As the prayer came to an unwanted end, Cal's gaze met the eyes of the priest, but it quickly faltered, returning to the safety of the floor. A fragile vulnerability swept over Cal, causing a subtle shiver to run through his skin. Yet, within him, a sense of salvation embraced him, bringing him a purifying sensation. The weight of his past seemed to crumble away—as if the light had penetrated the darkness within his soul, erasing the stains of corruption from his very flesh and bones.

     Meanwhile, Oliver took a hesitant step forward, his breath escaping in gentle puffs from his mouth. His hands folded and squeezed each other, betraying his nervousness as he approached Gregory. With each step, his pace slowed, and his bashfulness grew more apparent as he lowered his head.

     Gregory's eyes remain fixed on his approaching lover, his head tilting slightly as he seeks to meet Oliver's gaze. A tremor passes through Gregory's breath, causing him to exhale audibly through his mouth. Oliver raises his head, his eyes finding Gregory's gentle gaze. At that moment, their hearts intertwine, locking onto each other with an intensity that surpasses words as they peer deeply into the reflections within each other's pupils.

"...Oliver," Gregory murmured faintly.

     Slowly, a heaviness takes hold of Gregory's frame, each passing second burdening him with an increasing weight. His heart throbs with a tender ache, resonating through his being. A quiver runs through Gregory's jaw, causing it to tremble, while he takes in deep, shuddering breaths, attempting to steady himself amidst the emotional surge.

"Gregory," said Oliver.

     Gregory's thoughts drifted back to his father, Cal, and an oppressive longing to engage in conversation and seek solace in his cuddle kicked in Gregory's veins. But it was too late. Time remained inexorable, refusing to rewind, and Gregory felt utterly helpless as he submitted to the weight of his sorrows.

     Tears glistened in Gregory's eyes, reflecting the grief and anguish weighing upon his heart. His face contorted with the burden of sorrow and misery, carving lines of pain on his face. As Gregory closed his eyelids, a teardrop escaped, descending silently to meet the floor.

     A mounting sorrow engulfs Gregory, gradually becoming a crushing burden that oppresses him. His knees tremble beneath the weight, struggling to support the emotional mass he carries. The intensity of his emotions reaches a breaking point, becoming unbearable to endure. He begins to crumble, fragments of his being scattering like an immense boulder shattering into pieces.

     Gregory lunges forward, his arms enveloping Oliver in a desperate embrace. He squeezes him tightly as silent sobs wrack his body. Tears gush down Gregory's cheeks, wetting Oliver's black coat, as he feels himself consumed, sinking into the depths of sorrow.

     Surrounded by Gregory's embrace, Oliver senses a warm and calming presence. Yet, beneath the surface, his soul remains encased in ice. Oliver can feel the frigid breath of Gregory touching his veins.

     With closed eyes and his face nestled against Gregory's chest, Oliver loops his arms around Gregory's neck. A shivering sigh escapes Oliver's lips as his heart pounds with a comforting warmth infusing his veins. He channels this soothing heat, passing it on to Gregory as his cries gradually fade into a faint whimper.

     Oliver and Gregory remain locked in a stiff and steady embrace. Yet, a gentle sway begins to resonate through them as they cuddle beneath the radiant glow of the grand chandelier above them. Gregory's whimper gradually fades until a tranquil silence settles within him. The coldness that once dominated him melts away, transforming into a comforting warmth as he feels the secure embrace of his beloved. Resting his eyes and head upon Oliver's shoulder, Gregory feels the tender caress of his spouse's smooth fingers gliding through his hair.

     Frederick, Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany form a protective circle around Oliver and Gregory, quietly surrounding them in the centre of the expansive lobby. They watch with respect as the two men share an embrace that stretches for an eternity. Their lips remain shut, refraining from uttering a word or even a disruptive breath.

     The surroundings fade into the background, replaced by a profound serenity that envelops the space. Silence takes hold, leaving only stillness in its wake. It is as if the air holds its breath, bearing witness to the solemn moment.

     The warm, gentle glow of the chandelier casts a golden hue, imbuing the atmosphere with a soothing light. The outdoor breeze retreats, its presence fading into the background. The soft flicker of candles adds to the ambience, encircling the two men in a tender embrace of peace. In the shell of tranquillity, everything else fades away as silence reigns, creating a room of comfort that stretches beyond time.

     Frederick, Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany stand silently, refraining from intervening. The gentle glow of the enormous chandelier kisses them, shedding a soothing light that bathes their surroundings. Holding their breaths, they watch as they form a circle in the lobby, positioned at a respectful distance, their eyes fixed on the couple.

     Oliver and Gregory cling to each other, their embrace unyielding—as if they are determined never to let go. Their arms tighten around one another, their touch fueled by a passionate warmth that ignites a fire within their hearts. And in this profound connection, everything falls into a wordless hush—as if the world holds its breath to honour the depth of their love.