

"Maybe a walk is a good idea. I hope you don't mind me saying this, but I'm not having much fun either." She murmured, her hesitance endearing.

I couldn't help but smile; she was truly adorable. Rising from my seat, I captured everyone's attention.

"If you guys allow me, I'd like to spend some time with Amelia now." I announced.

Nathan's smirk was hard to miss. "Be my guest." He responded, and I reached out for Amelia's hand. Her hand slipped into mine, and the familiar warmth enveloped me once more.

Guiding her to the garden, I released her hand as we stepped outside. Amelia's inhalation of the crisp air was audible before she turned to me, her smile illuminating the night.

"You're not a fan of movies as well ?" I asked as we strolled side by side.

"Not really. I watch them with Alex because he loves them." She replied, and I nodded, understanding the sentiment.

"When are we heading back to New York ?" She inquired.

"You don't like it here ?" I questioned.

"Oh, no, I love it here. It's so serene. I've forgotten all my worries and had so much fun after such a long time. I was just curious." She clarified.

"We're leaving tomorrow evening." I revealed. Her nod signaled the end of our conversation as we embraced the comfortable silence, wandering the garden.

Later that night, as we retired to bed after dinner, I gazed at Amelia's sleeping form beside me. Her tranquility was captivating, her folded hands resting gently on her stomach as she breathed softly.

Perhaps our married life wouldn't be as tumultuous as I had once thought. The serenity she brought with her presence suggested that our journey together might just be beautiful.

As the night deepened, sleep claimed me, my heart brimming with hope for the new chapter unfurling before us.

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