Kayden's POV

I paced anxiously in the living room of my penthouse, eagerly awaiting Hazel's arrival. Today was the big day, and I prayed she would say 'yes,' making me the happiest guy alive.

As the elevator doors slid open, my heart skipped a beat. Hazel stepped in, and a wide grin spread across my face. She looked stunning in her red mini dress, her long lace sleeves adding to her goddess-like aura.

"Hey," she murmured, drawing near.

"Hi," I greeted, my smile brightening as I placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

Following our dinner, we settled on the soft beige rug by the fireplace, sipping champagne to the tune of romantic music playing in the background.

"This is for you," I whispered, revealing a red gift box hidden behind a fluffy cushion, extending it to her with a nervous smile.

"You really didn't have to. But thank you," Hazel said gratefully, accepting the box with a warm smile.

I watched anxiously as she untied the golden ribbon.

"It's beautiful," she remarked, flashing me a brilliant smile as she opened the box and revealed a blue Christmas bulb adorned with our initials.

"Go ahead, open it!" I exclaimed eagerly, motioning toward the ornament.

With a puzzled expression, she examined the bulb before discovering the tiny button to unlock it. As the lid popped open, she gasped in delight.

"Kayden..." her voice trailed off as she gazed at the diamond ring nestled inside the Christmas bauble.

"Hazel..." I scooted closer, taking her hand in mine. "You're the only one who sets my heart racing. I can't imagine my life without you. I love you more than words can say, my dear. You're everything to me, and I want to spend the rest of my days with you. Will you marry me?" My nerves were on edge, my heart pounding a wild rhythm.

"Kade..." Hazel's voice quivered, tears shimmering in her eyes. "Yes, I will marry you," she replied, her smile warm and radiant.

With a wide grin, I wrapped my arms around her, feeling like I was on top of the world. As I pulled away, I reached for the ring. Her smile beamed as she held out her hand.

"I love you, Haze," I admitted, slipping the ring onto her finger. She gazed at the ring with a radiant smile.

"Let's get married as soon as possible," I suggested eagerly, cupping her cheeks.

"Yes, let's do it. I can't wait to marry you," she agreed with delight.

My grin widened as I leaned in, pressing a passionate kiss to her lips, my hands caressing her cheeks.

"I dream of a big wedding, surrounded by our loved ones, friends, family, even business partners - everyone! I want the whole world to witness our love and share in our joy," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Consider it done, my love. I'll make sure everything is just the way you've always imagined," I replied with a grin, enveloping my future wife in a tight embrace, overflowing with gratitude and happiness.

Hazel's POV

"Is Kayden not coming?" my mother inquired as I ended the call.

"No, the meeting's running longer than he expected," I replied.

Today, Kayden and I were scheduled to meet with a wedding planner at my house.

"Ms. Sullivan, Mrs. Roberts has arrived," our housekeeper announced as she entered the living room.

"Please, show her in," I said warmly, then turned to my mother. "Could you help me decide?"

"Of course," my mother agreed, her smile radiant.

"Good morning, Ms. Sullivan," the wedding planner greeted me politely as she approached, extending her hand. "Will Mr. Matthews be joining us?" she inquired as I shook her hand in greeting.

"No, he's tied up in a meeting. My mom will assist me today," I explained, turning to introduce them. "Mom, meet Nadia Roberts. And Nadia, this is my mother, Mila Sullivan."

"Delighted to meet you, Mrs. Sullivan," Mrs. Roberts greeted my mother with a warm smile, reaching out her hand. My mother reciprocated the gesture, offering a friendly handshake.

"Care for a drink?" I asked the wedding planner in a hushed tone.

"Coffee, please."

After the housekeeper delivered three steaming cups of coffee and departed, we delved into browsing photos of potential venues. With a venue chosen, we turned our attention to selecting the perfect wedding cake.

"How about the media? I bet they'd love to cover your wedding," Nadia inquired as we finalized our choice for the first dance song.

"We'll definitely have them take photos. I want three top journalists from the biggest magazines and TV channels," I asserted. "I want the whole country to share in our joy," I added with a forced smile.

