[BL] Dear Hushand, I want divorce-Chapter 146: Ash and Elijah’s wedding

The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue across the private island’s beach. Waves gently lapping at the shore, a soft symphony of nature playing in the background.

The aisle was lined with white rose petals, forming a delicate path that led toward a simple yet elegant altar draped in flowing white fabric, fluttering softly in the ocean breeze. It was an intimate setting, surrounded by palm trees swaying gently, and only the closest of friends had gathered, their faces lit with joy and anticipation.

Ash stood just beyond the aisle, heart pounding in his chest. Dressed in a light beige suit that complemented his beauty, he looked dashing yet nervous. His dark hair was neatly styled, though he kept running his hand through it as if trying to find some control over his racing thoughts. His white dress shirt was open at the collar, forgoing the traditional tie in favor of a more relaxed, beach-appropriate look. In his hands, he held a small bouquet of white lilies, his fingers trembling slightly around the stems.

Beside him, Noah offered his silent support. Noah’s suit was a deep charcoal grey, tailored perfectly to his fit frame, the sharp lines contrasting with Ash’s more casual look. As Ash adjusted his jacket for what felt like the hundredth time, Noah placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Stop fussing," Noah said, a teasing grin on his lips. "You look perfect."

Ash let out a nervous laugh, glancing down the aisle where Elijah was waiting. "Easy for you to say. You’re not about to get married."

Noah chuckled softly, pulling Ash into a brief, comforting hug. "Trust me, Elijah is the one who should be nervous. He’s marrying you. He’s the lucky one, remember that." His voice was light, but his words held genuine warmth.

Ash smiled, his nerves settling slightly. "Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

"You’d trip over your own feet and fall into the ocean," Noah teased causing Ash to let out a real laugh this time.

As the soft strains of music began to play, signaling the start of the ceremony, Noah hooked his arm through Ash’s. "Ready?"

Ash took a deep breath, then nodded. "Yeah. Let’s do this."

The two began their walk down the aisle, each step with excitement and nerves for Ash. The guests, seated on wooden chairs adorned with white ribbons, turned to watch, their faces glowing with happiness. Ryder, who sat in the front row, was already clapping softly, a mischievous grin on his face, clearly ready to cheer the loudest.

Elijah’s grandmother had been more than family to him; she had been warmth, guidance, and the steady presence in both their lives. He could still hear her laughter, feel the soft pat of her hand on his cheek when she’d called him "her other grandson."

She should’ve been there, sitting in the front row, her eyes shining with pride. Instead, the world felt quieter without her, and Ash couldn’t shake the guilt that they’d be celebrating without her blessing in person.

She passed away few months ago.

At the end of the aisle, Elijah stood waiting. He was breathtaking in a crisp white suit, his tall frame statuesque against the backdrop of the setting sun. His hair, a dark brown that contrasted perfectly with his light suit, was swept back, his sharp jawline softened by the tender smile he wore. His deep brown eyes were locked on Ash, full of love and anticipation. He was practically glowing with happiness, and the sight of him made Ash’s heart flutter.

As they reached the altar, Noah gently unhooked his arm from Ash’s and, with a soft smile, placed Ash’s hand in Elijah’s. "Take good care of him," Noah said quietly, though there was an underlying tone of seriousness to his words.

Elijah smiled at Noah, nodding solemnly. "Always."

Ash looked up at Elijah, his nerves melting away as soon as their hands touched. The warmth of Elijah’s hand grounded him, and the overwhelming love in his gaze made every doubt disappear.

The priest began the ceremony, guiding them through their vows. Ash’s voice trembled slightly as he spoke.

"I vow to love you, Elijah, with all my heart. Through every storm, every joy, I will stand by your side. You are my home, and I will cherish you every day for the rest of our lives."

Elijah’s hand squeezed Ash’s, his eyes shining as he spoke his vows in return.

"Ash, you are the light of my life, the one who makes everything better just by being there. I promise to love you, to honor you, and to protect our love no matter what. You are my everything, and I am so grateful to be standing here with you today, becoming your husband."

As the vows were spoken, the priest smiled warmly, his hands lifting in blessing. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss."

Ryder leapt up from his seat, cheering the loudest. "Come on, kiss him already!"

The laughter that rippled through the crowd only added to the magic of the moment. Ash, blushing but smiling, leaned up into Elijah, and their lips met in a soft, tender kiss, sealing their vows. Applause erupted around them, Ryder’s whistle cutting through the air, while Noah and the rest of the friends gave their blessings with bright smiles.

As they pulled apart, Elijah rested his forehead against Ash’s. "Thank you for marrying me."

Ash smiled, eyes filled with tears of happiness. "I should be thanking you."

Elijah whispered in Ash’s ear, "I love you. I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you never regret this."

