Chapter 214

Zeno has been kidnapped!
(Kidding)
:)
***
The soft golden rays of the morning sun spilled across the secluded beachfront, casting a warm, ethereal glow on the crystal-clear waves that gently lapped the shore.

Elegant canopies of sheer white silk fluttered in the ocean breeze, anchored by carved driftwood arches adorned with cascading emerald green, deep crimson, and rich golden blooms. Accents of pale white orchids added a cool contrast, catching the sunlight like dew-kissed pearls.

Tables, set on the fine ivory sand, sparkled with crystal glassware and gold-trimmed china; each centerpiece a low arrangement of exotic flowers nestled in onyx bowls. Shimmering emerald runners lined the tables, echoing the lush palm fronds swaying above, while chilled champagne stood in sleek, silver ice buckets at every corner. The gentle whispers of the wind and soft strings of a live quartet blended with the rhythmic murmur of the sea, creating an atmosphere of opulence and ease.

A custom-built aisle stretched across the sand, dusted lightly with white rose petals, leading to a raised wooden platform facing the horizon. There, beneath an open floral arch crowned with golden vines and green glass lanterns, stood Sebastian—cool and commanding in an ivory linen suit with a jade silk pocket square. He stood, facing the crowd of guests who were seated neatly on each side of the stretched aisle, but his eyes weren't on them, he was looking down the aisle, his heart beating steadily as he waited for his man.

Then the soft hum of the quartet shifted—and silence rippled through the crowd like a tide.

Zeno appeared, his father beside him.

He walked down the aisle with slow, deliberate grace, his bare feet graced the sands, dressed in a perfectly tailored deep emerald green suit that caught the sunlight like silk. The jacket was sharp and sleek, paired with a crisp white shirt unbuttoned just enough to show the golden chain nestled against his skin. A single white orchid was pinned to his lapel, its petals trembling with the breeze. His dark hair was swept back, his expression unreadable—until his eyes met Sebastian's and his heart slowed; a certain kind of warmth.

Sebastian's heart had skipped a beat the moment his eyes fell on Zeno, and then it immediately started to race, making him feel butterflies in his chest and stomach.

Their gazes were filled with burning love, engulfing only them in the warmth of their invisible fire.

Sebastian's breath trembled as Zeno climbed the wooden stairs to meet him, his eyes not leaving Zeno's for once.

"I hand my son over to you, Sebastian. Take care of him like you've always done," Mr. Evader placed Zeno's hand on Sebastian's waiting one and shook Sebastian, offering him a kind smile.

"I promise, Father," Sebastian spoke gently.

Mr. Evander nodded and walked away from the podium, going to sit beside his wife.

"Hey, babe," Sebastian mouthed as murmurs came from the crowd.

"Hey," Zeno smiled, his eyes taking in Sebastian's handsomeness.

The crowd suddenly gasped in surprise as the 'priest' walked out from behind the podium.

"Ni -"

"Shh..." Nicholas calmly shushed Zeno, causing soft laughter to erupt from the crowd.

Zeno glanced at Ezra behind Sebastian and saw him smiling at him.

Nicholas fixed his bow tie and cleared his throat.

"Everyone, may we all stand and witness these two lovebirds exchange their vows," Nicholas spoke loudly.

Every single guest stood, Zeno's eyes went round the crowd that stood around the beach; taking note of how colorful the place was. Every guest was dressed in colorful attire. The atmosphere was just as he thought, cool, calm, beautiful, and fucking luxurious.

"Eyes on your man, please!" Sakura shouted behind Mr. Evander.

Laughter erupted from the crowd, someone was heard shushing Sakura from beside her.

Zeno blushed and looked at Sebastian's face, he found him staring at him with the most adoring eyes ever.

Sebastian smiled, his eyes speaking what his mouth couldn't.

Nicholas extended his hands to Sebastian and Zeno, "Give me your hands." He said.

Sebastian and Zeno complied, placing their hands on Nicholas's.

"Now, as you stand here, in front of your parents, friends, and family, let us all hear your eternal promises and confessions. Keep it snappy, please," Nicholas smirked as he placed Zeno's hand in Sebastian's.

Sebastian released a nervous chuckle as he held Zeno's hand in his; he caressed Zeno's hand, bringing it up to his lips and kissed it.

"Um... I'm nervous as hell, baby girl," Sebastian started.

Zeno tightened his hand on Sebastian's, comforting him with his eyes.

Sebastian took a shaky breath, "I love you, Zeno Evander. It will probably come as a shock to everyone, but I've loved you from the moment you walked into my life..." He smiled, his thumb gently rubbing over the back of Zeno's hand.

"You brought light into my world, Zeno. You showed me the true meaning of being human, of love. Even when I was a bit unbearable, you never left my side, and from today, I promise to give you protection, attention, money, love, and myself for as long as I breathe," Sebastian kissed the back of Zeno's hand again.

A soft murmured 'awws' was heard from the crowd as they waited for Zeno to say his vow.

Zeno smiled, slowly nodding at Sebastian.

"Well, what can I say?" Zeno shrugged, glancing at the crowd, "Everyone knows you were an ass to me." Zeno smirked, watching the slow panic in Sebastian's eyes, he could feel Sebastian's hand trembling in his.

