Not as sweet as you

The wedding celebration carried on with laughter, conversations, and the joy as guests settled into their seats, eagerly anticipating the next moment of the night—the cake-cutting.

At the center of it all stood Bella and Lucas, now officially husband and wife. This all still felt impossible to Bella, but every time she glanced at Lucas, the way he held her hand so firmly yet gently, she felt grounded.

A beautifully decorated, three-tiered cake was placed before them. Its elegant white frosting shimmered under the soft lights, adorned with delicate sugar flowers. As they both reached for the knife together, Rachel suddenly appeared between them, her small hands gripping the edge of Lucas's suit.

"Wait!" she cried dramatically, making the guests chuckle. "Mr. Handsome, you promised I get the first bite!"

Lucas raised an eyebrow at her playful demand. "Oh? Did I say that?"

Rachel nodded with absolute confidence. Bella shook her head with a smile. "Lucas, don't tease her."

Lucas sighed in mock defeat. "Alright, princess, since I am a man of my word…" He cut a small piece, taking the fork and holding it out to Rachel.

Rachel beamed, taking the bite happily before giving Bella a cheeky grin. "Mmm! It's good, Mommy!"

Bella rolled her eyes affectionately. "Well, thank you for testing it for us."

The guests laughed, and Lucas finally turned back to Bella, cutting a small piece and lifting it toward her lips. Their gazes met for a brief second before she took the bite, her cheeks warming at the intimacy of the moment.

The cheers and applause that followed made Bella self-conscious, but Lucas only smirked, brushing a crumb from the corner of her lips with his thumb before tasting the cake himself.

"Sweet," he murmured, his voice low enough for only her to hear. "But not as sweet as you."

Bella's face burned, and she quickly turned away, earning another amused chuckle from him.

"I think you might need this." He approached her with a glass of juice in his hand. Bella thanked him before taking it.

Soon after, the music changed, signaling the couple's first dance. "You didn't tell me that we have to dance too." She questioned him smiling awkwardly. "Another surprise." He simply answered her.

Bella felt a flutter of nerves as Lucas extended his hand toward her. She hesitated. "I'm not the best at dancing…" Lucas stepped closer, his voice warm and reassuring. "Just follow me."

With a deep breath, she placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. As the soft melody of a romantic tune filled the air, Lucas pulled her close, his hands resting securely around her waist.

Bella placed her hands lightly on his shoulders, her heartbeat unsteady. "Relax," Lucas whispered, swaying gently with her. "Just focus on me."

She did. And as they moved in perfect sync, the world around them seemed to blur. It was just the two of them, lost in the moment.

Bella hadn't expected to feel this… at peace. For the first time that night, her nerves melted away, and she let herself enjoy it—the warmth of his embrace, the soft rhythm of their steps, and the way his gaze never left hers. She don't know what it is but right now with him, she is feeling like the most cherished person on this earth.

Then, just as she was beginning to lose herself completely in the moment— "Mommy! Mr. Handsome! I want to dance too!"

Laughter rippled through the guests as Rachel came bounding onto the dance floor. Lucas chuckled, stepping back slightly before suddenly lifting Rachel into his arms and twirling her around.

Rachel squealed in delight, clinging onto him. "Again!" Bella shook her head, smiling at the sight of them. Lucas twirled Rachel once more before setting her down, ruffling her hair.

"Alright, little one, now let me have a dance with my wife," he said teasingly. Rachel huffed dramatically. "Fine, fine." She skipped off to where the other kids were playing, leaving Bella and Lucas alone again.

Lucas turned back to Bella with a playful smirk. "Where were we?" She rolled her eyes but let him pull her close again. This time, she didn't feel nervous. She felt comfortable in his embrace.

As the evening continued, guests came up to congratulate them, offering their blessings and kind words. Eventually, Alessandra and Matteo approached Bella, their expressions warm.

Alessandra reached out, taking Bella's hands in hers. "Welcome to the family, sweetheart."

Bella smiled softly. "Thank you." Matteo nodded approvingly. "We're truly happy to have you with us."

Just then, Vivian also stepped forward, her usual composed demeanor softened. "I have to say, Bella, you looked absolutely stunning tonight."

Bella blinked in surprise before smiling. "Thank you, Vivian." Vivian hesitated for a moment before adding, "And… I can see how much Lucas cares for you. I hope you know that."

Bella's heart warmed at the words. "I do." Vivian gave a small nod, her expression unreadable, but there was no mistaking the sincerity in her tone.

Bella knew this wasn't just a wedding. It was the start of something new, something real.