Special Chapter : The Wedding

The Ace and the four kings

Xyrine Jean Pov

"Xyrine, this is it!"

Ella's voice trembled with emotion as she greeted me the moment I stepped out of the white car that had brought me to the church. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"Thank you, Ella," I said, my heart full of gratitude.

Her hands shook as she reached for mine. "I'm sorry, cuz. I know I shouldn't cry right now, but I can't help it. If there's anyone who's happiest for you today, it's me. I never imagined that the woman who endured so many hardships would finally find her happiness. Gosh, I'm so overwhelmed right now." Her words made my own eyes well up.

"Oh! Don't cry! Your makeup is too perfect for that!" she exclaimed, laughing through her tears. I chuckled along with her, but before I could respond, she suddenly pulled me into a tight embrace.

"Forgive me. I just had to hug you now—I might not get the chance once you're married."

"Ella," I whispered, my heart swelling with affection.

She pulled back, giving me a long, admiring look. "You are absolutely stunning."

"Ma'am, it's time," the event organizer announced with a warm smile.

I took a step toward the church doors, but before I could go any further, Ella grasped my arm.

"Xyrine, promise me... you'll be happy from now on," she said, her voice trembling but her smile unwavering.

I held her gaze, my heart full. "I promise, Ella. Thank you for everything."

"Alright then! Get into position. Don't worry, I'm right behind you—literally!" she joked, grinning as she adjusted the train of my gown.

I laughed softly.

"Go on, Xyrine," she urged, her voice giving me the final push I needed.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly made my way to the grand church doors.

"This is it, Xyrine. This is really it," I whispered to myself, eyes shut.

And as I opened them, the church doors swung wide.

From where I stood, I could clearly see the people who had been part of my journey.

 NP: A Thousand YearsBy Christina Perri

"Heart beats fastColors and promisesHow to be brave?How can I love when I'm afraid to fall?But watching you stand aloneAll of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow..."

The first person my eyes found was Uncle Julyo.

Before I became a Montreal, I was an assassin. A merciless, cold-blooded killer. For thirteen years, I lived in darkness. And yet, he was one of the few people who lit the way for me. He taught me how to be strong, how to fight, how to never let the world break me. If not for him, I wouldn't even know where I'd be after I ran away from my father.

"Thank you, Uncle Julyo." I smiled at him. He averted his gaze, as if holding back tears.

"I have died every day, waiting for youDarling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand yearsI'll love you for a thousand more..."

Then, I saw them—Ren and Ten. Two of the Four Kings.

They were the first ones I met when I arrived in Montreal.Flirts. Womanizers. Casanovas. I'd called them every name in the book.

But no matter what, they never left me.

When Spade disappeared for three months to go to the US with Monique, they stayed by my side. They never abandoned me.The night of the ball, they were the ones who picked me up.The night Spade proposed, they were there.The night I chased after Spade, desperate and broken, they were the last ones I saw before losing consciousness.And when I woke up, they were the first faces I saw.

For two long years that Spade was gone, they never turned their backs on me. Even when I couldn't return the love and loyalty they gave, they stayed.

I smiled as I caught them staring, dumbstruck, just like old times.

"Thank you," I said softly. Their faces lit up with knowing smiles.

"Time stands stillBeauty in all she isI will be braveI will not let anything take awayWhat's standing in front of me..."

And then, there was him. The last person my eyes searched for.

Louren.

My chest tightened at the sight of him.

He had sacrificed so much for me, more than I could ever repay. Even if he never admitted it, I knew—knew how much his heart was breaking at this very moment.

I wanted to take away all his pain. I just didn't know how.

He shook his head slightly, wordlessly telling me not to cry.

I smiled at him, but he quickly looked away.

"Louren... thank you. And... I'm sorry."

I whispered it into the air, hoping the wind would carry it to his heart.

And all along I believed, I would find you

Time has brought your heart to me, I have loved you for a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more

One step closer

One step closer

Tears welled in my eyes once more as, midway through my walk, my father stepped forward to meet me.

"You are the prettiest," he said, his voice trembling. I smiled at him before linking my arm through his.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. If your mom could see you right now, she would be so happy." He had apologized countless times before, and I had long since lost track. As for Mom… I wish she were here.

"You're already forgiven, Dad. A long time ago. And I know Mom is watching over us now," I reassured him.

"Please, promise me that you'll be happy from now on."

"I will, Dad. I will." I smiled.

"In that case…" He stopped and tilted his head back slightly, as if trying to hold back his tears.

"It's time."

I have died every day, waiting for youDarling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand yearsI'll love you for a thousand more 

Slowly, he guided me toward the man standing at the end of the aisle, near the altar. The moment I saw him, holding Ace in his arms, my heart swelled, and I struggled to hold back tears.

