25

The preparations for Serin and Kairan's wedding were nothing short of a whirlwind. It was supposed to be a simple family event, but with the two influential families tying the knot, "simple" quickly became a relative term.

The chaos began with the guest list....or lack thereof. Serin had firmly insisted that this ceremony was for family only. No business associates, no employees, no friends. "This is for us" she had told Kairan, her eyes sparkling with conviction.

Kairan had agreed immediately, but convincing everyone else wasn't as easy. Junghyun, ever the planner, had already drafted a long list of potential guests. When Serin saw it, her mouth fell open in shock. "Junghyun, this looks like a concert lineup!" she exclaimed, waving the paper at him.

Junghyun merely raised an eyebrow. "It's not my fault you're marrying someone with half of Korea on speed dial."

"It's a family-only event" she stressed, grabbing a red marker and furiously crossing out names.

Inseo, meanwhile, was busy juggling three phones...one for the caterer, one for the florist, and one for Serin, who kept calling him every five minutes to ask if he'd confirmed the menu. "Yes, no peanuts in the appetizers. Yes, I double-checked about the desserts. Serin, please stop calling!"

But Serin was relentless. "Inseo, if one thing goes wrong, I'll—"

"You'll still get married!" he interrupted, throwing his hands in the air. "Seriously, noona, you're scarier than Kairan right now."

Kairan, for his part, was remarkably calm amidst the storm. Too calm, in fact, according to Junghyun. "How are you not freaking out?" he demanded one evening, watching as Kairan casually reviewed documents for his company.

Kairan looked up with a small smirk. "Because Luna's already doing enough of that for both of us."

The dress fitting was another adventure. Taejung had insisted on coming along, bringing with him a notebook filled with sketches and suggestions. "You'll look like a goddess" he declared, flipping through pages of potential designs.

Serin tried on gown after gown, each one more beautiful than the last. But it wasn't until she stepped into the dress...that the room fell silent.

"Serin" Taejung whispered, his eyes misty. "You look perfect."

Even II hyeok, who had reluctantly tagged along, looked impressed. "Yeah, you're going to make boss faint" he said with a grin.

"Good" Serin replied, turning to admire herself in the mirror. "He deserves it."

_

_

Back at the house, the chaos reached new heights. Inseo had somehow managed to spill coffee on the seating chart, prompting a dramatic meltdown from Junghyun. "Do you realize how long that took me?!"

"It's just paper" Inseo shot back, holding up his hands defensively.

"It's not just paper—it's my masterpiece!"

"Someone have switched positions" Ii hyeok said amused.

Meanwhile, Kairan's pack members had arrived to help set up the outdoor venue. They were strong, efficient, and utterly terrified of Hyejin, who barked orders like a general commanding an army.

"Those chairs are crooked! Fix them!" she shouted, hands on her hips.

"Yes, ma'am!" came the unanimous reply.

Even Kairan wasn't immune to the chaos. Serin had roped him into assembling wedding favors, a task that required far more patience than he anticipated. "Why are these ribbons so impossible to tie?" he muttered, glaring at the tiny bow in his hands.

Serin giggled from across the table. "Welcome to wedding prep, Mr. Karassu."

He looked up, his annoyance melting into a smile. "As long as it makes you happy, Mrs. Karassu-to-be."

The night before the wedding, the family gathered for dinner, a rare moment of calm amidst the storm. Hyejin told stories about Kairan's childhood, much to his embarrassment, while Inseo and Junghyun argued over who would give the better speech.

"Mine will be heartfelt" Junghyun declared.

"And mine will be funny" Inseo countered. "Everyone knows Serin loves my jokes."

Kairan leaned over to Serin, whispering, "Are they always like this?"

"Always" she replied with a fond smile.

Later that night, as Serin sat in her room, staring at her wedding dress, she felt a mixture of excitement and nerves. Hyejin came in, sitting beside her and taking her hand. Being the mother she never had

"You're ready for this" she said softly.

Serin nodded, her heart full. "I know. I just… I want it to be perfect."

"It already is" Hyejin assured her. "Because it's about love, not perfection."

_

_

_

The wedding of Serin and Kairan was an intimate affair, reserved only for close family and loved ones....a sanctuary of warmth and love away from the world. It was a celebration that reflected not grandeur but the depth of the bond shared by the two souls destined to be together. The wedding was highlighting more of kairan's Turkish side on serin's request.

The venue was set in Kairan's sprawling property, its beauty enhanced with simple yet elegant decor that emphasized tradition and connection. Lanterns cast a warm, golden glow, and the scent of fresh roses and jasmine filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the surrounding woods.

The guest list was deliberately small: Serin's brothers, Kairan's mother, and a few trusted loved ones like Ii Hyeok and Taejung. The energy of the gathering was warm and familial, devoid of the stifling formalities of grand weddings.

Serin emerged first, her gown a masterpiece of Ottoman inspiration. The deep crimson velvet reflected her regal aura, while the intricate gold embroidery shimmered like starlight. The flowing translucent red sleeves gave her the appearance of a queen stepping out of a dream. Her white hair fell in loose waves, adorned with a golden tiara encrusted with rubies that caught the light, making her look every bit the royalty she was destined to be.