Ash smiled, his heart full, and whispered back, "I love you too."

His hands trembled as he wiped away tears that wouldn’t stop falling. He stood there, with Elijah’s arms wrapped around him, feeling the overwhelming wave of joy and relief. Every breath he took felt lighter, as if the weight of everything they had been through had finally lifted. Elijah cooed softly, kissing the top of Ash’s head and holding him tightly.

Elijah whispered. "We made it."

Ash nodded, unable to speak for a moment as the tears kept coming. This was their moment—their love, their journey. And for a second, it was like everything else in the world melted away. It was just them, standing in the glow of their love, wrapped in warmth that seemed to rise from the very earth beneath their feet.

The waves lapped gently at the shore, the sun setting in hues of gold and pink behind them, casting a soft glow over the beach where they stood. It felt like the world had been waiting for this moment as much as they had.

"You know," Elijah said softly, pulling back just enough to look Ash in the eyes, "sometimes the person is right, but the timing isn’t."

Ash looked up at him, his heart full. Elijah smiled, his hand brushing the damp strands of hair from Ash’s forehead.

"We met at the wrong time," Elijah continued, his voice tender. "But we didn’t let it stop us. We fought through it. All the mistakes, the missteps...we turned that wrong time into the right time because we believed in us."

Ash’s lip trembled, and his voice cracked as he whispered, "I thought I’d lost you forever back then."

Elijah gently tilted Ash’s chin, his dark eyes filled with nothing but love. "You never lost me. We were always meant to find our way back to each other. This...right here...this was always going to be our future."

Ash’s heart swelled. The years of waiting, of feeling like the universe had conspired against them, faded into a soft echo of the past. They had met at a time when nothing seemed to align. Life had thrown obstacles in their path, forcing them apart just as fast as they had been pulled together. But love—real love—had always found a way.

"Elijah," Ash whispered, his hand tightening around Elijah’s. "I’m so happy. I—" His words faltered, the flood of emotions too much. He let out a small, shaky laugh, tears still spilling down his cheeks.

"I know, baby," Elijah whispered, pulling Ash closer. "I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life. You, Ash—you are my right time."

Ash smiled through his tears, his heart overflowing with love, and he hugged Elijah tighter, finally feeling like they had found the place they were always meant to be.

At the reception party, Ryder had been nagging Noah for what felt like the entire evening. "Come on, just one dance with me," Ryder begged, his eyes shining with playful mischief.

But Noah simply shook his head, enjoying the sight of Ryder sulking, his arms crossed like a child denied candy.

"You’re such a pain," Noah muttered, watching Ryder’s exaggerated pout as he slumped in his seat.

Ryder glanced at Ash, who was sitting contentedly beside Elijah, leaning back against Elijah’s arm with a relaxed smile. An idea lit up in Ryder’s eyes as he leaned forward and asked, "Hey! How about you dance with me, huh? Let’s make Noah jealous."

Ash chuckled, shaking his head as he replied, "Sorry, I’m exhausted."

Elijah, who had been massaging Ash’s forehead, gave Ryder a sharp glance. "Ryder, stop moving around like a monkey and let people rest."

Ryder grumbled under his breath, but obediently slouched back in his chair, sulking even more dramatically. Noah couldn’t help but laugh at how utterly dejected Ryder looked, his pout deepening with every second. Ryder, noticing the laughter, nudged Noah’s arm, glaring half-heartedly.

"Enjoying yourself?" Ryder mumbled, still in his playful sulk.

"Oh, very much," Noah teased, a smug smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Ryder sat quietly, looking resigned to his fate, until Noah’s gaze flickered over to where Elijah was now engrossed in massaging Ash’s shoulders, whispering something soothing to him.

Seizing the moment, Noah subtly shifted in his seat and, under the table, let his leg brush against Ryder’s. Ryder’s reaction was immediate—he jolted upright, eyes widening as he turned to Noah in surprise. Noah met Ryder’s gaze with a devilish smirk, leaning in just close enough for only Ryder to hear.

"Save your energy for tonight," Noah whispered, his voice low and teasing.

Ryder’s entire face lit up, his earlier sulking forgotten in an instant. "Really?" he whispered back, excitement clear in his voice.

Noah just raised an eyebrow, amused. Ryder, not able to contain his joy, reached over and pulled Noah into a sudden hug, his face gleaming with happiness. But Noah immediately started shoving him away, flustered by Ryder’s overly enthusiastic embrace.

"Get off me!" Noah hissed, trying to push Ryder back into his own seat.

Ryder, still grinning from ear to ear, reluctantly let go but couldn’t resist whispering, "You’re going to regret teasing me like that later."

Noah smirked, already regretting nothing. "We’ll see about that."