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Happy new year lovelies 🎊
Her mesmerized gaze fixed upon her reflection, adorned in a magnificent white mermaid-tail wedding dress. The delicate spaghetti straps revealed her creamy arms, while the sweetheart neckline accentuated her figure, highlighting her body's contours flawlessly. Her lustrous tresses were elegantly braided, adorned with fresh lilies, and secured in a bun. The makeup upon her face was elegantly flexed, except for the captivating dark red lipstick that painted her lips. With a dreamy smile, she tenderly caressed the ring on her finger.
As her heart pounded against her chest, a swarm of butterflies fluttered within her, a mix of nervousness and exhilaration. The dressing room was filled with the presence of Dalia, Ziana, Velancia, Alessia, Braelyn, and three makeup artists.
"Nervous?" Braelyn inquired, noticing her biting her inner cheek and lips, a sign of her uneasiness. Celia hesitantly nodded, her head brimming with anxiety.
"It's normal, it's okay," Braelyn reassured. "Take deep breaths or think of things that bring you comfort." She offered her advice, and Celia followed, taking deep breaths, trying to lose herself in thoughts of the person who brought her solace. However, the heaviness in her heart persisted.
Inizio, is your child safe and sound with you.
Venezio is waiting for you, ready to redeem himself for you and Inizio. Dante, Warren, and Mister Ricci are your family; you are not alone.
Her eyes closed, her breaths grew ragged and heavy suddenly. Blurred images of blood stained between her legs and on her hands flashed before her eyes. Overwhelmed, she crouched down, seeking support from the nearby table.
"Don't dwell on it... No, don't. You did nothing wrong."
She whispered to herself, trying to drown out the past memories. The sounds of voices calling out, consoling, and shouting failed to penetrate her consciousness. Abruptly, she sat down, covering her ears with her trembling hands. Despite the chilled air-conditioning, perspiration rolled down her features.
"Mama... Blood."
She whimpered, unable to escape the haunting memories. "Stop!" she cried out, shaking her head, oblivious to the door opening and an agitated Venezio striding toward her, followed by the other men.
Gently intertwining his hands with hers, Venezio embraced her, casting a shoulder glance at everyone else in the room, silently gesturing for them to leave. One by one, they departed, closing the door behind them. Celia found it difficult to relax until several long minutes passed. Finally, as she breathed in the familiar scent of his cologne and felt the comforting touch of his hand on her head and back, she gradually relaxed in his arms.
Her breaths slowly normalized, her heart finding a steady rhythm. The turbulent storm within her began to calm, finding solace in his presence. "You're not alone, sweetheart," he murmured softly against her hair. Celia clung tightly to his tuxedo jacket, her clenched fists conveying her desperation. A sob escaped her lips, her delicate shoulders quivering with each convulsive cry.
Venezio remained silent, understanding the weight of her pain. He pulled her closer, his arms enveloping her in a soothing embrace. His touch was tender and reassuring, as he gently patted her back and planted soft kisses on her tear-streaked cheeks. 
The distant symphony of crickets chirping filled the air, blending harmoniously with the rhythmic lapping of the waves against the shore. Venezio, his voice barely above a whisper, broke the silence. "What was it about?" His words hung in the air, laden with a mixture of curiosity and concern.