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.
Celia's body stiffened, a surge of fear washing over her like a chilling wave. The memories she had been trying to suppress threatened to resurface, tormenting her fragile state of mind. "It's okay," Venezio reassured her gently, sensing her hesitation. He urged her not to speak if she did not feel ready to share her pain.
Drawing a deep breath, Venezio reached out to the packet of tissues and retrieved some tissues. Tenderly, he held her chin upwards, his eyes filled with a mixture of worry, regret, and a tinge of anger. As he carefully wiped away the traces of sweat and tears from her delicate features, Celia found herself nervously studying his face.
She saw the lines etched on his forehead, evidence of his concern and the weight he carried alongside her. The subtle quiver of his jaw betrayed the anger simmering within him, a reflection of the injustices they had both witnessed. Yet, amidst the storm of emotions, there was a glimmer of remorse in his eyes, a testament to his longing for redemption.
Gently, she began to speak, her voice meek and laden with the weight of her confession. "I don't think I would ever be able to remove the blood of innocents from my life, my own children—" Her sentence remained unfinished, interrupted by Venezio's timely intervention.
He reached out, his touch as gentle as a feather, and placed a finger on her quivering lips, hushing her words. His eyes held a profound understanding and empathy, as he spoke with unwavering sincerity.
"You don't have to bear this burden alone, Celia. Together, we will find solace and heal our wounded souls. We shall seek redemption, making amends for the past and crafting a brighter future for ourselves and our loved ones. You may punish me if you wish, but please, do not suffer in solitude. The loss we have endured is not your fault. Do not punish yourself. You have given me a chance to make things right. Let me walk beside you, be yours and yours alone, through the joys and challenges that lie ahead."
Celia met his gaze, her eyes shimmering with a mix of relief and determination. She nodded, finding solace and strength in his unwavering support. Her hands tenderly caressed his face, drawing him closer until their lips collided in a fervent, passionate kiss. The unexpected intensity of her actions momentarily caught him off-guard, but he quickly surrendered, their lips moving in perfect harmony. Eyes closed, hands tightly intertwined, she straddled on his lap, deepening the kiss, losing themselves in the raw intensity of their connection. In that stolen moment, the world around them faded into insignificance.
However, amidst the whirlwind of emotions, a sudden realization pierced Venezio's consciousness. Were they rushing into marriage too hastily, in the wake of Celia's recent breakdown and panic attack? He gently pulled away, feeling her uneven breaths caress his neck, her flushed face challenging his self-control. Swallowing hard, he mustered the courage to voice his concerns, his voice laced with desire.
"If you wish, we can postpone the wedding for another day," he murmured, his husky voice betraying his inner turmoil. Celia opened her eyes, staring at him intensely, her response poised on the precipice of her lips. A small, resolute smile formed as she made her decision.
"Let's proceed with the ceremony today," she declared, her voice carrying a quiet determination that dispelled any lingering doubts.
"Are you certain?" he inquired, seeking affirmation.
With a nod and a radiant smile, she answered in a firm and unwavering tone, "Absolutely."
Standing up together, Venezio straightened his impeccable tuxedo, while Celia meticulously adjusted the folds of her elegant dress. Turning to him, "I require a few minutes alone, if you please," she requested. Venezio contemplated for a moment, his gaze unwavering, before conceding, "Just remember, sweetheart, if you find yourself feeling low or burdened, I am merely a call away. Do not push yourself beyond your limits. Take care of yourself, and know that I will be waiting for you." She nodded, the weight of his words sinking into her soul, as he tenderly placed a kiss upon her forehead and departed, leaving her to gather her thoughts.
Left to her own devices, Celia took a deep breath, pacing slowly with closed eyes. She recognized the progress she had made since her lowest point. Straightening her dress with purpose, she braced herself for the next chapter of her life. The room soon filled with an air of anticipation as the family female attendants and makeup artists entered, delicately touching up her appearance again, their expert hands ensuring she radiated with grace and beauty.
A knock echoed through the wooden door, and upon receiving permission, it swung open, revealing the familiar figures adorned with genuine smiles and well fitted formal attires. Mister Ricci stepped forward, his arms outstretched, enveloping Celia in a warm, comforting embrace. Warren and Dante followed suit, each kissing her forehead and offering heartfelt compliments.
