A Discreet Wedding

A few days later, the wedding of Anton and Akira, who wanted nothing ostentatious, began. The chosen location was a wide clearing surrounded by tall, lush trees, with a carpet of soft moss underfoot.

In the center, there is a wooden arch adorned with vines and wildflowers. Rustic benches offered seating for the guests, while small hanging lanterns softly illuminated the area at dusk. The sound of the wind rustling through the leaves and the birds' songs created a magical atmosphere for a wedding ceremony in harmony with nature.

This place meant a lot to Anton, as it was where everything began for him—a vast forest where his life was taken and where his story after death had started.

The guests arrived at the wedding location one by one. It is worth noting that only a very small group was selected to witness Anton and Akira's wedding.

"Mr. Wick, I didn't think you'd come." Alexander greeted John as soon as he saw him sit next to him.

John nodded in greeting and said, "Hello, Alex."

Rafael was at the front with some distinguished people, men who had Anton's utmost trust, all dressed in dark blue suits.

"I didn't think they would get married so soon."

"Everyone knows the significance; in our line of work, we never know when we might depart." Rafael murmured to another person in a low voice, so no one else could hear.

John looked at the guests and, for the first time in a long while, smiled. He had lost all hope of living in pain, but who would have thought he would be here celebrating the life of a young man who had saved him from the clutches of death?

"Thank you…"

...

Anton had arrived at the altar, his gaze passing over many familiar faces.

The ceremony would be conducted by his father, Sebastian, so everything was in perfect order for things to go smoothly.

"Are you ready?" Anton looked at his father, who was standing in front of a discreetly adorned stage with flowers. He wore a ceremonial robe and was the one who would marry them.

"How do I look?" Anton asked his father as he showed off his completely black suit.

"You look good."

This suit had been specially selected because it had many similarities to the one he always wore as an exorcist. The classic dark suit had subtle golden details along the edges.

The golden touches adorned the buttons, the edges of the pockets, and even the seams of the jacket. This subtle touch of elegance added a special glow to Anton, making him stand out among the others who also wore suits.

He would have liked things to go at their own pace, but now that Akira is pregnant, there is no reason to wait any longer. Knowing that Anton embarked on dangerous missions, his child needed the family surname.

But being both only children, it was decided that they would at least have two children to continue the history of the Shimazu and ShadowBane families, who were united in marriage today.

"The bride is here." As soon as this was murmured, Anton turned his gaze and looked with astonishment and admiration at his bride as she walked towards him with her father. His eyes lit up with emotion as he saw her radiant in her wedding dress, which delicately revealed her shoulders and highlighted her slender waist.

A smile full of love and gratitude appeared on Anton's face as he marveled at the dazzling beauty of the woman who would become his wife today. At that moment, everything around him subtly faded, and only the intense connection between them existed, filled with promises and happiness that they vowed to maintain as long as they lived.

In Anton's eyes, true love doesn't need grandeur to make noticeable changes. Akira was the only woman who, as subtle as a rose with thorns, like a dancing scent in the wind, captivated him with that essence of understanding, and unknowingly, he fell in love with her without resistance, as if somehow they had connected through time.

With solemnity, Koji handed his daughter Akira's arm to Anton at the altar. His eyes reflected a deep sense of trust and affection as he asked Anton a question laden with meaning: "Will you take care of my daughter?"

The question resonated with the importance of a sacred commitment, and at that moment, the weight and responsibility of the family bond being forged were felt.

"She will be my highest priority." Anton responded in a firm and sincere voice, promising in that simple sentence to protect and love Akira forever, thus sealing his responsibility as a husband.

Koji nodded, this time not as the strong man he had always been but as a fragile father filled with uncontrollable emotions.

"How do I look?" Akira took Anton's hand, who expressed everything he thought with his bright gaze.

"Beautiful, you look radiant."