It felt like a dream—the dream I had always wished would come true.

I gazed at him intently. He was dressed in a crisp white tuxedo, his dark hair neatly styled. After two years apart, I could see how much he had changed. If there were a word more fitting than "handsome," then that would be the perfect way to describe him now.

And all along, I believed I would find youTime has brought your heart to me, I have loved you for a thousand yearsI'll love you for a thousand more 

As the song reached its final note, I came to a stop in front of him.

The man who pieced me back together.The man who changed my life.The man who, no matter how many times he hurt me or let me go, I could never stop loving.

Spade Inigo Sy.

"God… Why are you so damn beautiful?"

His voice was thick with emotion, his gaze locked onto mine as he fought back tears. When he averted his eyes to keep his emotions from spilling over, I nearly broke down myself.

"M-mmi," Ace murmured, dressed in an outfit that matched Spade's. I could only smile.

Two years ago, I thought he would end up like me—growing up without a father by his side. But I was wrong. Because now, this wasn't a dream anymore. This was real.

Dad took Ace from Spade's arms. As he was about to place my hand in Spade's, he hesitated.

"Young man, promise me you'll take care of my daughter. She's been through so much, and I never want to see her cry again. If you can't do that, I won't give her to you." His tone was firm, his expression unwavering.

"With all my heart and soul, I will, sir," Spade responded with equal sincerity.

"No. From now on, it's Dad." For the first time, my father smiled before finally placing my hand in Spade's.

The moment his hand wrapped around mine, a surge of electricity coursed through me. I instinctively tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip.

"From now on, no matter what happens, don't let go, Xyrine. Because I have no plans to let you go either."

His words caught me off guard, but I couldn't help but smile.

"Yes, sir!" I replied.

Still holding my hand firmly, he led me to the altar, where the priest awaited us.

[After a short sermon about marriage given by the priest.]

As soon as the priest finished his sermon, he turned to face us and instructed us to do the same.

I could almost hear the loud thumping of my heart as I saw Spade smiling at me, his grip on my hand firm and unwavering.

"Xyrine Jean Montreal, do you take Spade Inigo Sy as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, until death do you part? If you do, please say, 'I do.'"

"I do?" That was the last thing I ever thought I would say after everything that happened between us two years ago.

Back then, before I entered Montreal University, my life was a mess—like a ship lost at sea with no direction, no purpose.

I didn't know where to start, nor did I have any clue where I was headed. I had long accepted that I would live alone and die alone.

But life has a funny way of proving us wrong.

Then I met you.

At first, I thought you were just another passing face, someone who would enter my life only to leave just as quickly. But I never expected you to be the one—the only man who would truly love me, the first man who would accept me for who I am, and the only man who would choose to stay.

I felt Spade's grip tighten around my hand, pulling me back to the present. I had been silent for too long, simply staring at him, lost in my thoughts.

I looked up briefly before turning to him with a soft smile.

"Father, I do." I answered, my heart in every word.

Tears welled up in my eyes when I saw the single drop that slipped down Spade's cheek.

"Why are you crying?" I whispered, my own voice trembling.

"I love you. I just really do." he murmured, wiping away his tears.

I didn't know if I was dreaming, but if I was, I wished I would never wake up.

The priest turned to Spade.

"Spade Inigo Sy, do you take Xyrine Jean Montreal as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, until death do you part? If you do, please say, 'I do.'"

I waited for his answer.

Then I saw him bow his head and shake it.

"No, Father."

SPADE'S POV

I exhaled sharply the moment the coordinator announced that Xyrine would be walking in at any moment.

"Damn!" For the first time in my life, I felt this kind of overwhelming nervousness.

"D-ddam!" Ace's tiny voice mimicked me, catching me off guard.

"Psh." I quickly covered his mouth. "Your mommy will strangle me if she hears you say that. Stay quiet, okay?" I kissed his cheek.

"Dam!" He repeated excitedly.

Shet. He actually said it again.

"Shhh. By the way, did you keep a close eye on your mommy while I was gone?"

He shook his head as if he actually understood my question. I was about to smile when, out of nowhere, he smacked me in the face with the toy he was holding.

"Ugh! You silly. I spent hours making myself look good for your mommy, and you're messing it up. Hmmpp."

I continued playing with Ace until suddenly, music began playing. The moment I turned toward the church entrance, my heartbeat raced.

Now Playing: A Thousand YearsBy Christina Perri

Heart beats fastColors and promisesHow to be braveHow can I love when I'm afraid to fallBut watching you stand aloneAll of my doubt, suddenly goes away somehow

One step closer

I gripped Ace tightly as I caught sight of the most breathtaking bride I had ever seen in my life.