"Sure thing. I'll make sure to invite the best ones," she nodded, jotting down notes in her notepad. "Well, I'll take off now. My team will send over some wedding invitation samples, and I'll keep you updated on the details," Mrs. Roberts concluded as she closed her notepad.

"Awesome!" I nodded enthusiastically, extending my hand to shake Nadia's as she rose, gathering her bag and files.

"Goodbye, Ms. Sullivan... Mrs. Sullivan," the wedding planner bid politely, her gaze shifting from me to my mother.

"Until next time," I chimed in, then called the housekeeper to see Mrs. Roberts out.

"I didn't know you wanted a grand wedding," my mother inquired, her confusion evident as the wedding planner departed. "I thought you preferred something more intimate, like a beach wedding surrounded by family and close friends."

"I've had a change of heart. I want everyone to know about Kayden and my wedding," I stated firmly.

It'll be a wedding day to remember, especially for Kayden.

I will make sure of that.

My mother shot me a suspicious glance but didn't say anything, simply nodding in response.

"I need to head to the company now. See you later, Mom," I said warmly, planting a kiss on her cheek before making my exit.

***

I shut my laptop as a message from Kayden popped up, letting me know he was waiting outside the company. We had dinner plans. Snatching my handbag, I hurried out of my office.

"Hey there!" Kayden's grin lit up his face as he spotted me, planting a sweet kiss on my lips. "For my lovely fiancée." With a dazzling smile, he handed me a bouquet of daisies.

"Thank you. They're gorgeous," I said with a warm smile, inhaling the fragrance of the flowers as I accepted the bouquet.

"I'm thrilled. It's hard to believe we're getting married the day after tomorrow," he exclaimed happily.

"Me too." I nodded, offering him a faint smile.

"Let's go, Mrs. Matthews," Kayden said, beaming as he held out his hand. I nodded and took hold of it. "Maybe I can persuade you to spend the night with me," he added hopefully, leading me towards his car.

"You should try. Who knows?!" I commented cockily.

"You should give it a shot. You never know," I remarked with a hint of cockiness.

"Oh, I'm definitely going to give it a shot," he retorted with a mischievous grin, holding the door open for me.

***

"Wow, you look absolutely stunning, Haze," Celeste marveled as I examined myself in the mirror of my bridal suite. She was my bridesmaid. "Kayden's jaw is going to hit the floor when he sees you in your wedding gown," she added cheerfully, handing me my bouquet. "Are you feeling alright?" she asked, noting my nerves.

"Yeah," I affirmed with a reassuring smile. "Just a case of the jitters," I admitted, exhaling deeply as I stole one last glance in the mirror.

Suddenly, a knock echoed through the room, and the door swung open.

"My darling daughter," my father said, his voice thick with emotion as he gazed at me and came closer. "Be happy, my princess," he whispered tenderly, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"Thank you, Dad," I replied, offering him a grateful smile.

"I'll head downstairs," Celeste said with a wink before slipping out of the room.

"Ready?" My father's voice held a mix of excitement and tenderness as he reached for my hand. With a nod, I linked arms with him, feeling a rush of emotion. His affectionate smile reassured me as he guided me out of the bridal suite.

As the doors parted and we stepped onto the aisle, Kayden's gaze met mine, a soft smile gracing his lips. Tears glistened in his eyes as I drew closer to him.

"Take care of my daughter," my father's words were a solemn plea as he entrusted my hand to Kayden's.

"I promise," my groom affirmed with a nod, clasping my hand gently and flashing me a charming smile. My father gave me a affectionate look and made his way over to my emotional mother.

Clutching my bouquet tightly, I listened as the officiant began speaking. I could sense Kayden's nerves beside me, palpable in the air.

"Now, Hazel and Kayden, please hold hands and look at each other," the officiant instructed.

I inhaled deeply, pivoting to face my groom. Kayden flashed me a radiant smile, clasping my hands in his.

"Kayden Matthews, do you take Hazel Sullivan to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do," Kayden affirmed joyfully, his gaze fixed on me with anticipation.

"Hazel Sullivan, do you take Kayden Matthews to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the officiant's voice was warm and inviting.

Glancing at Kayden, who awaited my response eagerly, I took another deep breath and answered firmly, "I... don't."