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My stomach churns like I’m on a rollercoaster. I’m about to get married.
Julian leads me down the stairs, holding me extra tight as we walk down the long staircase. When we reach the bottom step, I almost sigh. Maria comes around the corner, and my thoughts shift.
“Oh, Elena. You look stunning,” she beams, looking me up and down. “Here, I made you this.” She hands me a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
“Thank you, Marie.” I smile happily, grateful that she is here. At least I have one friend present at my wedding. One person, I would have invited regardless of when it took place.
Julian dismisses Marie with a wave of his hand, and I have to grind my teeth together to stop myself from saying something to him. I don’t understand his distaste for her. Yes, she is his employee, but she is a human as well. Hopefully, with our union of marriage, I will get a say in how things are run around the mansion.
We continue our walk through the house, and it feels very much like we’re walking to the cemetery to lay someone to rest. Reaching the terrace, Julian opens the French doors and the cool morning air kisses my skin.
As soon as we step outside, I forget about everything. All my worries, fears, and anxiety over marrying Julian fade away. There is a white woven arch set up at the edge of the terrace, white roses are braided into it. The entire thing is picturesque and whimsical.
Behind it, the sun is sitting in the center of the bright blue sky, illuminating the magical scene. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Dragging my eyes away from the décor, I find the priest is already standing under the arch, a friendly smile gracing his lips as we walk up and stop in front of him.
I never expected my wedding to happen this way. I always thought my father would walk me down the aisle and give me away. Even though I never imagined it going this way, I have to admit, it’s beautiful.
While the priest performs the ceremony, Julian holds onto my free hand with an iron grip while I clutch onto the bouquet with the other.
Father Petro reads a few passages from the bible about cherishing and protecting each other. I wonder if our marriage will ever be that of others. Bursting with love and joy. I hope those things can find their way into our marriage.
After we each say our vows, which are generic ones, we repeat after Father Petro. We exchange wedding bands at the very end, and my fingers shake as I slide the silver wedding band onto Julian’s finger. I think I’m going to be sick. I can’t believe I’m married.
“I, hereby, pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
Julian turns to face me, looking every bit as intimidating as he was the night he showed up in my father’s office. Turning, I do the same and swallow thickly as I lift my gaze and meet his. He’s watching me like I’m his prey, and I guess in a way I am.
Lowering his head, he leans in and presses his lips to mine, sealing our fates with a kiss. The kiss is gentle and kind, completely unlike anything I would expect, then again, Julian officially owns me now. I am Mrs. Moretti.
“Congratulations.” Father Petro smiles as we break the kiss. My lips are burning, and my entire body is trembling.
“Thank you,” Julian whispers and grabs my hand, clutching it tightly like he is worried that I’ll run away. He guides us down the steps and toward the pool, where I see a table is set up with a variety of fruits, pastries, and other breakfast items.
“Mrs. Moretti,” Julian smirks as he helps me into my chair.
“What happens next?” I ask, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Did he find my father already? Is he going to spring it on me at any second? Guilt gnaws away at my insides. I’m married, and my father wasn’t even here to witness it.
“Now we have breakfast and get ready for our honeymoon.”
“Honeymoon?” I try not to sound as shocked as I feel. “We’re going on a honeymoon?”
Julian smiles, showing off his sparkly white teeth. “Yes, we’re staying at a private beach house on a secluded beach, where we will spend the next thirty days together. I want to give you some freedom and let you enjoy yourself. I think it will be good for us and give us a chance to get to know each other a little more as well.”
It’s like I’ve woken up in another dimension. I can’t believe what I am hearing, and for a brief second, I simply stare at him in awe.
“You seem shocked, perhaps you would rather be locked in our bedroom?”