I have died every day waiting for youDarling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand yearsI'll love you for a thousand more

Time stands stillBeauty in all she isI will be braveI will not let anything take awayWhat's standing in front of meEvery breath, every hour has come to this

One step closer

My heart pounded so loudly that I could hear it in my own ears. It was almost amusing—how after all these years apart, my heart still raced every time I saw her.

I have died every day waiting for youDarling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand yearsI'll love you for a thousand more

As she walked down the aisle, smiling at each familiar face, a strange feeling stirred within me.

It was ridiculous, but I wanted to own that smile. I didn't want anyone else to see it. I wanted to cherish every part of her—for myself, and only myself.

Then, as she drew closer, her father guiding her down the aisle, I felt my emotions swell.

She looked like an angel who had descended from heaven… just to marry me.

This is so damn cheesy, but fvck—I love my wife.

And all along I believed I would find youTime has brought your heart to meI have loved you for a thousand yearsI'll love you for a thousand more

"God... why are you so damn beautiful?" I whispered, unable to tear my gaze away. The emotions welling up inside me were too much—I had to look away before I completely broke down.

"M-mmi," Ace murmured beside me, drawing my attention back to him.

Oh God, do I really deserve this?

The woman I love most and the child who is the symbol of our love are both standing before me, after everything I did two years ago.

Do I even deserve this happiness?

Before I could get lost in my thoughts, Uncle Xander stepped forward, gently taking Ace from my arms. I reached out for Xyrine's hand, only for her father to stop me.

"Young man, promise me that you'll take care of my daughter," he said solemnly. "She's been through a lot, and I never want to see her cry again. If you can't, I won't give her to you."

I met his gaze without hesitation. "With all my heart and soul—I will, sir."

"No. From now on, it's Dad." He finally smiled before placing Xyrine's hand in mine. The moment I felt her warmth, a strange current ran through me.

She started to pull away, but I tightened my grip.

"From now on, no matter what happens, don't let go, Xyrine," I murmured. "Because I have no plans to let you go either."

"Yesir!" she playfully replied, making me chuckle.

Holding her hand firmly, I led her toward the altar, where the priest stood waiting.

[After a short sermon about marriage]

As the priest finished his sermon, he turned to Xyrine with a warm smile.

"Xyrine Jean Montreal, do you take Spade Inigo Sy as your lawful husband—to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, until death do you part? If you do, please say 'I do.'"

A tense moment of silence passed as she stared at me intently. My heart pounded in anticipation. Then, she tilted her head back, a radiant smile breaking across her face.

"Father, I do."

Tears instantly blurred my vision. I had never been this happy in my entire life.

"Why are you crying?" she whispered, her own tears starting to fall.

"Because I love you," I said simply. "I just really do."

The priest turned to me.

"Spade Inigo Sy, do you take Xyrine Jean Montreal as your lawful wife—to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, until death do you part? If you do, please say 'I do.'"

I looked down, voice thick with emotion.

"No, Father."

A hush fell over the church. Xyrine snapped her head up, her eyes searching mine.

I smiled at her.

"No, Father, because from now on, I will."

My voice broke as I continued.

"Two years ago, when I left you, I was the biggest fool in the world. To this day, I still ask myself how I could've walked away from the woman I loved more than life itself… and replaced her with someone who shattered us."

A sob escaped me.

"If you ask me how I feel right now, I wouldn't even be able to describe it. It's beyond happiness—it's overwhelming. My heart feels like it's going to burst."

I tightened my grip on her hands, looking straight into her tear-filled eyes.

"Xyrine, from this moment forward, I vow before God—no matter what happens, no matter what challenges come our way, I will never let go of these hands again. I will never leave you again. We will never be apart."

I took a shaky breath.

"So, Father, from now on.."

"I WILL. Always, in all ways."

The entire church erupted in applause.

As my best man, Ren, and Ella stepped forward with our rings, he grinned at me.

"This is it, Spade."

"Thanks, man."

I turned to Xyrine, taking her right hand in mine.

"Xyrine Jean Montreal, take this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

I slid the ring onto her finger with a smile.

She took my hand next.

"Spade Inigo Sy, take this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

As she slipped the ring onto my finger, my heart swelled.

The priest raised his hands.

"As a representative of Almighty God, and in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I now declare you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Cheers filled the church.

Xyrine blushed as I lifted her veil, gazing at her deeply.

Smirking, I pulled her close by the waist, whispering, "I missed this, my wife."

And then, finally, I claimed her lips as my own.

"You are mine, Xyrine Jean Montreal Sy."