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The chandeliers cast circles of light on the polished floor, and the sheer drapes billow over the casement windows. I smile at the murals of angels painted on the ceiling above my head and soak in the joy that being here gives me. The staff starts to hurry in to set the room up for our nuptials, and maybe I should go upstairs to change.
Dad stands in the main hall dressed in a tux. The tiredness has left his expression, and he looks younger now that we have no secrets. I hurry over to him and hug him tight. He holds me, but his smile is tinged with sadness. “Eden, I spoke to Nikolai. I’ll be announcing my retirement from the Bratva later.”
“Are you sure?” I ask.
Laughing, he nods. “Aria would want me to look after my girls.”
I hug him tighter, unable to look him in the eye without tearing up. “Daddy, thank you. I’m sorry for running away, but I’m glad we’re here today, together.”
“I’m sorry too, but you need to get dressed, Eden.” He scowls at me with a smile. “Nikolai will worry if you’re late.”
I look down at my jeans and ballet flats, damp from the morning dew. “My dress isn’t as fussy this time. I’ll see you in an hour.” I kiss his cheek and run upstairs.
The grand ballroomhas been transformed into a sacred chapel for the ceremony. The open space is now filled with rows of elegant slip-covered folding chairs, creating a makeshift aisle down the center. A red carpet leads to a raised platform that serves as an altar. Tall glass vases overflow with vibrant chrysanthemums, framing the room. Their sweet scent floats through the air and mingles with traces of incense carried in by the breeze.
Nikolai stands tall at the altar, radiating confidence in his sleek black tuxedo. The intensity of his gaze renders me speechless as I walk toward him in a simple satin dress. A delicate train of lace cascades behind me, rustling with each step I take. My hand trembles slightly as I grip my father’s arm. As I reach Nikolai, I hand my bouquet of white chrysanthemums to my maid of honor, Mercy, who stands beside me. Nearby, Larissa holds baby Ally in her arms, her delighted face mirroring my own joy.
A hush falls over the guests as the traditional Russian Orthodox ceremony begins. Grigori Schevchenko recites Russian prayers from an ancient Bible in a booming voice, and the solemnity of the liturgy takes hold of me.
I remember how I scoffed at Nikolai’s proposal a year ago, but today, I can’t wait to say, “I do.”
“Eden Zakharovna Budanov, do you take Nikolai Gennadyevich Starukhin to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, until death do you part?” Grigori asks solemnly.
“I do,” I reply so loudly it echoes around the room, and I ignore the few giggles.
“Nikolai Gennadyevich Starukhin, do you take Eden Zakharovna Budanov to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, until death do you part?”
“I do.” Nikolai’s voice fills the quiet room, and then he winks at me. He’s perfect.
The crown is placed on my head, its delicate gold filigree sparkling as if it’s electric. A matching one is settled upon Nikolai’s head, signifying the eternal bond between us. We’re bound together now, linked by love. No one can tear us apart. Ever.
We exchange rings, and our hands are bound together by a cloth symbolizing unity. I smile at the artful ring on my hand, knowing it will remain there forever this time. “May these rings serve as symbols of your everlasting commitment to one another,” Grigori intones. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounceyou husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” He smiles, and his voice is almost tender.
Nikolai leans in, his lips pressing softly against mine, and for a moment, the room disappears. Now that it is over, it’s just us. We’re finally a family, and that’s what matters most. I glance over at my father and smile when I see the approval in his eyes.
“Congratulations,” Grigori murmurs, as we turn to face the gathered guests.
Nikolai and I exchange another chaste kiss, and our families erupt into cheers. A cloud of white and gold balloons lifts into the sky, and the bad blood lifts off our shoulders in one big swoop. As we walk down the aisle together, the Starukhin and the Lanzzare put aside their animosities to congratulate our union.
The celebration continues on the terrace, where small circular tables are arranged around a larger table holding our wedding cake. Andrei Barinov rises from his seat, signaling for everyone’s attention. He holds a glass of champagne in his hand, and everyone turns to listen.
“Dorogi druzya,” he says. “Today, we gather to celebrate the union of Nikolai and his beautiful bride, Eden. A reminder that love triumphs over all.”
Andrei pauses, locking eyes with Sorokin, who is seated on the opposite side of the terrace. “A pakhan never surrenders, except to the power of love. It has the strength to change us and bring light into the darkest corners of our hearts.” His gaze softens as he looks at Paige, sitting next to him. He lifts his glass higher and turns his attention back to us. “Nikolai Gennadyevich, I assureyou that love is the only thing worth fighting for. To Eden and Nikolai!”
“To Eden and Nikolai,” everyone echoes, raising their glasses in unison, then sipping the champagne.
The toasts continue, each heartfelt and genuine, bringing a sense of unity between our two families. And as dinner comes to an end, the dance floor beckons and the couples slowly make their way back to the ballroom. The chairs are cleared away and a DJ occupies the platform. Twinkling lights hang from the ceiling and large sprays of balloons decorate the walls. I gaze up at the painted angels above us, smiling down as we have fun. Nikolai takes my hand, leading me to the center of the room for our first dance as man and wife. We move across the room to the waltz from Tchaikovsky’sSleepingBeauty.
“Would you be happy if I retired?” Nikolai asks suddenly. His breath caresses my ear as we circle the room. His words catch me off guard, and my heart beats fast with the hope of a life free from the Bratva.
I take a deep breath before I answer. “What would make me happier is if you were true to yourself.” The honesty in my words surprises me, but it feels right to say it.
Nikolai’s eyes search mine before he leans down and takes my lips in a deep kiss. He pulls back and smiles. “Eden, I finallyammyself. I know because I’m happy. Because I’m with you.”
The room is filled with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses as former enemies become friends. Dad speaks to Nikolai and Sorokin away from the others, and I know there will be an announcement soon. Laughing, Mercy hurries over and takes hold of my arm, pulling me away.
“Can you believe how well everyone’s getting along?” Mercy asks, glancing around the room.
