Chapter 81: The Love We Get to Celebrate

Chapter 81: Chapter 81: The Love We Get to Celebrate

Henry and Elisha didn’t have to hide their relationship from anyone. Their families knew about them, accepted them, and were here tonight to celebrate their love.

Raphael lowered his glass and set it on the table. He held Frank’s gaze for a moment, taking in what he had been trying to tell him.

Frank hadn’t demanded anything or picked a fight. He had simply reminded Raphael that there was something important missing from their relationship: the freedom to be open about their love, the way Henry and Elisha could be with their families.

Raphael reached across the table and took Frank’s hand, holding it as he looked into his eyes.

Frank’s shoulders relaxed slightly. He gave Raphael’s hand a gentle squeeze. "I’m sorry. I just mean that we could be more open. Not just with the people around you, but eventually with your family, too. It’s okay to want that."

Raphael nodded. "We’ll talk about it when we get home, okay?"

Frank returned his nod, a small smile appearing on his face. "Alright, babe."

Raphael leaned closer and cupped Frank’s cheek before kissing him gently. It was a quiet reassurance that he had heard him and was willing to talk about it.

Across the table, Elisha chuckled softly as he watched Raphael and Frank. His gaze then shifted to Henry, who was also watching them with a smile on his face. Elisha slipped an arm around Henry’s waist before sliding it up to the back of his neck and pulling him closer. Henry turned to look at him, parting his lips as if he wanted to say something, but before he could, Elisha leaned in and kissed him.

When Raphael and Frank drew apart, they caught sight of the two grooms kissing and exchanged amused smiles, shaking their heads at the couple’s open affection.

Soft music continued to play across the terrace as the evening carried on.

Elisha, meanwhile, seemed to have forgotten that their families were still around them. He pressed a series of affectionate kisses to Henry’s forehead, the tip of his nose, and his cheek before moving to his neck. Then he returned to Henry’s lips.

Henry smiled against Elisha’s lips, his fingers gently gripping the fabric of Elisha’s shirt as he leaned into the kisses.

A breathless, happy laugh slipped past his lips, and he tilted his head back just enough to look up at Elisha. "What is wrong with you tonight?"

Elisha didn’t hesitate, pressing another quick kiss to Henry’s mouth before trailing his lips down the warm curve of his neck, making Henry shiver. "Is it wrong to love my pretty boy this much?"

Henry smiled, his cheeks flushed with a happy pink. "It’s not wrong... but people are watching us."

Henry smiled shyly. "It’s not wrong, but people are watching us."

"Let them watch," Elisha replied, leaning closer to Henry. "Just ignore them and pay attention to me."

Henry laughed softly. "Alright, darling."

Elisha pulled back slightly, locking his eyes onto Henry’s striking gaze with an expression of pure reverence. "You’re so beautiful, you know that?"

Henry’s smile widened as he reached up, his thumb lightly brushing across Elisha’s jawline. "Well, my man is also handsome."

Elisha grinned. "Just handsome?"

Henry pretended to think about it before cupping his cheek. "Very handsome. So handsome that I sometimes wonder how I got so lucky."

"You’re the lucky one?" Elisha teased. "I’m the one who gets to wake up beside you every morning."

Henry laughed. "And I get to wake up beside you, too."

"Exactly. We’re both lucky."

Elisha chuckled, pleased with the compliment, and stole another kiss.

They continued exchanging sweet compliments, teasing each other and sharing little jokes as if they had forgotten everyone else was there.

Neither of them paid much attention to the people around them, but their family members certainly noticed. Elisha’s sister smiled and shook her head at their display of affection before raising her phone to take a picture.

Nearby, the photographer also captured several candid shots of the couple, preserving their sweet moments together throughout the evening.

Their parents and siblings watched with fond smiles, happy to see the two men so comfortable and affectionate with each other. Some joined in, taking pictures on their phones, while the photographer continued capturing the family’s special evening beneath the terrace lights.

Henry suddenly pulled back slightly. "Oh, wait! Don’t get too distracted. We still have our pre-wedding shoot tonight."

"I just hope the pictures turn out nice," Henry said.

"They will, I promise." Elisha pressed a reassuring kiss to his temple. "The photographers have already set up the lighting and backdrops. They’ve arranged everything so the pictures won’t look like they were taken at night."

Before Henry could reply, Prince Raphael spoke up. "Alright, guys, we have to head out now."

Raphael rose from his seat, and Frank stood beside him.

Elisha and Henry got up to see them off, thanking them warmly for coming.

"We’ll see you again on your big day," Raphael said with a bright grin.

