THE VOW
Charles, in his immaculate tuxedo looks anxious, while Jasmine is flawless in her bridal gown.
The Registrar, sensing that that both Charles and Jasmine are mentally disposed, let out a non indulgent "Ahem", indicating his readiness to proceed. Charles took a last minute glance at Jasmine, who appears anxious. His eyes comforting her, giving her the confidence that he will be there for her, the rest of his life.
The Registrar breaks their intimate eye contact with another stern "Ahem", and proceeds.
"Before you are joined in matrimony, it is my duty to remind you of the solemn and binding character of the vows you are about to make.
Marriage according to law, is the union of one man and one woman, voluntarily entered into for life, to the exclusion of all others."
At this moment, in Charles' mind, images of his previous girlfriend, Clarisse and Sarah whisked by. He is convinced, at this instant, that Jasmine is the right one he loves, and always will be.
"Do I understand that you Charles Li, and you, Jasmine Han, are here of your own free will for the purpose of becoming man and wife?" The Registrar continues.
In their earnest voices, Charles and Jasmine replied: "Yes".
The Registrar casts his eyes at Charles, "Will you, Charles Li take this woman Jasmine Han to be your wedded wife, to live together in the legal estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to her, so long as you both shall live?"
Charles, without hesitation, replies with confidence, "Yes". The Registrar frowns and tells Charles that the proper way is to say "I will". Jasmine almost let out a laughter while Charles, in his unusual meekness to authority quickly says, "I will."
The Registrar turns to Jasmine. Jasmine is touched after hearing Charles' resounding double affirmation, bravely makes her eye contact with the Registrar.
"Will you, Jasmine Han take this man, Charles Li to be your wedded husband, to live together in the legal estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and keep him in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to him, so long as you both shall live?
Jasmine, with no hesitation replies, "I will", while Charles smirks in his gleeful heart and mind, proceeding to the exchange of their platinum wedding bands.
"Take this ring and put it upon the fourth finger of each other's left hand and repeat after me", the Registrar instructs, as Charles and Jasmine gently slides the band for the other and declares, "In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love, with this ring I marry you".
The Registrar proclaims, "As both of you have given your consent before me to live together in matrimony and have solemnly promised, each to the other to do so, I now pronounce you two Man and Wife."
Charles, 25 and Jasmine, 23 are now officially spouses.
(To be continued)
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