WebNovels

Chapter 148 - Side Story 7

"Their Marriage life"

__________________________

(The day of the wedding)

A quiet hush filled the small hall, broken only by the faint rustle of fabric and the distant whisper of wind through open windows.

Eyan stood at the altar, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides, betraying the storm inside him. His breath came unevenly, his shoulders stiff, as though he were preparing for battle rather than a wedding.

Then—

The doors opened.

And everything… stopped.

Eva stepped in, draped in white like something unreal, something untouched by the world. Her dress flowed softly with each step, her hair elegantly tied, a delicate veil hiding her face—but not enough to conceal the glow that surrounded her.

Eyan's heart faltered.

For a moment, he forgot how to breathe. All the nervousness, all the chaos in his mind… vanished.

There was only her.

He moved before he even realized it, stepping forward slowly, almost reverently.

When he reached her, he extended his hand. Eva smiled beneath the veil and placed her hand in his.

Warm. Real.

They walked side by side toward the altar.

Leaning slightly closer, Eyan whispered, his voice low and soft, "Princess… you look beautiful."

Eva's lips curved into a gentle smile. "And you… look very handsome."

For once, he didn't choke on his own thoughts.

Because for once, he meant every word without fear.

The ceremony began.

The priest stood before them, calm and steady.

Before proceeding, he paused.

"Before we begin… are there any family members present to witness this union?"

A brief silence.

Eyan spoke first.

"…We don't have family."

His voice was steady.

"Only each other."

Eva's hand tightened slightly in his.

The priest nodded gently.

"Then let this union be witnessed by the heavens themselves."

—

He turned to them both.

"State your names."

Eyan looked at Eva. Just for a moment.

Then—

"Kyel."

Eva's gaze softened.

"Eva."

—

"Kyel," the priest said, "do you take Eva to be your wife? To stand beside her, protect her, and cherish her… for as long as you both shall live?"

Eyan's grip around her hand steadied.

His voice did not waver.

"I do."

—

"Eva," the priest continued, "do you take Kyel to be your husband? To trust him, walk with him, and share your life with him… for as long as you both shall live?"

Eva looked at him. Then smiled softly.

"I do."

—

"Then speak your vows."

Eyan went first. He exhaled once… then spoke quietly.

"Eva… I don't know what the future holds. I don't know if I can give you everything you deserve."

A small pause.

"But I promise this… I will stay."

His fingers tightened around hers.

"I will protect you. I will stand beside you… no matter what comes." His voice softened. "And… I will never let you face anything alone again."

—

Eva's eyes shimmered faintly. Then she spoke.

"Kyel… I don't need everything." A gentle smile. "I just need you."

Her voice trembled slightly—but didn't break.

"I promise to trust you… to stay with you… even when things are difficult." Her hand squeezed his. "And no matter what happens… I won't leave your side."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Because they both knew…These weren't just vows...They were truths.

"The rings."

Eyan picked up the simple silver ring, his fingers brushing against hers as he slid it onto her finger.

Simple.

But it felt heavier than anything in the world.

Eva did the same, placing the ring on his hand, her touch lingering just a second longer than necessary.

The priest raised his hand slightly.

"From this moment onwards, you are husband and wife."

A small pause.

Then, with a faint smile—

"You may seal this marriage with a kiss."

They turned toward each other.

Eyan's hand rose slowly, carefully, as he lifted her veil. Her face was revealed—soft, nervous… beautiful.

Eva shut her eyes, her lashes trembling slightly.

Eyan leaned in.

Stopped.

For a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes—hesitation, restraint, something unspoken.

Then instead— He turned his head slightly… And pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek.

Soft. Warm. Safe.

Eva's eyes opened in surprise.

Eyan stepped back just a little, then tilted his head slightly and, with the faintest hint of a smile, offered his cheek.

Eva blinked…

Then laughed softly under her breath. Leaning in, she kissed his cheek in return.

Eyan took her hand again, lifting it slowly.

And pressed a soft kiss against her fingers.

His voice dropped—low, only for her to hear. "…From today onwards…"

A small pause.

