Wedding

Marriage was indeed part of Aira's plan, although what she had once imagined was standing beside a blonde-haired man with eyes as beautiful as the sky. However, reality had shattered that hope and dream halfway due to a betrayal.

God's will is sometimes unexpected and surprising.

After being betrayed by her lover, who was also her close friend, left a deep scar that was hard to forget, especially when the wedding invitation from both of them was handed to her personally by her ex.

It was painful and disappointing, but all she could do was surrender, accept, and let go, even though it was with a heavy heart.

She believed that someday God would send her a man who was thousands of times better than her ex. But she never imagined that it would be so soon when God brought Renji into her life—a handsome, wealthy, arrogant, and annoying young man. He was the first man in her life and the father of her baby.

Renji Ishikawa's presence in Aira Hoshino's life was like fireworks—shocking yet beautiful, making her days more colourful and enjoyable, even though small arguments often happened between them.

Now, after all the events unfolding, the day finally arrived.

Her wedding day with Renji would be held at a shrine in Fukushima, specifically in Kawamata Village, her birthplace, where only close friends and family would attend.

Of course, their wedding shocked all the Asahi Café employees, especially those invited by Aira.

Renji chose to marry according to Shinto tradition because he held firmly to the Ishikawa family's tradition passed down from generation to generation, marrying at the shrine, with a Shinto priest (Kanushi) officiating the ceremony.

Since early morning, Aira had been made up by a professional makeup artist known for handling top celebrities, transforming her plain face into a beautiful one.

Her black hair was styled neatly, and Aira looked beautiful and charming in the Shiromoku, a white wedding kimono with a fan symbol at the back, representing the Ishikawa clan. Every girl who married the head of the Ishikawa family would wear the Shiromoku. Aira was the twelfth to wear it, marking twelve generations of the Ishikawa family.

This Shiromoku was special because it was hand-stitched by the first-generation Mrs. Ishikawa.

After putting on the Shiromoku, typically before the wedding begins, the bride is asked to choose between two traditional headpieces. The first is a white wedding headpiece called Tsuni Kakushi, which means "hiding the horns."

This headpiece is decorated with Kanzashi hair ornaments, and the bride wears it as a veil to hide the "horns" of jealousy, selfishness, and egotism from the mother-in-law, who would now become the head of the family. It is also said to symbolize the bride's determination to be a dutiful wife and her willingness to fulfil her role with patience and calmness.

Another headpiece that can be chosen is Wata Boushi. According to tradition, the bride's face is completely hidden from everyone except the groom. This represents modesty and reflects the most respected quality of wisdom in a woman's character.

Aira chose to wear Wata Boushi as her headpiece.

With the help of her coworkers at Asahi Café, Saki and Rika, her former boss, Aira, slowly stepped out of the dressing room.

Aira walked, assisted by Saki, toward the altar of the shrine.

As Aira entered the shrine, all eyes immediately turned to her, captivated by her beauty and charm in the Shiromoku—especially Renji, who was mesmerized by Aira, who looked like a princess.

At the beginning of the wedding ceremony, Aira and Renji were purified by the Shinto priest. Then, both of them participated in a ritual called San-shakudo, where during this ritual, Renji and Aira drank from three sake cups nine times. As they drank from the cups, they also recited their marriage vows.

After the vows, their families faced each other. Typically, the couple faces one another. Afterwards, close family and relatives from both sides took turns drinking sake, symbolizing unity and the bond of marriage. The ceremony ended with the offering of branches of Sasaki, a sacred tree presented to the Shinto gods.

Most Shinto rituals aim to drive away evil spirits through purification, prayers, and offerings to the gods.

After the wedding ceremony, Tetsuya invited all the guests to the follow-up party called Nijikai. Tetsuya specially organized this celebration party with the help of his subordinates and Aira's friends.

The dishes served at the wedding symbolized hopes for happiness, prosperity, eternity, and having children within the marriage.

For example, konbu is a Japanese food from around the world called Yorokubu, which means happiness. Fish, with its head and tail served in a circular form, symbolizes eternity.

Shellfish in pairs symbolize the couple's unity, while the lobster in red symbolizes good fortune. The number of dishes served should not be four, as the number four or Shi in Japanese symbolizes death. As for dessert, Komochi Manju is often served, which is chewy, sweet, and filled.

Congratulations continued to pour in from the guests, especially Saki, who felt so happy, moved, and even cried while hugging Aira.

This blonde-haired girl was happy because Aira had finally found happiness with a man who was a thousand times better than Kairo.

"Kekkon omedeto gozaimasu, Aira." Saki hugged tightly with a tearful face while Issei, standing next to him, smiled broadly and felt happy for the two.

As the only Renji family present and a witness to the wedding, Tetsuya congratulated the new couple.

" Congratulations on the wedding. Together, please build a loving and warm household." Tetsuya said sincerely and sincerely.

"Thank you, Tetsuya."

Tetsuya smiled in return, then walked away to enjoy the party. He was especially intrigued by a sweet blonde-haired girl he had fallen for since their first meeting.

Marriage is not the end of a journey but rather the beginning of a new chapter in life, a journey through the ups and downs of married life.

With Renji by her side, Aira hoped that Renji would always be there for her, to protect and shield her from anything, even if a storm came.

While Renji was joyfully celebrating his new status as a husband and soon-to-be father, he didn't realize that danger was quietly lurking around Aira.

At the Ishikawa mansion, the atmosphere was tense, and an oppressive feeling dominated the room, making everyone present lower their heads in fear of looking at the man sitting in a large chair.

This middle-aged man with long black hair was furious, his eyes glaring sharply, his jaw clenched upon hearing that his beloved grandson, the future head of the Ishikawa family, had done something unforgivable by tarnishing the family name.

"Find out everything about that girl in detail. Whatever it is, report to me tomorrow morning." He ordered the man with white hair tied in a single ponytail, his face framed by glasses.

"Understood, Kaito-sama." The man bowed respectfully and obediently.

…