Valentina watches with a bittersweet smile, her own future sealed by different vows.
Adriano stands beside Valentina.
I can’t read his expression.
If I were to guess, I’d say sorrow.
How fortunate I am that Luca and I have survived this ugly world and found our way back to each other.
I don’t have blood family anymore, except Enzo. There’s a bittersweetness to that.
Of course, I can’t go unrepresented, so Maksim is here.
For him, attendance is necessary as this ceremony isn't just a wedding but an official transfer releasing me from my position as ambassador between the families.
Maksim remains subdued, his dark blue eyes darting nervously whenever Luca glances his way.
The man who terrorized me, who threatened my son, now looks like he can't wait to leave.
I wouldn’t say he was fearful, but he’s definitely on edge.
I avert my gaze, not wanting his presence to ruin this moment.
I reach Luca, and his fingers intertwine with mine. Solid. Real. Permanent.
My eyes lock with Luca's as we exchange vows. This is really happening. Dreams do come true.
“Here’s the rings,” Enzo holds up the pillow, and Luca and I slip the pretty gold rings, the symbols of our everlasting love, onto each other’s fingers.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the officiant declares.
As Luca pulls me into a kiss, Enzo presses against our legs, joining our embrace.
Over Luca's shoulder, I see Maksim’s eyes darken.
He doesn’t like feeling like he’s lost. But not even the Pakhan can dim the light of this moment.
I turn my attention back to Luca.
To my husband.
“You look radiant,” Luca says, his blue eyes twinkling at me.
“That’s happiness you see.”
The reception remains in the garden and is uneventful, if not tense at moments. Luca often tracks Maksim’s movements, often positioning us between the Pakhan and Valentina.
"He won't get near her today," I whisper, sliding my hand into Luca's.
"If he tries, I'll cut his hands off," Luca murmurs, his voice filled with murderous intent.
Across the terrace, Valentina keeps Cristian Bonetti close.
There's something in the way she looks at him, something familiar in how his eyes follow her when she moves.
It reminds me of Luca and me, years ago, before everything fell apart.
It breaks my heart because it can go nowhere. Even if she weren’t engaged to Maksim, Alessandro isn’t likely to approve of a marriage between her and a soldier.
