Page 121 of Maddening Fixation

She was carrying the late Sergei Flynn’s child—Romeo’s brother’s heir.

That secret was leverage.

If she decided to make my life difficult or interfere with this marriage, all I’d have to do was tell Romeo the truth.

After that...

Whatever happened to Yarina would no longer be my concern.

I reached the final step and stopped before him.

The layers of my gown settled around me with a soft rustle, the silence between us suddenly louder than the murmured prayers echoing through the church.

Romeo didn’t move.

His gaze remained fixed on mine.

The priest cleared his throat, drawing every eye in the sanctuary toward the altar.

His warm, resonant voice carried effortlessly through the ancient church.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”

His gaze settled on me first.

“Juliet, you stand before us radiant as the dawn over the Volga, a daughter of strength, honor, and legacy.”

Then he turned toward Romeo.

“And you, Romeo, a son of resilient Irish blood whose courage has been tested by hardship and sacrifice.”

He paused, allowing his words to settle over the congregation.

“May this union become more than the joining of two souls. May it stand as a bridge between two proud families, binding not only hearts but generations, replacing conflict with peace and suspicion with trust.”

The irony almost made me laugh.

Peace.

There was precious little of it beneath this roof.

The priest looked at me with gentle encouragement.

“Juliet,” he said softly, “repeat after me.”

I drew a slow breath, willing my voice not to betray the storm raging inside me.

A discreet microphone hovered nearby, ensuring every vow reached the handful of invited guests—family elders, trusted allies, and heavily armed guards standing like silent statues along the walls.

“I, Juliet,” I began, surprised by how steady I sounded, “take you, Romeo, to be my husband.”

The words echoed through the church.

“To stand beside you in shadow and in light... through blood and through bond... in sickness and in health... for whatever time God grants us.”

My fingers tightened around my bouquet.

“I vow my loyalty without hesitation, my fidelity without question, and the unwavering strength of my Bratva heart.”