Chapter 16 - The Wedding Under the Stars
The ceremony took place a month later in the expansive private gardens of the Marchetti estate, surrounded by blooming white roses and close friends who had stood by us through fire and ash.
I stood before the floral archway, wearing a dress of delicate ivory lace that flowed softly down to the grass. As the string quartet played a gentle, sweeping melody, the doors of the terrace opened.
Leo, Mia, and Luca walked down the aisle ahead of me, carrying small baskets of rose petals and scattering them across the white runner with giggling enthusiasm. They were dressed in miniature matching tuxedos and a cream dress, looking like absolute angels.
And standing at the altar waiting for me was Damian, looking breathtaking in a classic black tuxedo, his eyes locked entirely on me as if I were the only person in the entire universe.
When I reached his side, he took my hands in his, his grip warm, steady, and certain.
"You look breathtaking," he murmured, leaning down to whisper against my cheek.
May you like
"You clean up alright yourself, Marchetti," I whispered back with a teasing smile.
The exchange of vows was simple, raw, and filled with a lifetime of promises born from the ashes of betrayal. When the officiant finally pronounced us husband and wife, Damian didn't wait—he pulled me into his arms and kissed me deeply, sealing our past, present, and future into a single, breathtaking moment while the guests erupted into cheers and applause.
