Christmas Eve arrived as planned.
I stood outside the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, staring at the building that had once witnessed my humiliation.
"Nervous?" Zoe walked over—today she was my maid of honor.
"A little," I admitted honestly.
"Don't worry," she squeezed my hand, "I'll be right here with you."
"Thank you, Zoe."
She smiled. "We don't need to say things like that between us."
"Noelle." Anya's voice came from behind me. She and Anastasia had just returned after handling business in Russia.
"Long time no see." Anya looked me up and down. "Nice dress. Much better than the last one."
"Thank you."
"Who said I was complimenting you?" She turned away, ears slightly red. "I'm just stating facts."
"You're right." I couldn't help but smile.
"Also," she pulled an elegant jewelry box from her bag, "this is for you."
Inside was a bracelet with a simple yet exquisite design.
"This is..."
"Wedding gift." Her tone was awkward. "That design sketch you gave me last time—I had someone make it into the real thing. Mother and I each have one, and this is yours."
"Anya..." My eyes grew hot.
"Don't cry!" She said quickly. "This is just returning the favor! Don't read too much into it!"
"Okay, I won't read into it. Thank you, Anya."
"You talk too much." She turned around. "The ceremony's about to start. Get inside. Can't keep Kholod waiting too long."
The church doors slowly opened, and the pipe organ began its solemn melody. I walked into the church on my mother's arm, the red carpet lined with guests on both sides, all eyes focused on me.
But in my eyes, there was only that figure at the altar—Kholod.
He wore a black suit, standing tall and straight. When he saw me, his eyes instantly lit up.
I walked toward him step by step, heart pounding like a drum. But this time, it wasn't forced—it was my choice.
"You look beautiful," he said softly when I reached him.
The priest began the ceremony.
"Kholod Morozov, do you take Noelle Bellucci to be your wife, through good times and bad, wealth and poverty, sickness and health, to love her, honor her, and stay by her side for life?"
"I do." His voice was firm and strong.
"Noelle Bellucci, do you take Kholod Morozov to be your husband, through good times and bad, wealth and poverty, sickness and health, to love him, honor him, and stay by his side for life?"
I took a deep breath.
