Chapter 87: The Groom Who Stole My Breath

Chapter 87: Chapter 87: The Groom Who Stole My Breath

He studied his reflection for a moment, but his thoughts soon drifted to Henry. He couldn’t wait to see his fiancé dressed for their wedding, and the thought alone brought a smile to his face.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent suite, Henry sat before the vanity mirror as his styling team prepared him for the day ahead. His wedding suit and accessories had been laid out nearby, ready for him to change into once his grooming was complete.

His hairstylist worked on his long blonde hair, gathering it into a neat, low bun while leaving a few delicate strands loose around his face. The style framed his striking eyes and soft cheekbones beautifully. Once his hair was in place, the team finished his grooming and checked his appearance before helping him get ready for his wedding suit.

Henry slipped into his crisp white shirt first, followed by the matching ivory trousers. His team helped him into the off-white vest and cream jacket, adjusting the shawl lapels and smoothing the fabric until everything sat perfectly. They fastened his sleek black bow tie and carefully pinned the ornate brooch, its deep red gemstone catching the light against the pale fabric. With his matching white dress shoes on, his wedding look was complete.

Henry glanced at himself in the mirror and smiled, his excitement growing as he imagined Elisha’s reaction when they met for their pre-ceremony photoshoot.

By the time both styling teams had finished, Henry and Elisha were dressed and ready for their big day.

Elisha was the first to make his way to the grand hall, where their pre-ceremony photoshoot would take place. The room had been beautifully prepared, with white floral arrangements placed throughout the space, crystal chandeliers glowing overhead, and warm candlelight casting a golden sheen across the polished floor.

The photographer was already in the grand hall, making a few final adjustments to his camera. Elisha stood beside a plush armchair, his hands tucked into his pockets, his dark eyes fixed on the entrance.

He couldn’t wait to see Henry. A smile tugged at his lips as he imagined his pretty fiancé in his wedding suit, and he shifted slightly, struggling to contain his excitement.

Just then, the grand doors swung open.

Henry walked in.

Elisha’s breath caught at the sight of him. His gaze swept over Henry’s blonde hair, neatly styled in a low bun, then settled on the cream suit that fit him so perfectly. The black bow tie and deep red gemstone on his lapel completed the look, making him look even more handsome than Elisha had imagined.

For a moment, Elisha could only stare. Then he smiled and walked toward him, unable to take his eyes off his fiancé.

"You look..." He paused, shaking his head slightly as if he couldn’t find the right words. "You’re absolutely breathtaking, pretty."

Henry’s cheeks warmed beneath Elisha’s gaze. He reached out and rested a hand on Elisha’s shoulder, admiring him in his cream jacket and black shirt. "And you look incredibly handsome, my love."

The photographer cleared his throat with an amused smile. "Gentlemen, you both look stunning. Shall we begin the photoshoot?"

Elisha didn’t even glance at him. His dark eyes remained fixed on Henry as he spoke to the photographer. "Can you be quiet for a moment? Maybe even make yourself invisible? Let me take a proper look at what I’m taking home with me today, the man who’s finally going to be mine forever."

He finally glanced at the photographer, a teasing spark in his eyes. "Tell me, are you single or married?"

The photography team behind the camera burst into laughter. The photographer chuckled and raised his hands in surrender. "I’m single, sir."

"Oh, I see." Elisha turned his attention back to Henry, looking him over as though he still couldn’t quite believe how lucky he was. "That explains it. You wouldn’t understand this feeling—loving someone for years and finally getting to have him as yours forever. Don’t you think that deserves a moment to stop and admire what you have?"

Henry’s cheeks turned a delicate pink. He gave Elisha’s arm a gentle swat and lowered his gaze, unable to hide his bashful smile. "Stop, baby... you’re making me shy."

"I’m sorry, baby, but I can’t help it," Elisha murmured, stepping closer until there was barely any space between them. "You look so beautiful, Henry. You make me fall in love with you all over again."

