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Chapter 21 - He Wore White (side story 2)

Beautiful — here's Side Story 1: "He Wore White", a tender, sensual, and joyfully unconventional wedding between Aaron and Eli.

Eli wears a white

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Side Story 2: He Wore White

The ceremony was held in the backyard.

Aaron didn't want strangers.

Eli didn't want pomp.

And both of them didn't need approval — not anymore.

They just needed each other, and a few people who mattered.

So the grass was trimmed. Lanterns hung on old oak branches. A long white rug ran down the path like a ribbon of light. Folded chairs faced the garden.

And in front of them, a small wooden arch, wrapped in silk and black lotus flowers.

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Aaron wore black.

Of course he did.

A tailored shirt rolled up at the sleeves. A chain around his neck. His boots shined, his jaw tense, his eyes unreadable as guests arrived.

But the moment Eli stepped outside…

Everything in him softened.

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Eli wore white.

A backless gown, soft and flowing, sleeveless and fitted at the waist. No veil. No corset. Just a silk ribbon tied at the neck, fluttering in the breeze like the first breath of spring.

His hair was loose. Lips pink. Nails subtle gray. And around his wrist, a single black leather cuff — Aaron's, cut down to fit him like a secret vow.

The guests gasped.

Not from shock — but from beauty.

From how confidently he walked forward.

From the man waiting at the altar, staring like he'd never seen the world until now.

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Mia's daughter — now five — trotted down the aisle with a serious expression, clutching the pillow with the rings.

She wore a flower crown. At the halfway point, she stopped, turned to Eli, and said loudly:

"You look like a fairy princess!"

Everyone laughed.

Even Aaron smiled.

Eli crouched, kissed her forehead, and whispered, "And you're the bravest knight I've ever met."

She beamed and ran to Mia, who wiped her eyes before the tears ruined her mascara.

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They didn't read long vows.

Aaron wasn't a man of speeches.

He just looked at Eli, holding both hands, and said:

"I never thought I'd have this. You gave it to me. So I'm giving you everything back."

Eli, voice soft but clear:

"You saw me. You didn't try to change me. You made me feel beautiful. And now… you make me feel safe."

He smiled. "Even when you growl in your sleep."

Laughter again.

Aaron shook his head, lips twitching.

The officiant didn't ask "husband and wife" or "husband and husband."

They just said:

"Do you choose each other?"

Both: "Yes."

And then they kissed.

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Afterward, Mia hugged Eli tighter than she ever had.

"You looked like a star," she whispered.

Eli smiled against her shoulder. "I just wore what felt right."

Mia glanced at Aaron, then back at Eli. "I'm glad you found someone who never asks you to feel wrong."

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Later, Aaron and Eli sat barefoot in the grass, champagne glasses in hand, watching fireflies blink across the sky.

Aaron looked over. "Married."

Eli leaned into him. "Still want me?"

Aaron didn't answer.

He just pulled Eli into his lap, tucked his head under his chin, and said:

"You're not going anywhere."

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[End of Side Story 2: "He Wore White."]

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