"You're mine to protect." His thumb brushed lightly against her hand.

"…And I'm yours… in every way that matters."

—

Eva's smile deepened.

And without another word—

Eyan intertwined their fingers.

Holding her hand firmly.

As if he never intended to let go.

_________________________________

(Night)

(Eva and Kyel's House)

The night was quiet.

Soft.

Almost as if the world itself had stepped back… to give them this moment.

Outside the bedroom door—

Eyan stood still.

His hand hovered near the handle, rising… then falling again.

His breath was uneven.

(This is it.)

(Our first night…)

For once, the fearless emperor—who had faced blades and blood without hesitation—felt utterly unprepared.

(Why does this feel harder than war…)

He let out a slow breath.

"…Calm down."

His fingers finally closed around the handle.

And he opened the door.

—

Inside—

Eva sat at the edge of the bed, her hands resting nervously in her lap.

The moment she saw him, she stood up quickly.

"Kyel… ."

Her voice was soft. Fragile.

Eyan noticed the slight tremble in her hands. Something in his chest tightened.

(She's nervous…)

(Just like me.)

He stepped closer. Slowly. Carefully.

As if approaching something precious.

Until he stood right in front of her.

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.

Then—

Eyan lifted his hand. And gently cupped her face.

Eva's breath hitched. Her eyes widened just slightly.

He leaned closer. Slow. Unhurried.

Giving her time. Giving himself courage.

His breath brushed against her lips—warm, hesitant.

And then—

Their lips barely touched. A soft, fleeting brush.

Like a whisper.

—

Eva's body trembled. Eyan felt it instantly. And pulled back.

His brows softened with concern. "Princess… are you alright?"

Eva forced a small smile. "…Yes."

But her voice betrayed her. Eyan didn't question it.

Instead—

He pulled her into his arms. Firm. Protective. Gentle.

"Don't push yourself," he murmured.

—

Eva clung to him.

"Kyel…" she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm just… a little afraid."

Eyan closed his eyes briefly. Then lifted his hand and began to stroke her hair.

Slowly. Reassuringly.

"Don't be afraid," he said softly. "I won't touch you… not until you're ready."

Her grip tightened against him. "Can you… wait?"

Eyan didn't hesitate. "I can wait."

His voice was steady. Certain. Like a promise carved in stone.

—

He pulled back slightly. And pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

"You must be tired," he said gently. "Let's rest."

He lifted her into his arms with care, as if she weighed nothing at all.

Placed her softly on the bed. Then sat beside her.

His fingers moved through her hair in slow, soothing strokes.

Gradually—

Her breathing steadied. Her body relaxed. Her fear faded into quiet.

"Good night," he whispered.

Eva looked at him, her eyes softer now. "Good night."

—

Soon—

She fell asleep. Peacefully.

—

But Eyan stayed. Sitting beside her. Watching her.

His hand still gently brushing through her hair.

(She must have been so scared…)

His thumb traced lightly along her cheek.

"…It's a good thing we stopped," he murmured quietly. "We both need time."

His gaze softened as he looked at her sleeping face.

"…Don't worry." His voice dropped, barely above a whisper. "Even if we're married… I will never touch you without your permission."

A pause.

"…Trust me."

—

He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her head. Lingering for just a moment.

Then—

His eyes fell to her lips.

Soft...Still.

—

A faint warmth spread through his chest.

(…)

A small, almost shy smile appeared.

(Just once…)

Carefully—

He placed his thumb gently over her lips.

A quiet boundary. A promise he refused to break.

And leaned in— Kissing his own thumb instead. A soft, almost childish compromise.

He pulled back. A quiet satisfaction in his eyes.

"…I love you, princess."

Finally— He lay down beside her. Gently. Pulling her into his arms.

She shifted slightly in her sleep, instinctively moving closer.

Resting against him. Eyan held her there.

Secure....Safe....As if shielding her from the world itself....His chin rested lightly against her head.

His arms wrapped around her, steady and warm.

And slowly—

He closed his eyes.

_________________________________

(Scene — Morning Chaos)

(2nd Day After the Wedding)

Morning sunlight slipped softly through the curtains.