"Stop it, baby," Henry whispered, but his smile only grew wider. His long eyelashes lowered as he blushed beneath Elisha’s adoring gaze.

Elisha wasn’t ready to stop. He continued whispering praises, telling Henry how perfectly the ivory suit fit him, how his blonde hair framed his face so beautifully, and how no groom in the world could compare to him. With every word, Henry’s cheeks grew redder, and the sight only made Elisha want to say more.

Eventually, Elisha couldn’t hold back any longer. He wrapped his arms around Henry’s waist and pulled him close, burying his face in the crook of Henry’s neck. His teasing smile faded, giving way to an overwhelming rush of emotion that left his eyes burning.

Henry felt the change immediately. He wrapped his arms around Elisha’s shoulders and patted his back, letting out a soft chuckle.

"Stop... it’s not even time to cry yet."

"I know..." Elisha whispered, his voice breaking slightly.

But one tear slipped free, landing on Henry’s collar as Elisha held him tighter.

"Thank you for choosing me, baby," he murmured. "Thank you."

Henry’s smile softened. His own throat tightened as he held Elisha just as closely, resting his cheek against his temple. "Thank you too, baby..."

Behind the cameras, the photography team had fallen silent. One of the female assistants pressed a hand to her chest and whispered, "This is so beautiful..."

Henry’s eyes began to sting, too. He pulled back just enough to look at Elisha and gently wiped the tear from his cheek with his thumb.

"Alright, that’s enough," he murmured. "Let’s take the pictures. The car is already waiting outside, and we need to finish early so we can get to the ceremony on time."

Elisha nodded, his gaze lingering on Henry’s face. "Okay, pretty."

He finally turned to the photographer. "Alright, we’re ready. Let’s get started."

The photographer stepped forward, a warm smile on his face, visibly touched by the moment he had just witnessed.

"Alright, gentlemen," he said warmly. "Let’s capture some memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives."

With that, the photoshoot began.

The photography team guided them through a series of poses against the grand hall’s elegant backdrop, with its glowing chandeliers, tall white floral arrangements, and warm candlelight. Elisha settled into the plush velvet armchair, looking every bit the handsome prince in his cream jacket and black shirt. Henry stood beside him, resting one hand on Elisha’s shoulder as they both looked into the camera.

For the next set of pictures, they stood closer together, letting the photographer capture the quiet intensity between them. Elisha stood behind Henry and leaned down until his forehead rested gently against Henry’s hair. Henry tilted his head back slightly, his fingers brushing his lower lip as he gazed into the camera.

The photographer moved around them, capturing different angles while the team made small adjustments to their poses. The warm light from the chandeliers fell over their faces, and the white flowers surrounding them added to the beauty of each shot.

They also took individual portraits. Elisha posed alone, his dark hair brushed back and his sharp features standing out against the cream of his suit. He looked every bit the commanding prince, with an air of quiet confidence that made it difficult to look away.

Henry’s portraits were just as striking. His blonde hair was neatly gathered into a low bun, with a few loose strands framing his face. The deep red gemstone on his lapel caught the light whenever he turned, adding a touch of color to his elegant ivory suit. He looked radiant, and Elisha couldn’t resist watching him between shots.

Finally, the photographer asked them to relax for a few candid pictures.

Elisha immediately pulled Henry into his arms and pressed a lingering kiss to his temple. Henry burst into laughter, leaning against him with his eyes sparkling. The photographer captured the moment just as it happened, along with several more shots of them whispering to each other and exchanging kisses.

"Perfect! That’s a wrap!" the photographer announced after checking the pictures on his camera screen. "These are going to be unforgettable."

Henry smiled and reached for Elisha’s hand, intertwining their fingers. Then he looked up at him, barely able to contain his excitement.

"Ready to go get married, darling?"

Elisha squeezed his hand, his eyes shining with happiness. "More than ready, my love."