Kairan stood waiting at the altar, his suit in striking contrast to hers. The deep emerald green fabric with black and gold brocade details emphasized his commanding presence. His turban, perfectly wrapped, completed the look, making him appear as a king waiting for his queen. Yet, his gaze softened when it landed on Serin, filled with unspoken words of admiration and love.

As she walked toward him, their scents mingled in the air. It created an atmosphere of serenity and belonging that wrapped around everyone present.

The ceremony was simple yet profound. The family gathered in a semi-circle around the couple, creating a close and personal atmosphere. Ii hyeok held Inseo's arm, whose face glowed with pride. Junghyun stood beside Taejung, his normally cold demeanor softened as he observed his sister.

When it came time for the vows, Kairan and Serin spoke with quiet conviction, their voices steady but laden with emotion.

"I choose you, in this life and every life to come" Kairan said, his deep voice resonating with sincerity. "You are my strength, my peace, and my purpose."

"And I choose you" Serin replied, her voice steady yet soft. "You are my light in the dark, my anchor, and the other half of my soul."

When they said, "I do," a surge of energy filled the air. A radiant silver light burst from Serin's eyes, meeting the golden glow emanating from Kairan. The lights intertwined above them, dancing in perfect harmony before descending back upon the couple.

Gasps of awe filled the air as the combined light left its mark. A black strand appeared in Serin's white hair, glinting like obsidian in the lantern light. On Kairan, a white strand formed, striking and ethereal against his dark locks.

The family watched in stunned silence, the meaning of the event sinking in....it was as though the universe itself had blessed their union, intertwining their souls in an unbreakable bond.

The celebrations afterward were filled with warmth and laughter. Inseo, ever the mischievous one, twirled Kairan's mother in a playful dance while Taejung teased Junghyun about his serious demeanor until Junghyun finally dragged him to the dance floor. Ii Hyeok managed to charm everyone with his quiet humor, his connection with Inseo unspoken yet evident to those who watched closely.

Kairan and Serin stole quiet moments amidst the festivities, their fingers brushing, their gazes locking in silent communication. At one point, Kairan cupped Serin's face, his thumb tracing the edge of her lips. "My queen," he murmured, his voice filled with reverence.

Serin's smile was radiant as she replied, "And you, my king."

The black and white strands in their hair caught the lantern light, shimmering as a constant reminder of the bond they now shared. It wasn't just a marriage....it was a melding of souls, witnessed by those who mattered most, in a celebration that would forever be etched in their hearts.

The reception next day was a grand event, a stark contrast to their intimate wedding ceremony. This was not just a celebration of their union but a declaration to the world that Serin was now Kairan's, an unshakable bond between two powerful souls.

The venue was a luxurious ballroom adorned with cascading crystal chandeliers and floral arrangements in shades of white and gold. The air was filled with the soft hum of classical music, and every detail spoke of sophistication and elegance.

Serin descended the grand staircase like a vision, dressed in a white gown. The layers of soft tulle sparkled under the lights like a starlit sky. The off-shoulder design accentuated her delicate features, and the gown's intricate beading shimmered with every step she took. Her hair was styled in soft waves, with a silver tiara resting elegantly atop her head, cementing her as the queen of the evening.

Kairan waited for her at the base of the stairs, dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. The contrast of his sharp suit against her ethereal gown was striking, and his gaze never left her as she approached him. His expression was one of pride and possession, his aura commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

The event was attended by a mix of their worlds: Kairan's employees, business partners, colleagues, and trusted friends. The room buzzed with admiration for the couple, as their presence together radiated power and grace.

Kairan, ever the attentive mate, kept Serin close by his side throughout the evening. He introduced her with pride to those in attendance, and his possessive yet protective nature was evident in the way his hand rested on the small of her back, a silent declaration to the world that she was his.

Serin, for her part, carried herself with poise and grace. Though the event was overwhelming, her confidence never faltered. She greeted the guests with a warm smile, and her elegance captivated everyone in the room.

The highlight of the evening came when the couple shared their first dance. The lights dimmed, and all eyes turned to the center of the ballroom as Kairan led Serin to the dance floor. The melody was soft and haunting, and the two moved in perfect harmony, their movements a silent conversation of love and devotion.

As they danced, the guests couldn't help but be mesmerized by their chemistry. It was clear to all present that this was not just a union of convenience or power but a bond of genuine love and respect.

Throughout the evening, subtle moments spoke volumes. Kairan's gaze softened whenever he looked at Serin, and she would often find herself smiling at his protectiveness. Inseo and Junghyun watched from the sidelines, their protective instincts slightly eased by the evident care Kairan showed for their sister.

Even Kairan's business rivals in attendance could not deny the strength and unity the couple projected. For those who doubted Kairan's capacity for emotion, the evening was a revelation.

By the end of the night, as the guests slowly began to leave, Kairan and Serin stole a quiet moment on the balcony. The city lights twinkled below, but they only had eyes for each other.

"You've handled tonight beautifully" Kairan murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Serin smiled up at him, her voice soft but teasing. "Does that mean I've passed the test?"

His chuckle was low and deep. "You've surpassed every expectation, my queen."

The white gown and the black tux, the glittering ballroom, and the applause of the world all faded into the background. In that moment, it was just them....a king and his queen, bound together by love and destiny.