Sebastian glanced at the crowd and saw everyone nodding in agreement to what Zeno had said.

"I -"

"But I fell in love with you, nevertheless," Zeno cut Sebastian off, feeling awful for making his handsome man tremble.

"You cared for me even when you pretended to be a cold-hearted stone, I experienced your compassionate side which no one else has," Zeno winked at the crowd as he bragged, causing them to chuckle.

"You were so mean, I don't even know why I fell for you; okay, let's be fair, the man is hot..." he smiled at Sebastian.

"He's kind -"

"He's not," Nicholas interrupted, "Ahem, carry on," he said as he saw Sebastian giving him a warning look.

Zeno chuckled, "In the end, Sebastian Orion is just a softie in a Mafia's body; he cries when he misses me, when I'm hurt, when he's hurt... he's human, my Greek God, my man, and today, he becomes my husband, bond to me forever for as long he will have me, I love you, Papi," He bit his lips, his gaze locking with Sebastian's as he slowly licked his lips.

Applause and cheers filled the air; everyone was cheering for their love, a beautiful connection between two souls that found themselves.

Sebastian gulped as he saw the naughty look in Zeno's eyes, his heart raced from Zeno's words and his mind swarmed with thoughts of what they were going to do tonight when they finally got some time alone.

"Ahem, we need you back with us, Mr. Sebastian. Zeno is all yours, just a little more time," Nicholas tapped Sebastian's shoulder.

Sebastian blinked, slowly returning his thoughts to the present.

"The ring bearer, please," Nicholas said, looking at the crowd.

All turned.

Ken walked forward, barefoot like the rest, but cute and commanding as ever. His suit—half ivory, half emerald green—fluttered lightly in the sea breeze, the colors of both his fathers stitched into his frame.

He held the small velvet box in both hands, eyes proud.

When he reached them, he looked up and said, simply:

"This belongs to both of you now, Dads."

Sebastian's breath hitched. Zeno smiled, chest full.

Together, they took the rings from their son.

And the tide rolled in behind them, as if sealing the moment in eternity.

Zeno leaned down and kissed Ken's head, straightening up to gaze at Sebastian.

Ken went behind Sebastian and stood with Ezra.

"Quiet down everyone! This is the moment of truth," Nicholas announced.

The place went silent, save for the sounds of waves.

"Do you, Sebastian Orion, take Zeno Evander, the man who shattered your walls and stole your heart, to be your everything—your anchor, your fire, your forever?" Nicholas asked.

Sebastian nodded, "I do. I'd take him in this life, the next, and any after that. No matter what it costs me." His eyes bore into Zeno's with heated intensity, a life's promise that he would keep with his flesh and blood.

Nicholas smiled, and turned to Zeno, "Do you, Zeno Evander, take Sebastion Orion, — not just as your lover, but as your ally, your equal, the one you'd kill for and die beside—knowing there's no turning back?" He waited for Zeno's answer.

Zeno smiled lovingly at Sebastian. "I do... against all logic, reason, and survival instincts. But yeah, I do."

"You may exchange your rings," Nicholas instructed.

Sebastian held Zeno's hand; his hand was trembling a little, but he managed to put the ring in.

Zeno couldn't believe he was officially Sebastian's, the man who almost took his life at some point, but in the end, it was his heart that Sebastian took.

Zeno ignored the cheers from the crowd and held up Sebastian's hand, his eyes locked on Sebastian's as he slid the silver ring onto Sebastian's finger.

"Kiss!" Someone shouted from the crowd.

"That's my job!" Nicholas shouted back.

Everyone laughed.

Zeno couldn't help but join the guests in laughing; he glanced up and saw Sebastian giving him an intense look that warmed his whole body.

"Now, by the power vested in me—and the patience I had watching you two idiots fall in love—I now pronounce you... husband and husband; you may kiss the -"

"Fuck yeah!" Florence shouted from the crowd as Sebastian drew Zeno into his arms and kissed him.

Whistles. Applauding. Shouts.

The whole beach was lit up in a joyful atmosphere, giving what it was supposed to give.

The newlywed couples stood in front of everyone in a tight embrace, lips locked in a gentle kiss, hearts filled with compounded joy and bliss.

This was their dream-come-true.

"Congratulations, Dads," Ken hugged their waists, smiling happily; he finally gets to grow up with his two best friends.

Zeno slowly broke away from Sebastian, feeling shy and loved... if those worked together.

"I love you," Sebastian whispered.

Zeno's hand found Ken's, "I love you more, Ken," He leaned down and kissed Ken's cheek.
"Come on, Baby; even on our wedding day," Sebastian sighed.

"Sorry, Dad. That's how it is," Ken winked at his father.

Sebastian accepted his fate a long time ago; he stepped forward to Zeno's parents, holding Zeno as he did.

"Thank you for allowing me to marry your son, Dad, Mom," He bowed his head to Zeno's parents.

"And we thank you for taking such good care of our son," Irene hugged Sebastian and Zeno and the same time.

"That's it, everyone! Give it up for the hottest and latest couple," Nicholas shouted, clapping his hands.

Everything went into a fun frenzy, flowers from nowhere flew into the air, the wind and sun were paid actors, blowing the petals around and shining down on everyone and everything, leaving the place ethereal and beautiful.