Eyan, still half-asleep, sat up slowly, his hair slightly messy, his mind not fully awake yet.

"…Morning already…" he muttered, his voice low and drowsy.

Without thinking—

He got out of bed. Walked straight ahead.

Opened the bathroom door.

And froze.

Inside—

Eva sat in the bathtub, covered in soft bubbles. Her eyes widened.

Time stopped.

Eva's face turned completely red.

Then—

"KYEL—?!"

She screamed.

Eyan's brain woke up instantly. His eyes snapped fully open.

Reality hit.Hard.

He turned around so fast he almost slipped.

"I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING!" he blurted out immediately, voice panicked. "I MEAN—I SAW NOTHING—I MEAN—"

THUD.

He hit his head straight into the wall.

"…Ah—!"

Eva, still flustered, instinctively leaned forward.

"B-Be careful!"

Eyan grabbed his head, crouching slightly.

"I'm fine—"

His face was burning. Absolutely burning.

Without another word— He turned and ran out of the bathroom.

Outside—

He stood there, back against the wall, breathing unevenly.

"…Damn it."

He dragged a hand down his face.

"I forgot…I'm married now."

Silence.

Then—

His face turned even redder.

No… no no no....I definitely saw it.

Clearly....Too clearly.

"…This is a mistake."

His brain, traitorous as ever, replayed the scene.

STOP....STOP THINKING.

WHY IS MY MEMORY SO CLEAR—

He covered his face.

"…I'm going to lose my mind."

------------------------

The bathroom door opened. Eyan immediately straightened. Eva stepped out, now dressed, her hair still slightly damp.

She avoided his eyes at first.

He saw her—And immediately bowed his head slightly.

"I'm sorry." His voice was serious. Sincere. "I didn't mean to—"

"It's okay," Eva said quickly, still a little flustered. "You didn't know…"

A brief silence.

Then—

She hesitated. "honey…You really didn't see anything… right?"

Eyan froze. Completely.

His soul left his body for the third time.

"…I—"

Silence.

His ears turned red. His expression locked.

Eva's face slowly turned pink again. She looked at him more closely.

"…You did… didn't you—"

Before she could finish—

Eyan abruptly turned and walked straight past her.

"I need to go to the bathroom," he said stiffly. "Or I'll be late for work."

And just like that— He disappeared inside. Door closed.

Silence.

Eva stood there. Still. Processing.

Then—

Her face turned completely red.

"…So he did see it."

She covered her face slightly, embarrassed. "…Why didn't he just say so…"

Inside the bathroom—

Eyan leaned against the door. Eyes closed. Face still burning.

You fool why didn't you just say you didn't saw anything.

_________________________________

(Side Story — Their First Kiss)

(Eyan's POV)

Her hands came up to his face. Warm. Soft. Holding him still.

Eyan froze.

(…What are you doing, Eva?)

She was close—too close—close enough that her breath brushed his lips, slow and uneven.

His gaze dropped. He shouldn't have let it. But he did.

(Her lips…)

A mistake.

Then she kissed him.

Everything inside him went silent.

Not calm—

Empty.

Like something had been cut away in an instant.

(…She—)

(She actually—)

She pulled back. Too fast. Too soon. Leaving behind something unfinished.

Something that made his chest tighten sharply.

(That's it?)

The thought came uninvited.

Sharp...Possessive

He stared at her...His breathing had changed.

(No… that's not enough.)

Heat spread through him. Not sudden.Not wild.

But deep. Controlled. Dangerous.

His hand moved. Not gently this time. Not entirely. It found her waist and pulled her back toward him.

Closer.Firm.

(If you're going to do that…)

His thumb brushed over her lips.

Slow. Deliberate. Lingering longer than it should.

(Then don't pull away.)

His pulse rose. Sharp. Steady.

(You don't get to start something like that… and stop.)

He leaned in again. And kissed her.

This time—There was no hesitation. No restraint in the first moment.

The softness was still there— But underneath it… Something heavier. Something he hadn't allowed himself to feel before.

