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Two Months Later...

The sun was soft against the windows as the golden light filtered into the room. Zayn stood in front of the mirror, buttoning the last clasp of his white suit, his hands slightly trembling. He adjusted the collar, his reflection looking back at him nervous, excited, overwhelmed. Today was the day.

From the bed behind him, Rhys sat cross-legged, watching quietly. He noticed the shake in Zayn’s hands and got up, walking toward him. “Are you okay?” he asked gently, placing a reassuring hand on Zayn’s shoulder.

Zayn didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he turned and pulled Rhys into a tight hug. “I don’t know,” he whispered. “I thought I would feel ready, but I’m just… scared.”

Rhys smiled, hugging him back with warmth and patience.

Zayn nodded against his shoulder.

“Then that’s all that matters. Don’t worry everything will go perfectly. You deserve this happiness, Zayn. After everything, you finally found your peace.”

A knock on the door interrupted the moment. It creaked open, and Ari peeked inside, holding someone’s hand. “Mommy,” he said excitedly, walking in with Adric beside him. “We’re ready!”

Adric grinned at Zayn. “You ready?”

Zayn took a deep breath, looked at both the boys, then nodded with a small smile. “Let’s go.”

Ari ran ahead while Zayn walked beside Adric, his heart thudding with every step. Outside, the car waited. White flowers decorated its edges, and a soft instrumental melody played from within. They slid inside, and as the car pulled away toward the marriage hall, Zayn looked out the window, the world blurring with his thoughts.

At the hall, guests had already gathered. The air buzzed with anticipation, happiness, and gentle chatter. The venue was breathtaking lavish floral arrangements, delicate fairy lights, and a white aisle that led to a grand altar where Alex stood, waiting.

Zayn stepped out of the car, his heart skipping a beat when his eyes met Alex’s. Alex was already dressed, sharp in a black tux with a matching cream stole wrapped elegantly over his shoulder. His eyes sparkled, and as soon as he saw Zayn, his face softened into a smile that made Zayn’s nervousness melt away.

The priest raised a hand, signaling everyone to take their places. Soft music began to play.

Ari ran ahead as the little ring bearer, holding a satin pillow with two rings tied carefully in place. Adric walked next to him proudly, carrying the small bouquet that Zayn had picked himself.

As Zayn walked down the aisle, every step felt like a lifetime. His eyes were fixed on Alex, who stood still, waiting his expression full of pride, love, and admiration.

Finally, Zayn reached him. Alex held out his hand, and Zayn took it.

“You look beautiful,” Alex whispered.

Zayn chuckled softly. “thank you.”

The ceremony began. The priest spoke with grace, his words echoing through the hall as he blessed the union. Zayn barely heard the words his mind was spinning, his heart soaring. When it was time for the vows, he looked into Alex’s eyes and saw nothing but sincerity.

Alex went first.

“Zayn Alaric,” he began, his voice calm and steady. “From the moment you entered my life, nothing has been the same.you are the best thing happened in my life.you made me grow, taught me love in its purest form. I promise to stand by you, through everything, to protect you, to respect you, and to love you with every breath I take.”

Zayn blinked fast, his heart thudding.

“My turn?” he whispered. The priest nodded.

“Alex Carter.” Zayn began softly. “You saw me at my worst… and still loved me like I was your best. when i thought I can't be loved,you loved me unconditionally. You gave me a home, not just with bricks, but with your heart. I promise to choose you, every single day. Even in chaos. Even in calm. Forever.”

The hall was quiet. Then came the moment of rings. Ari handed them over with the most serious face he could muster. Alex gently slid the ring onto Zayn’s finger. Zayn followed, his hands now steady.

“You may kiss the bride,” the priest announced.

Alex smiled, stepped forward, and held Zayn’s face gently with both hands. He didn’t rush. He leaned in and kissed Zayn softly on the forehead first, a gesture that spoke of reverence and love.

Then he whispered, “Welcome to our family, Zayn Carter.”

Tears prickled at Zayn’s eyes, but he held them back and smiled. “Thank you… for choosing me.”

They turned toward the guests. Thunderous applause broke out. Camera shutters clicked rapidly. Zayn’s eyes scanned the crowd and then they stopped. He saw him.

Elior.

Sitting calmly in the second row, dressed in a simple suit, Elior gave him a soft smile. A knowing one. Zayn smiled back grateful, emotional, but at peace.

Pictures were taken, one after another. Friends and family walked up to congratulate them. Rhys hugged Zayn tight. Adric gave them both high fives. Ari ran around announcing loudly to everyone, “My mommy got married!”

Finally, Elior approached. Zayn stood next to Alex, watching the man he once thought he’d never see again.

Elior extended his hand toward Alex. “Congratulations.”

Alex shook it firmly. “Thank you. It means a lot that you came.”

Elior turned to Zayn. “You look happy.”

“I am,” Zayn said sincerely. “Thank you… for coming.”

“How could I miss this wedding?” Elior replied, a faint smile playing on his lips. “You deserve this. Both of you.”

Zayn nodded, silently thankful for the peace between them now.

After some time, Zayn’s parents stepped up. His mother looked emotional as she touched his face lovingly. “You looked like a dream, Zayn,” she whispered.

Zayn laughed. “Don’t cry now, please.”

His father hugged him tightly. “We’re proud of you, son.”

As the event came to a close, Zayn and Alex walked toward the car that would take them to their new life. The guests cheered. Rose petals were thrown in the air as the newlyweds waved at everyone.

Ari ran beside them, holding Alex’s hand and tugging Zayn’s shirt. “Now we’re a real family, right?”

Zayn looked up at the sky, a cool breeze brushing his cheeks. After everything loss, loneliness, heartbreak he had made it. He had found love. A partner. A family. And most of all, a future.

He glanced at Alex beside him, Ari in his arms.

Yes.

This was home.

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