"What!!!!!!" they all shouted together.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Eli's father asked him.
"Why would he tell you if I had an accident? Do you think he could tell you without my permission?" Grandfather Allen asked him.
"Father, we're worried about you." Cedar replied.
"Worry, what for? I'm fine and I can still take care of myself. You should be happy that I told at least one of the family. That's enough and you all don't have to know about it."
Well, everyone had to agree with Grandpa Allen or they would be severing ties with the family.
Everyone silently watched as he left the dining room and continued their breakfast.
"Wow! Brother Eli, you're getting married today. What is the sister-in-law's name? What does she look like? When will I meet her?"
"You'll meet her in the evening. Of course my wife is most beautiful and her name is Lily." Eli answered Lia's curious questions.
"Oh, I'm excited to meet her." Lia said.
"You'll definitely meet her soon." Eli replied.
The others were listening as they spoke. But someone still couldn't digest the news of her son's marriage.
"Eli, you know for sure about your marriage. Why don't you meet the person I've chosen for you and decide?" Eli's mother suggested.
The temperature around them dropped a few degrees and Eli replied "It doesn't matter who you like, I will only marry my wife and she is the one I love. Mom, if you have any thoughts, you better erase them. Or when it comes to my wife, I won't forgive you even if you are my mother."
Eli stood up from there and left. Cedar glared at Rebecca and left the breakfast.
Eli stepped out of the car and made his way to Lily's floor, ringing the doorbell. Lily, who had been waiting, quickly opened the door to find Eli standing in front of her. A bright smile spread across her face as she saw him.
Eli smiled back, his eyes sparkling at the corners. "Ready to go?"
"Yes, come inside and wait a second. I'll get my marriage registration book."
"Hmm, take your time" Eli said, stepping inside as Lily hurried off to fetch the marriage registration book. Lily's parents warmly greeted him. He greeted them back and they exchanged a few words. He glanced around her home, the place where Lily lived. He noticed family photos on the walls. The pictures of their cherished memories. Eli's eyes lingered on a photo of Lily as a child, her bright smile and sparkling eyes radiating innocence and happiness.
Lily returned with the registration book in hand, a smile on her face. "I'm ready," she said, holding the book tightly.
She turned to her parents, who were watching with warm smiles. "Bye, Mom, Dad," she said, hugging them both tightly.
Her parents wished them all the best, their voices filled with love and blessings. "My sweetie, All the best to your new journey" her mother said, her eyes shining with happiness.
"Thank you Mom" With one last glance at her parents, Lily turned to Eli, and together they headed out, ready to take the next step in their journey together.
After they left, Lily's parents went into the living room. Lily's father discreetly pulled out the phone from its hiding spot. "Ohh wifey, Looks like Lily forgot her phone. They are probably still by the elevator, I'll go down and hand it over to her."
Lily's father said and stepped out of their flat and hastened his pace, his footsteps echoing in the hallway as he rushed to catch up with the couple. As he reached the elevator, he pressed the down button, hoping to catch them before they left the building.
The elevator doors opened, and he stepped inside, his eyes fixed on the floor indicator as the numbers ticked down. The doors finally opened, and he stepped out, looking around to spot Lily and Eli.