Chapter 364: Our First Night as Husbands
As the soft, romantic strains of Ordinary (Wedding Version) by Alex Warren began playing through the venue’s sound system, Adrian gently paused, giving Matteo’s hand a small squeeze.
"Wait, babe," Adrian whispered with a knowing smile as he looked up at his husband. "Before we go any further into the ballroom and face everyone... remember, we need to change into our second outfits."
Matteo’s eyes lit up with sudden understanding. He nodded, and together, they slipped away from the entrance, heading back to their private dressing suites to change into their second custom wedding looks for the reception.
For the next part of the evening, Matteo changed out of his red-accented suit and into a commanding black ensemble, detailed with intricate gold embroidery, a matching gold tie, and a sweeping dark cape that added to his already imposing presence.
Adrian traded his pearlescent white suit for a softer ivory-white custom design, adorned with delicate floral beadwork and cascading crystal chains draped elegantly across his shoulders.
Once they had changed, they spent a few precious moments with the photographers, posing together for breathtaking couple portraits that captured the dark luxury of their royal-themed wedding. Then came their individual shots. Matteo looked powerful and striking in his black suit, the intricate gold embroidery standing out against the dark fabric. In contrast, Adrian’s ivory suit and cascading crystal chains gleamed beautifully beneath the studio lights.
With the quick wardrobe change and photo session complete, they stepped back out, making their grand return to the reception.
The grand ballroom doors swung open once more, revealing a breathtaking expanse of dark luxury, crystal chandeliers, and warm, cinematic lighting. As Matteo and Adrian stepped inside hand in hand, the room erupted into another wave of thunderous applause and cheers from their family and friends.
The MC quickly stepped forward with a wide smile, lifting the microphone.
"Well, look who’s back!" he announced, earning another round of laughter and cheers from the guests. "Since our newlyweds are back, let’s welcome them once again as they take the dance floor for their very first dance together as husbands!"
The ballroom erupted into applause once more.
Matteo leaned closer to Adrian, keeping his smile in place as he quietly whispered, "I don’t know how to dance, babe."
Adrian looked up at him with an amused smile. "You don’t have to know how. Just follow my steps, okay?"
Matteo nodded. "All right, babe."
The MC raised his hand, and the lively reception music slowly faded away.
For a moment, the ballroom became quiet.
Then the first soft notes of 🎵Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez 🎵began to play through the sound system.
The atmosphere instantly changed.
The warm lights softened, and the crystal chandeliers seemed to glow even more beautifully above the dance floor. Conversations faded as everyone’s attention turned toward the newlyweds.
Matteo and Adrian slowly made their way toward the center of the sweeping dance floor, their hands still intertwined.
As they reached the middle, Adrian gently placed one hand on Matteo’s shoulder while keeping the other in his. Matteo carefully settled his hands around Adrian’s waist, still looking slightly uncertain.
Adrian smiled. "Just follow me."
"I am," Matteo murmured.
Adrian took the first step, and Matteo followed.
Slowly, they began to move together.
At first, Matteo was careful, watching Adrian’s movements so he wouldn’t step on his feet. But after a few moments, his body relaxed, allowing Adrian to guide him naturally.
"You see?" Adrian whispered. "You’re doing fine."
Matteo smiled down at him. "I have a good teacher."
Adrian chuckled softly before resting his head against Matteo’s shoulder.
Matteo pulled him a little closer, his arms wrapping securely around his waist as they swayed gently to the music.
Cameras were capturing every moment, but neither Matteo nor Adrian paid them any attention. The videographer moved quietly around the edge of the dance floor, recording their first dance as husbands.
For those few precious minutes, the crowd around them seemed to disappear.
There were no distractions, no expectations, and no one demanding their attention. There were only Matteo and Adrian, moving slowly beneath the glow of the chandeliers, completely lost in each other while the camera captured every precious second.
Matteo lowered his head, pressing a gentle kiss against Adrian’s hair.
Adrian smiled against his shoulder.
And together, they continued their dance.
When the music finally came to an end, Matteo and Adrian remained in each other’s arms for a brief moment before the ballroom erupted into another round of applause and cheers as they returned to their seats, and the reception quickly moved into full celebration.
