EPILOGUE : The Finale Shuffle

The Ace and the Four Kings

Xyrine Jean POV

"Cuz, are you nervous?" Ella asked me with a playful smile as we stood outside the reception area, surrounded by the other bridesmaids. I glanced toward the groomsmen before responding.

"A little."

Ella chuckled. "Why are you nervous? We practiced those dance steps over and over. I'm sure we're going to nail our performance!"

I sighed. "This is my first time doing something like this, Ella. Sure, I've sung in front of a crowd before, but dancing? I feel like backing out."

"Haha! Just think about how you'll finally get to see your husband do a sexy dance. As for me—waaah! I'm so excited!"

"Haha! I'm telling Ten."

"Haha! You're so mean!"

Ella and I were still laughing when the emcee's voice echoed from inside the venue.

"Good evening, everyone! To kick off this wonderful after-wedding party, please welcome our dashing groomsmen and stunning bridesmaids!"

"First on our list is Mr. Tennessee Stanphil and his girlfriend, Ms. Ella Mendez!"

I grinned at Ella. "Go, Ella! Nail that entrance!"

She smirked. "Oh, I will. But just wait until the actual dance performance—I'll shine even more!" She giggled before hurrying toward the entrance, where Ten was already waiting.

The moment the doors swung open, the upbeat rhythm of Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars filled the air, and the two of them danced their way inside with an energy that had the crowd cheering.

I laughed at their enthusiasm—they even prepared a mini dance routine for their entrance.

"That was an amazing dance! Now, let's move on to our next pair—Mr. Ren Nagasa and Ms. Aya Fujiwara!"

I exchanged a knowing smile with Aya as she headed toward the entrance, standing beside Ren. Oops, just to clarify—she's Ren's cousin. No drama here!

As they stepped inside, the music shifted to Talking to the Moon by Bruno Mars.

Like Ten and Ella, they didn't hold back, gracefully moving to the beat. Well, of course, it's Ren Nagasa—he wouldn't be outdone.

"Wow! That was a stunning entrance from Mr. Ren and Ms. Aya. Now, let's see if our third pair can top that! Please welcome Mr. Louren Choi and Ms. Sharina Zaragosa!"

"It's our turn now," Sharina said with a smile before walking toward the entrance.

I simply nodded, watching her. She hasn't changed—she's still breathtakingly beautiful. My smile widened when I saw her standing beside Louren. Honestly, they should just accept the fact that they've been engaged for ages.

I winced when I saw how awkwardly they danced their way in to Marry You by Bruno Mars.

"Not bad! Not bad! Thank you, Mr. Louren and Ms. Sharina. Now, let's move on to our 'special participants'!"

Special participants?

"Please welcome Mr. Xander Montreal and Mr. Conrad Sy!"

"What?"

My jaw dropped as I turned toward the entrance, where my father and Mr. Sy were standing—ready to perform.

I wanted to bury my face in my hands when the familiar beat of Dynamite by BTS played.

Oh. My. God. Of all the songs, they chose BTS?

I didn't know whether to laugh or be horrified as I watched them dance. They looked like they having arthritis.

"Wow! That was an insane-bone cracking dance performance from our young-at-heart CEOs! And now, everyone, it's time for the moment we've all been waiting for—the grand entrance of our newlyweds!"

Hearing that made my heart race. I glanced around, searching for Spade, but I couldn't find him. He had told me earlier that he would be back soon.

"Everyone, please give the warmest welcome to our lovely newlyweds, Mr. Spade Inigo Sy and Mrs. Xyrine Jean Montreal Sy!"

I stepped forward, ready to enter—except Spade was nowhere to be seen.

That man. He is so dead when I find him later.

My nerves skyrocketed as the doors swung open, but instead of bright lights and applause, the entire room was shrouded in darkness, and an eerie silence filled the air.

What happened? Where did everyone go?

Cautiously, I took a few steps inside, glancing back at the doors. I was about to turn around when suddenly, music started playing.