After saying their goodbyes, Raphael and Frank went over to greet both sets of parents and the other family members before making their way down the paved driveway. Elisha and Henry walked them to their waiting vehicles and waved goodbye as the cars pulled away and disappeared into the night.

Instead of returning to the lively terrace, Elisha and Henry headed straight back inside the quiet mansion. They still had their late-night pre-wedding photoshoot ahead of them, with three outfit changes planned. The photographers needed to finish the shoot and have the pictures edited in time for them to be posted the following day, just one day before the wedding.

Back in their suite, they found the stylist waiting to help them prepare for the shoot. They changed into their first outfits, sharp, high-fashion monochrome suits with clean, tailored lines. The stylist then made sure their hair was neatly arranged and their overall appearance was camera-ready, checking their outfits and making a few final adjustments before they left the suite.

Once they were ready, they headed to the section of the estate prepared for the shoot. Professional lights illuminated the space, highlighting the carefully arranged backdrops. The photographers were ready and waiting, and the lead photographer began guiding them into position.

"Chin up just a bit, Henry. Elisha, look down at him. Perfect," the lead photographer instructed.

The camera shutter clicked rapidly as they posed together, following the photographer’s directions. Their chemistry came naturally, making it easy to capture the affection between them. After taking several shots of them together, the photographer moved on to individual pictures.

Elisha stepped aside while Henry posed for the camera. He watched his fiancé with a proud, lovestruck smile as Henry followed the photographer’s instructions, his sharp features and striking eyes standing out under the lights. When Henry finished, he stepped aside, giving Elisha his turn. Henry watched admiringly as the cameras captured Elisha’s tall, commanding frame from different angles.

Once the first set was complete, they returned to their bedroom for the second outfit change. The stylist helped them switch into silk shirts and designer loungewear, then checked their hair and outfits again to make sure they looked just right for the next set of pictures.

When they returned to the set, the mood became softer and more playful. The photographer positioned them beside a minimalist velvet sofa, where they leaned against it and exchanged quiet jokes between shots. Henry burst into laughter at something Elisha whispered to him, and the photographer captured the moment before asking them to turn toward each other.

They continued posing, sharing affectionate smiles and lingering touches while the cameras clicked around them. The photographer captured their playful expressions and the quiet looks they exchanged, preserving the natural closeness that made each picture feel personal.

For their third and final look, Henry and Elisha changed into classic evening wear, pairing crisp white shirts with tailored trousers. They left the top buttons undone, giving the outfits a relaxed yet elegant finish. After the stylist made a few final adjustments to their hair and clothes, they returned to the set for their last round of pictures.

Under the soft amber lighting, Elisha stood behind Henry and wrapped his arms around his waist. Henry rested his hands over Elisha’s, and they both looked straight into the camera, their expressions calm and confident as the photographer captured the final shots.

"And... that’s a wrap!" the photographer announced, lowering his camera with a satisfied smile.

Henry let out a relieved breath and leaned back against Elisha’s chest with a tired laugh. "We actually survived."

Elisha smiled and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of his head. "I told you it would be easy, pretty. Now, let’s get some rest. Only two more days until you’re officially my husband."

Henry sighed and leaned into him. "Yes, baby, we should probably go back outside and check on the family before the night is over."

"No, baby. Don’t worry about that," Elisha replied. "Remember, we still need to pack tomorrow and move to the hotel for the wedding weekend. From now on, you’re officially banned from stressing over anything."

He slipped an arm around Henry’s shoulders and guided him toward the grand staircase. "Everyone downstairs is fine. They’re just finishing up. Let’s go back to our bedroom so you can finally relax. You’ve been on your feet all day."

Touched by Elisha’s concern, Henry gave in. He wrapped his hand around Elisha’s arm and rested his head on his shoulder as they walked. "I’m pretty exhausted, honestly."

"I’m sorry, baby," Elisha murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to his temple.

"Thank you, pretty," Henry replied with a fond smile.

As they climbed the stairs, their conversation drifted to their guests. "By the way, Prince Raphael’s partner seems really nice," Elisha remarked. "They suit each other well."

"Yes, they do," Henry agreed as they reached the upper floor. "I’m just glad everyone had a good time tonight."

They continued chatting as they walked down the corridor and entered their bedroom. Away from the lights and activity of the photoshoot, the room felt peaceful.

They began changing out of their formal clothes, unbuttoning their shirts and loosening their cuffs, ready to settle in for the night.

Suddenly, someone knocked politely at the bedroom door.

Elisha paused, his fingers still at his shirt buttons. "Who is it?"

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