The setup is breathtaking, rows of white chairs arranged on the white sand, facing the turquoise ocean. Delicate white and blush flowers line the aisle, with sheer fabric draping gently in the breeze.
A small wooden arch decorated with greenery and flowers stands at the end, the priest waiting beneath it. The waves provide a soft, soothing soundtrack.
At the end of the aisle, Maxim stands tall and devastatingly handsome in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. The jacket hugs his broad shoulders, the white shirt crisp against his tanned skin.
His dark blond hair is styled neatly, but a few strands still fall rebelliously across his forehead. He looks powerful, commanding, and impossibly attractive. His dark eyes lock onto me the second I appear, and they don’t leave me for a single second as I walk toward him.
When we reach Maxim, Artyom pauses, looking at him with a mixture of warning and reluctant acceptance. Then he gently hands me over. Maxim takes my hand, his, big and warm against mine as he helps me step up to stand beside him in front of the priest.
His eyes sweep over me, taking in every detail. Heat flashes in his gaze, unmistakable and intense, but beneath it is something softer.
I’d gone out of my way to keep the dress hidden from Maxim. I wanted this moment, the first time he saw me in it, to be here, now.
The ivory gown hugs my body perfectly, the fitted bodice accentuating my waist before flowing into a graceful skirt that skims my curves with every step.
Judging by the look on Maxim's face, keeping it a secret is worth it.
"You look so beautiful," he murmurs, his voice low enough for only me to hear.
"The dress..." His lips curve slightly. "You made an incredible choice."
“Thank you,” I murmur, blushing.
For a moment, he simply stares at me, and I can't stop the smile tugging at my lips. Hiding the dress from him all this time makes this reaction even sweeter.
The priest clears his throat gently. “Shall we begin?”
Maxim’s eyes never leave mine. “Yes,” he says. “We’re ready.”
The ceremony itself passes in a beautiful, almost surreal blur.
We stand facing each other under the flower-covered arch. Maxim’s voice is steady and deep when he recited his vows, promising to protect me, to stand by me, and to honor our union.
I speak my own vows with a slightly trembling voice, promising loyalty and partnership, even if love wasn’t part of the bargain.
When the priest pronounces us husband and wife, Maxim pulls me close and kisses me, slow, deep, and possessive in front of everyone.
The small gathering claps politely, but all I can feel is the heat of his mouth on mine.
We sign the certificate under the warm island sun. Artyom and Viktor stand as witnesses, Artyom’s expressions tight but resigned. Then it is official.
I’m now Calina Orlova.
The reception is intimate, just like the ceremony, it's being held right on the beach under a large white canopy decorated with flowing fabrics and soft lighting.
Tables are arranged in a semi-circle facing the ocean, with fresh flowers and candlelight creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
With only thirty guests, it feels private, almost family-like. Soft music plays in the background as servers move around with champagne and appetizers.
After the toasts and the cutting of the cake, it’s time for our first dance as husband and wife.
Maxim takes my hand and leads me to the cleared space on the sand. The music shifts to something slow and sensual.
He pulls me close, one hand on my waist, the other holding mine. We sway together under the string lights and stars, the ocean breeze playing with my veil.
“You look so beautiful,” he murmurs for the hundredth time today, his voice low against my ear. “I can’t stop looking at you.”
His words warm me from the inside. Every time he says them, my confidence grows a little stronger. I feel beautiful in this dress, but the way he's looked at me all day, like he wants to devour me, makes my stomach flutter with both nerves and something hotter.