Now Playing: What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction

"You're insecureDon't know what forYou're turning heads when you walk through the doorDon't need makeup to cover upBeing the way that you are is enough"

My breath hitched when a spotlight illuminated the center of the room. Standing there, holding a microphone and smiling at me, was Spade.

"Spade?" I whispered, pressing a hand to my chest.

Before I could fully process what was happening, three more spotlights turned on, revealing Louren, Ren, and Ten—dancing beside him.

Oh my God. These idiots.

"Baby, you light up my world like nobody elseThe way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmedBut when you smile at the ground, it ain't hard to tellYou don't know, oh-ohYou don't know you're beautiful"

As they continued their playful yet synchronized dance routine, two more figures joined them.

I gasped.

No way.

My father and Mr. Sy were now part of the performance.

I was torn between laughing hysterically and bursting into tears.

"So c'mon, you got it wrongTo prove I'm right, I put it in a songI don't know why, you're being shyAnd turn away when I look into your eyes"

I remained frozen in place until a tiny hand grabbed mine.

"Mmi!"

I looked down and saw Ace, his innocent eyes gleaming with excitement as he pulled me toward Spade.

"Aww, Ace." I lifted him into my arms and walked toward the center of the room.

Spade and the others circled around us, still singing.

I couldn't hold back my laughter as they finished the song.

When the final note played, Spade stepped closer, his deep eyes locked onto mine.

My heart pounded wildly.

Damn it. He looks so handsome.

"You are so Beautiful, My Wife."

He spoke with a smile before kissing me on the forehead—and Ace too—causing the entire crowd to erupt in cheers.

Arg! This is embarrassing. But fvck it.

We were still standing in the middle of the venue when the lights finally came back on. The event coordinator approached us, guiding us to our seats.

"Wow! What a wonderful and heartwarming performance from our groom and best man. Let's give them a big round of applause!"

Once again, the guests clapped enthusiastically, their smiles wide as they looked at us.

"Alright, everyone! Let's officially begin the evening by hearing a few words from our guests in honor of our newlyweds!"

"Our first speaker is none other than the bride's lovely cousin, Miss Ella Buenavista."

Ella stepped forward, smiling as she took the microphone.

"Hi, everyone! First of all, I want to congratulate our newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Sy! Waaah! Finally, we're here! Today, I feel so relieved. Now, I can finally breathe, knowing that my cousin is officially married. Seeing her journey over the past three years—living with me—I can say that she's been through a lot. But that's not the only thing I remember about her.

"I still vividly recall the first time we met three years ago. I told her to transfer universities because I didn't want her to find out what I was hiding in Montreal. But she didn't care. At all. I thought she'd be indifferent, but I was wrong. The girl I assumed wouldn't bother turned out to be the first one who would stand up for me. I can still picture the look in her eyes when she grabbed Monique's hand to stop her from slapping me. That was the scariest expression I had ever seen, and honestly, it still creeps me out to this day!

"She's the toughest person I've ever known, but at the same time, she has the softest heart. Watching her break into pieces made me want to beat up whoever caused her pain. So, Spade! If you ever dare hurt Xyrine again, I'll be the one to punch you! Got it? Just kidding! Haha. Anyway, I think I've said too much. Congratulations again!"

I glanced at Spade, who was beside me, nodding his head while carrying Ace. I chuckled—maybe he was starting to feel guilty.

"Wow! That was quite a speech. Now, let's move on to our second speaker, Mr. Tennessee Stanphil."

"Ey! Wazzup! Uhm, I wasn't really prepared for this, but yeah. I just wanna say that I'm finally giving up. Yes, you heard that right. I'm giving up on Xyrine. I think the battle is officially over. Someone has already won! Hahaha, just kidding!"

He then waved toward Ella.

"But on a serious note, I can't deny that Xyrine was my first and greatest love. Imagine having a crush on her for two years? That was tough, man. But I'm genuinely happy that my man, Spade, is the one she ended up with.

"Spade, bro, if you ever mess up again, I'll personally bury you alive.

"Anyway, congratulations!"

I turned to Spade again, who now seemed to be sinking into his seat. LOL.

"Wow! What a threat! Alright, let's move on to our third speaker, Mr. Ren Nagasa."

