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*Chapter 278: One More Night Won’t Matter*
🕑 Added 2025-05-15 17:16:37 +0000 UTCPlaza Hotel.
The wedding was in progress.
"Sigh, I really wish your grandmother were alive to see this moment."
Monica's mother sighed softly as she walked down the aisle.
"Grandma is right over there," Monica couldn't help but remind her.
"I meant my mother," her mom retorted sarcastically. "Not that old hag!"
Monica was speechless and instinctively looked toward her dad.
"That’s just how it is with mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law," her father said with a wink.
"Congratulations, sweetheart."
Monica’s mom kissed her on the cheek before stepping off the aisle and taking her seat among the guests.
"We love you," her dad said, kissing her cheek as well before following suit.
If this had been three years ago, her parents definitely wouldn’t have acted like this. They would’ve been cracking jokes like a comedy duo.
For instance, her mom would probably have said, "I never imagined our little girl would actually get married one day."
And her dad would have chimed in, "Yeah, really didn’t see that coming! I always thought she was fine on her own..."
Then, they'd go on and on, playfully roasting her with their so-called "humor."
Over the years, Monica had stood her ground a few times and finally changed the dynamic. She made them realize they couldn’t keep belittling her the way they used to.
Of course, it also helped that her brother Ross’s performance had been... less than stellar.
Once the pride of their parents, Ross had been underwhelming in recent years—getting married and divorced twice in quick succession, and even getting fired from the Prehistoric Creatures Museum.
Meanwhile, Monica had once run her own independent catering business for funeral receptions and made a great profit. Though she later moved on from that, she landed a position as the head chef at a high-end restaurant—earning a great salary, having a prestigious title, and not being overworked.
Then, she fell in love with Chandler and got married. Career and romance—both a resounding success. She was happier than ever.
In contrast, their parents could no longer keep praising Ross while putting her down.
"You look beautiful," Chandler said as he walked down from the altar to meet Monica.
Monica beamed and then turned toward the officiant. "Reverend John?"
"Adam arranged for him in advance. He knew Joey would mess something up," Chandler whispered in her ear. "Are you okay with that?"
"It’s perfect!" Monica said, barely able to contain her excitement.
"Shall we begin?" Reverend John asked with a smile.
"Okay," Monica and Chandler said in unison, walking up to the altar and standing face to face.
"Dearly beloved…"
Reverend John began the ceremony.
"Hey! That’s my line!"
Just then, Joey came rushing in—still dressed in a World War II soldier’s uniform, fake blood splattered all over it.
"Sit down and behave," Adam quickly intercepted him before he could make a scene. Without giving him a chance to argue, he pushed Joey into a seat in the back row and whispered harshly, "Did you even change? Did you bring your speech? You came here completely unprepared! Just sit tight and watch. This is Monica and Chandler’s wedding—not your stage!"
The firm grip on his shoulder made Joey snap out of it, and Adam’s rapid-fire questioning left him speechless. Seeing Adam glare at him so intensely, Joey had no choice but to sit there, sulking.
"Please continue," Adam said to Reverend John with a smile.
Monica shot Adam a grateful look.
She understood Joey meant well, but him barging in dressed like that didn’t exactly fit the romantic atmosphere of her wedding.
"Monica Geller, do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband? To love, honor, cherish, and remain faithful to him, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, until death do you part?"
"I do."
Monica gazed into Chandler’s eyes and answered solemnly.
"Chandler Bing, do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife? To love, honor, cherish, and remain faithful to her, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, until death do you part?"
"I do," Chandler said, looking deeply into Monica’s eyes.
"The bride may now recite her vows," Reverend John announced.
Rachel quickly handed Monica her vow card.
"Chandler, ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always wondered if I would find my Prince Charming, my soulmate. Two years ago, at another wedding, I turned to a friend for comfort… but instead, I found everything I had been searching for."
Monica read from her vow card while looking lovingly at Chandler. "And now, here we are, standing together at the beginning of our future. All I want is to be with you—my Prince Charming, my soulmate, my best friend."
Hearing those words, Adam couldn’t help but be moved.
It was yet another reminder of how much value Western culture places on friendship—blending love and friendship together in such a beautiful way.
Isn't childhood friendship the same?
People who chase "pure" love and reject any other emotions—are they really any happier than this couple standing before him?
Adam didn’t think so.
Like the saying goes: "Everything in moderation. Push things too far, and fate may slip away faster."
"Extreme love" isn’t always the way to go.
"The groom may now recite his vows," Reverend John prompted.
Adam quickly handed Chandler his vow card.
Chandler’s vows were taken from the heartfelt monologue in Spider-Man, and as expected, the effect was amazing—Monica practically melted with happiness.
This time, with Adam around, there was no runaway groom, no Joey insisting on officiating, and no slip-up revealing Chandler’s cold feet.
So Monica didn’t have to add a snarky "unless you don’t want to" to her vows, like she had in another timeline.
Right now, she truly felt like this was the perfect moment.
This was the dream wedding she had always imagined.
Next came the ring exchange.
Rachel handed Monica the wedding ring, and she placed it on Chandler’s finger.
Adam passed Chandler the ring, and he slid it onto Monica’s left ring finger.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Reverend John declared loudly, "You may now kiss the bride."
Chandler and Monica embraced and kissed passionately.
Applause!
Adam was the first to clap.
Everyone followed suit, clapping enthusiastically.
The band seamlessly transitioned to the next song.
The atmosphere was warm and celebratory.
As Adam scanned the crowd, he noticed Rachel and Phoebe watching Chandler and Monica with misty eyes, their gazes locked on the newlyweds.
Many of the other female guests had the same expression—clearly picturing themselves in Monica’s place.
Barney’s theory about wedding magic was spot on.
Adam quickly looked away. There were plenty of beautiful women here, and more than a few had given him flirtatious glances.
But with Nora around, he wasn’t going to make a move.
Not because he wanted to rekindle things with her, but out of basic respect.
Besides, one more night wouldn’t matter.
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