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But that was just the first hurdle. They still had to conduct a secret wedding. Just the thought of exchanging I dos with Luca made her stomach quiver. When she was a teenager, she’d imagined that one day they might marry. But that was when she was still young and foolish. After all, he was an earl, one day to become a duke, and at the time she’d been a nobody. Why would he have ever considered marrying her?
It wasn’t until much later in life that she realized all of Luca’s grumbling and resentment about the institution of marriage wasn’t just a smoke screen to keep her at bay. He really meant it. She’d felt sorry for him. She couldn’t imagine living such a lonely life and never allowing anyone to get close.
And now she was dooming herself to a loveless marriage. She banished the thought as soon as it came to her. There was no backing out now. Luca had made a flurry of phone calls. The arrangements were in motion.
Elena pressed a hand to her abdomen, thinking about their unborn child. At least their son or daughter would now be legitimate. They wouldn’t be excluded and press their nose to the glass to see all the dressed-up people at the formal dinners and balls. That thought was what kept her quiet as the black town car ushered them through the streets of Bellacitta.
They’d already stopped at the jewelry store, the courthouse and the dress shop, and now they were headed to a little chapel just outside the city—a place where they would have the privacy to say their vows without the paparazzi lurking about.
She nervously played with Luca’s ring that was still on her ring finger. She remembered when he’d received the ring from his father. He’d been thirteen. His father had told him that he was growing into a man and this was his future—his destiny.
She had been awed not only by the beautiful ring with the intricate crest, but also the fact that Luca had a destiny to fulfill. She didn’t have any such thing. Her family was ordinary, and she’d always longed to be extraordinary. And she’d almost done it. She had been on her way to having one of the most famous faces in the world.
But now she was pregnant. Her future as a model was over. Sure, she could lose the weight. Maybe she could avoid stretch marks. But even if she could regain the same figure—and that was a big if—she would have lost her traction in the business. Her slot would be filled by younger, more glamorous girls. She would forever be playing catch-up, and in the process, her child would only get bits and pieces of her time.
“What has you so quiet?” Luca asked as he leaned back against the black leather upholstery.
“Just thinking how far we’ve come since you received this ring from your father.”
“It seems like a lifetime ago.”
“Will your father be happy about the baby?” She hoped so. She wanted her child to be surrounded by love.
“My father will be over the moon that I’m finally doing what he’s always wanted—settling down with a family and taking over the business.”
“Wait.” She sat up straight and turned to him. “You’re taking over the business? Since when? What about your job in Milan?”
“Things have changed since I’ve been here. Certain matters have come to light, but we don’t need to get into all that now. We have a wedding to go to.”
“You’re sure you want to go through with this marriage?” Elena asked for about the fifth time that afternoon.
“Quit asking. The answer is always going to be the same. Yes, I want to marry you.”
If only he meant that for all the right reasons. She had no illusions about this marriage lasting, and so she would have to guard her heart. Letting herself think this marriage was anything but a show would be a disaster for her and her child. She had to stay strong for her unborn baby.
* * *
He’d never imagined that he’d be doing this.
Luca stood at the front of the chapel in his new suit. While Elena had picked out a white dress for the ceremony, he’d decided that a new suit was in order. Luckily, they had one in his size.
He resisted the urge to tug at his collar as the pianist played the wedding march. This was it. He was doing the one thing he’d vowed never to do—getting married.
But if he had to marry anyone, he
was thankful it was Elena. They were compatible. Or at least they used to be. They’d shared more than twenty years of friendship. Surely they could draw on that and find common ground.
And then she appeared at the end of the aisle. It didn’t matter that there were no guests. They had asked the photographer and his assistant to bear witness, and that was all they needed. The only important people were standing right here in this historic chapel.
As she made her way up the aisle, the photographer took numerous pictures. Elena seemed surprised that there was a photographer present, but with the help of Luca’s assistant, he’d tended to as many wedding details that he could think of. And he figured that with the lack of any family present, Elena could share these photos with family and friends.
But he wouldn’t need any photos.
There was no way he would forget his beautiful bride. Her dress was white and tea length, falling just below her knees. The straps were off the shoulder and the bodice fit her snugly. It was as if the dress had been made for her. She took his breath away. Too bad this wasn’t a real marriage—wait, had he really thought that?
Before he could delve further into his thoughts, Elena stepped up to his side. With one hand clasping a colorful bouquet of pink and white peonies, she slipped her free hand into his.
The older minister peered at them over his reading glasses. “Have you both come here of your own free will?”