"Congratulations, King Spade! You won, bro. I should be heartbroken right now, but for some reason, I'm happy too. I don't know, my emotions are all over the place. Just do me a favor—take care of Xyrine. That's all I ask. Honestly, I hate giving speeches like this. Maybe I'll just email you the rest. Hahaha! Anyway, congrats, you two!"

His words made me laugh, and Spade did too.

"That was a funny speech. Now, let's hear from our next speaker, Mr. Louren Choi."

I adjusted my seat the moment I saw Louren step forward.

"Wife, don't listen." Spade suddenly covered my ears.

"Spade." I gave him a sharp glare, making him lower his head in defeat. "That's right. Good boy. Now, listen."

"Xyrine Jean," Louren started, his voice serious as he locked eyes with me, sending a chill down my spine.

"Let me ask you again—could you run away with me?"

Spade immediately shot up from his seat, and the entire venue fell into stunned silence.

"Pfft! That was a joke. Kidding aside, I guess you really haven't changed at all, even after two years." Louren chuckled before shifting his gaze to Spade, his expression turning serious.

"I'm giving up. You finally won this battle. There's nothing more to say. Congratulations to both of you."

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. More than anything, I hoped Louren would find his happiness too.

After the speeches from the Three Kings, Ella, my dad, and Mr. Sy, we proceeded with dinner and the cake-cutting ceremony.

"Wife, are you happy?"

I turned to Spade.

"Beyond happy."

I gasped as he suddenly pulled me in for a kiss.

"I'm happy too. I feel like I'm on cloud nine."

My face flushed as he smirked at me.

A while later, the coordinator approached me again, guiding me to the center for the garter toss. As I took my seat, the venue lights suddenly went dark—again.

Why do they keep turning off the lights for this?

I remembered how Ella had placed the garter ridiculously high up on my thigh. I had no idea why it had to go that high, but I chose to ignore it.

Wait… what's taking Spade so long?

I was starting to feel impatient when suddenly, a man in a black coat appeared before me, illuminated by a spotlight.

"Spade?"

And just as he turned to face me—The music began to play.

"Love Shot"

By EXO

Chagapdorok seorol gyeonun chae

Nari seon deut geu moksorien

Sum makineun geonman gadeukae

Oh oh oh oh oh

Aye ye

Nuneul garin chaero geureoke

Gutge dada beorin seoroye

Mami aesseo wemyeonhaneungeol

My jaw literally dropped when he turned to face me, revealing that the only thing he was wearing on top was his coat.

And… and… why isn't he wearing a shirt?

My gaze slowly traveled downward, from his Adam's apple to his well-toned abs, tracing the sharp V-line that led even lower—

Ah tadeureo gaGallajil tteut sumi makyeo waGaljeungi naI han janeul gadeuki damaNeomchil tteutanWitaeron oneul bameul nan

It's the love shot…

"Ghad! This is insane!" I had no idea how to react as he suddenly moved closer and started dancing right in front of me.

I swallowed hard, once, twice—making him smirk in amusement.

Damn. That's freaking hot.

I could feel my entire face heating up from sheer excitement. LOL.

Biteullyeo beorin Love and hateAreumdaweotteon gieokdeulHayake muldeuryeojeoJogeumsshik baraeeo ga

The moment he stepped away, I thought I could finally breathe, but I was wrong. He only did so to grab a bottle of water—then, to my utter horror (or delight?), he poured it over his chest before continuing his sensual dance.

"Woah!" The word slipped from my lips, making him grin wickedly.

I instinctively tried to get up, but he quickly pushed me back into my seat, winking at me as he did.

What the heck?

Ngwa gwireul makkoEokjiro hemae bwado gyeolguk jeongdabeun LoveToo much ego-e jurin baereul bulligoBieo beorin han jane CompassionIje dashi chaeweo deureo boja da

It's the love shot…

Before I could even recover from my flustered state, three more men arrived—and just like Spade, they were only wearing coats, their sculpted abs fully on display as they joined him in the dance.