The evening was filled with heartfelt toasts from family members, laughter echoing across the tables, and a sumptuous feast prepared for everyone in attendance. Glasses were raised as stories and old memories were shared, with Charles, Frank, Maxwell, Mark, and the other guests mingling freely and enjoying the celebration.
For tonight, the old tensions no longer mattered. Everyone was simply enjoying the happiness of the occasion and celebrating Matteo and Adrian as they began their new life together.
Matteo was happier than he could remember being, and Adrian couldn’t stop looking at him. Throughout the evening, people congratulated them again and again, while the newlyweds took turns giving heartfelt speeches, expressing their love and appreciation for each other.
As the night deepened, the music played softly in the background until the rhythm gradually shifted into something livelier.
Matteo leaned down close to Adrian’s ear, his eyes burning with that familiar, intense devotion.
"Come with me for a minute," Matteo murmured softly, lacing his fingers through Adrian’s.
Adrian looked at him in surprise. "Leaving already?"
Matteo smiled. "Yes, baby. I have somewhere I want to take my husband."
They quietly slipped away from the reception, leaving their families and friends to continue celebrating.
Matteo led Adrian toward the private elevators, their hands still intertwined. A few of his bodyguards followed several steps behind, keeping a discreet distance as they made their way upstairs.
When the elevator doors opened, Matteo guided Adrian down the quiet hallway toward one of the hotel’s most exclusive suites.
Adrian looked at him curiously. "Where are we going?"
Matteo only smiled. "You’ll see."
He opened the door and stepped aside, allowing Adrian to enter first.
The moment Adrian stepped inside, he stopped in surprise.
"Wow."
The suite had been transformed into a private celebration of their new marriage. Soft, warm lighting filled the room, while elegant flowers were arranged throughout the space. A beautifully decorated table sat near the center, surrounded by candles and small details chosen especially for them.
But what caught Adrian’s attention most was the large message displayed across the room:
I CAN FINALLY CALL YOU MY HUSBAND.
Beneath it, in smaller lettering, were the words:
Happy Married Life, My Husband.
Adrian stared at it for several seconds, completely caught off guard.
Adrian stared at it for several seconds, completely caught off guard.
His gaze then drifted toward the center of the bed, where three neat, dark envelopes rested against the sheets. He walked over, picked them up with trembling fingers, and looked back at Matteo, who stood nearby with a soft, anticipatory smile.
"Go ahead, look at them, babe," Matteo encouraged gently.
Adrian opened the first envelope. His eyes scanned the note, and his expression slowly changed as the words sank in. A breathless gasp escaped his lips.
Honey, our honeymoon is all planned. I’ve chosen three beautiful places for us to visit: Lake Como in Italy, Santorini in Greece, and the French Riviera in France. I want us to make beautiful memories together in each one.
Adrian stared at the note for a few seconds, completely stunned. A smile slowly spread across his face as his eyes filled with tears
He set the first note aside and opened the second envelope. Inside was a crisp black card, accompanied by a note that read: Your company expansion is 60% ready, and your groom price has been fully paid.
Overwhelmed, Adrian laughed through his tears, his hands shaking slightly as he picked up the third and final envelope.
He unfolded the paper and began reading.
Baby, I’ve thought it through. If we decide to have children through surrogacy, let’s do it together. You do yours, and I’ll do mine. I’ve already spoken to my doctor, and he has explained how everything works. So whenever you’re ready, let’s start our family. I’m fully ready.
Reading the words, seeing how deeply Matteo had thought about their future and how much he had already prepared for the family they might one day have together, broke down whatever emotional walls Adrian had left.
He slowly turned toward Matteo, his voice cracking as he whispered his name.
"Matteo..."
Matteo stepped closer, his eyes shining with unwavering devotion.
"Yes, baby?"
Adrian couldn’t speak.
Instead, he crossed the space between them and pulled Matteo into a tight embrace, burying his face against his chest.
"Thank you so much," he whispered through his tears. "Everything is beautiful. I love you so much. I’ll love you forever."
Matteo wrapped his arms around him and held him close. "I love you more, baby."
Adrian slowly pulled back and cupped Matteo’s face in both hands. Without another word, he leaned forward and kissed him.
Matteo immediately kissed him back.
They stumbled backward together, falling gently onto the bed and into the soft flower decorations spread across it, laughing softly between their kisses.
Matteo deepened the kiss, his hands moving swiftly to untie and slip off his long black cape. He shrugged it from..
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