His lips moved against hers with growing intent.

Not rushed. But claiming. Learning. Taking.

(So this is what it feels like…)

Her breath caught. Her body responded.

And that— That pushed something deeper inside him.

(She's not pulling away.)

His grip tightened at her waist. Pulling her fully against him. Eliminating the last space between them.

(Closer...more closer)

The thought wasn't gentle anymore. It wasn't careful. It was need.

The kiss deepened. Slow. But heavy. Each second stretching longer than it should.

(I don't want to stop.)

That thought landed clearly. Too clearly.

His control began to slip. Not wildly. But enough.

(More…)

They fell back onto the bed. Eyan barely registered it. His focus had narrowed completely.

(Her.)

His lips left hers— Trailing along her jaw. Slower now. Intentional. His breath warm against her skin.

(This isn't enough.)

He lowered further. Drawn by instinct. Not thought.

(Why does it feel like I've been holding back for too long…)

Then—

She trembled.

Everything shattered.

(…No.)

—

Her body shook beneath him. Sharp. Uncontrolled.

Not desire...Not hesitation...Fear.

Eyan froze instantly. His grip loosened like he'd been burned.

(You went too far.)

His breath came uneven now.

Not from desire— From realization.

(You didn't stop...You didn't notice.)

He pulled back immediately. Putting distance between them. Even though every part of him resisted it.

She looked at him. Confused.

"Kyel… why did you stop?"

Eyan's jaw tightened. Because the answer wasn't something he could say.

(Because I want more than you could give...Because I forgot myself.)

Instead— He leaned down. Pressed a slow kiss to her forehead.

Careful. Measured. As if correcting his mistake.

Then he pulled her into his arms. Held her close— But differently now. Controlled. Restrained.

"Let's sleep," he said quietly.

(Before I lose control again.)

She relaxed slowly. Her trembling fading. Her breathing softening.

Until— She fell asleep.

Eyan didn't.

He stared into the dark. His arm wrapped around her.

But his mind… Still trapped in that moment.

(Her lips…) His fingers tightened slightly against her back. (I didn't want to stop.)

His eyes closed briefly. Tension running through him.

(That's the problem.)

His hand moved through her hair again. Slower now. Grounding himself.

(She trusted you....And you almost broke that.)

His gaze lowered—

To her lips.

Even in sleep.Soft. Unaware.

A long silence followed.

Heavy. Tight.

"…Control yourself," he whispered.

But even then— His arm tightened around her.

As if holding her closer was the only way to keep himself from crossing that line again.

That night—

Eyan realized something far more dangerous than desire.

It wasn't that he wanted her.

It was how easily…

That want could turn into something he couldn't stop.

________________________________

(Note - This side story is after eva returned in time..so for Eyan his first night was different)

(After ch. 63)

(Side Story — Their First Night (Aftermath)

---

Eyan lay still on his back, Eva curled warmly against his chest, her breathing soft and peaceful in sleep. The room was quiet, but his mind was loud.

That's it… Our first time finally happened.

I tried my best. I hope I did it properly… I hope she felt loved.

A small smile faded quickly as he reached down and gently pulled the sheet away from her naked body. The sight hit him hard.

Red marks covered her — love bites on her neck, breasts, and hips, faint fingerprints on her waist and thighs. Evidence of how roughly he had gripped her in the heat of passion.

Guilt crashed over him like a wave.

Damn it… I went too far.

Look at what I did to her. She trusted me and I marked her like this.

What's wrong with me? Even now I can't stop wanting more.

This fire… it won't die down. It all started after that damn cake. What the hell was in it?

Why does it feel so unbearably good?

His body hardened again against his will. Shame burned in his chest as desire stirred once more.

He sighed heavily, torn and disgusted with himself.

"Eva…" he whispered, voice rough with guilt and need.

She stirred, eyes fluttering open. "Yes, honey?"

Eyan swallowed. "One more time… Help me. One more time."

Eva smiled softly, turned toward him, and pulled him into a deep kiss. Eyan groaned against her lips, guilt and hunger twisting together as he gave in once again.

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