"Waaah! We love you, Four Kings! You're so hot! RAWRRR!" Someone from the crowd screamed.

LMAO!

People come and people goSesange meomchweoseon neowa nanMudyeojin gamjeongdeureSeoseohi iksukaejeo ga

Shimjangi taMemareuda gallajil tteutanMideume nanNeoro jeoksheo teumeul chaeweo gaKkeojil tteutan nae mame bureulBucheo nwa

Yeah…

By the time the song ended and the Four Kings wrapped up their performance, I was drenched in nervous sweat.

As the three men walked away, my heart started racing again. Only Spade remained in the center, and he was now slowly approaching me.

I held my breath as he leaned in, his voice husky as he whispered,

"Wife, are you ready?"

My mind went blank.

"Huh?" was all I could manage.

Before I knew it, he was kneeling in front of me, lifting my right leg and placing it on his lap.

"Waaaah! Spade! What are you doing?! Not here! Waaaah! Not in front of everyone!" I exclaimed in panic, trying to pull my leg back.

"Wife, I'm going to remove your garter," he murmured, his voice deep and teasing.

Wait. Remove my garter?

The crowd erupted into cheers. "Remove her garter! Remove her garter!"

Even though I was on the verge of having a meltdown, I gave up resisting. I swallowed nervously as he lifted the hem of my gown.

I gasped when I saw sweat dripping from his chest down to his abs.

Wait! I think I'm about to faint.

My entire body turned rigid as he leaned in, his lips just inches away from my thigh.

"Waaah! Spade! What are you doing? Just take the garter! Why are you leaning in like that?" My voice trembled.

"Wife, I'm going to take it off… with my mouth," he purred.

"Eh?"

With his mouth? Is he crazy? The garter is so high up on my thigh!

"No! You can't!" I tried to stand up, but the crowd only cheered louder.

"Remove her garter! Remove her garter!"

I had no choice but to sit back down.

"Wife, don't you trust me?"

I hesitated for a second but then smiled. "Okay, let's do it."

A smirk played on his lips before he lifted my leg again. Slowly, he leaned in, and when his lips touched my skin, I froze.

When I opened my eyes, I nearly had a heart attack.

Who wouldn't, when a dangerously handsome and ridiculously hot man is kneeling in front of you with his face close to your thigh?

"Fuck," he suddenly muttered, standing up after successfully removing the garter. Even though the crowd was going wild, I still caught what he said.

"Spade, what's wrong?" I asked.

He didn't answer. Instead, he shocked me by suddenly sweeping me up in his arms, carrying me bridal-style.

"I'm sorry, everyone, but we're out here. This event is over!" he declared.

"Waaaah! Spade! The ceremony isn't over yet!" I gasped, clinging to him.

His lips curled into that signature smirk. "Well, it is now."

"What?! And where are you even taking me?" My voice wavered between shock and anticipation.

"Our home…"

Something inside me clenched at those words. Our home. Not just his. Not just mine. Ours.

A rush of warmth spread through my chest, my heart swelling with something so deep, so overwhelming, I almost forgot to breathe.

Just as I was drowning in the moment, his voice cut through my thoughts.

"Let's give Ace a sibling."

My eyes widened in horror, my entire body tensing. "What?! Waaaaaaah! Spadeee!"

Laughter rumbled in his chest as he revved up the engine, the vibrations sending a shiver down my spine. Before I could protest further, the bike roared to life, and we shot forward into the night—into our future.

"Wife…"

"What?!"

"I love you," he shouted, his voice cutting through the roar of the bike and the rush of the wind.

My heart clenched.

I love you, huh?

Three years ago, I never would have believed that this man—arrogant, ruthless, and insufferably self-centered—would one day say those words. Not just say them, but mean them.

The world blurred around us, the night swallowing our laughter, our past, our chaos—leaving only this.

I tightened my grip around him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my fingertips.

A slow, knowing smile spread across my lips.

"I love you, too!" I screamed into the night.

And in that moment, as his grip on me tightened and the city lights streaked past, I knew—this was forever.

The Ace and the Four Kings are now signing off.

THE END

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