"I never expected you to marry that scoundrel again," Dante remarked aloud, his mischievous tone tugging at Celia's lips.
"Well, haven't I always enjoyed surprising you?" she playfully retorted, winking at him, evoking laughter from everyone present.
"Are you ok?"
"Now, absolutely fit and fine," she answered joyfully easing their worries.
"Shall we?" Mister Ricci inquired, his voice gentle and assuring.
"Yes," Celia replied, a confident nod accompanying her response.
Extending his arm, Mister Ricci offered it to Celia, her delicate hand securely clasping his arm. Lifting the front of her gown, with Dante graciously holding the trailing mermaid tail fabric, they began their procession through the corridor, moving effortlessly towards the front of the grand estate where an exquisite wedding ceremony awaited them.
Upon reaching the grand entrance, Ziana, with her impeccable grace, stepped forward, presenting Celia with a bouquet of white roses. As the rest of the attendees made their exit, leaving only Mister Ricci and Celia behind, Inizio and Valencia appeared, their small hands clutching a small basket of flowers.
"Shall we proceed?" Mister Ricci asked once more, his voice carrying a paternal tenderness.
Celia nodded, a serene smile gracing her lips.
A pathway adorned with roses, delicately arranged curtains, flickering candles, and enchanting fairy lights stretched from the front entrance, leading to a beautifully decorated stage. With each step Celia took, her gaze fixed on the two little figures standing before her. Inizio and Valencia, welcomed her by scattering petals, adding an ethereal touch to her journey. Crossing the aisle and ascending the stage, Celia's attention shifted to the hand extended before her. Taking a deep breath, she reached out, her fingertips brushing against his palm, eliciting a shiver that danced along her spine.
"Take care of my daughter, young man. Or else you'll regret the consequences deeply," Mister Ricci warned in an authoritative tone, his piercing gaze fixed upon Venezio. Venezio met his gaze, his determination palpable as he replied, "I would rather die than hurt her again. You don't need to worry." The exchange carried an unspoken truth, reinforcing their shared commitment. Celia lifted her dark eyes to meet Venezio's stormy grey gaze, swirling with a multitude of emotions.
He tightened his hold on her hand, a silent promise conveyed through his touch, as he gently guided her onto the adorned stage. Standing face to face, the world around them faded into insignificance, leaving only the pulsating energy between them. A throat being cleared broke their trance, grounding them back to reality.
"Shall we begin?" the priest inquired, his voice carrying a sense of solemnity.
Venezio arched an eyebrow, silently seeking Celia's confirmation. She responded with a radiant smile and a nod.
"Sure," Venezio assured the priest.
As the priest began reciting the sacred vows, a reverent hush fell over the crowd, their voices silenced in anticipation. Once again, Venezio and Celia found themselves locked in each other's captivating gaze.
"Do you, Venezio Cassano, take Celia Ferrari as your lawfully wedded wife? Will you live together in the sacred bond of marriage? Do you promise to cherish her, to love and comfort her? Will you honor her, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, for richer or poorer? Will you forsake all others and remain faithful to her until the end of your days?" the priest intoned, his words carrying the weight of eternity.
Venezio's stormy grey eyes met Celia's, and an electric current coursed through her veins as his gaze deepened. With bated breath, she awaited his response.
"I do," he spoke with a rich and resonant voice, his declaration met with applause, whistles, and cheers from the gathered crowd. A smile graced his lips as he observed the flush that colored Celia's cheeks, her shy demeanor adding to her allure. The priest turned his attention to Celia, presenting her with the same vows and awaiting her acceptance.
Celia's gaze swept over the expectant faces, lingering on her beloved son. When Inizio nodded in approval, a chuckle escaped her, as he gave her a playful thumbs-up, encouraged by her little boy's unwavering support.
Turning back to Venezio, she answered with conviction, her voice resounding through the venue, "I do." Her melodious response quickened the rhythm of Venezio's heart, and although the soft glow of the twinkling lights attempted to mask the hint of a blush adorning his neck and ears, Celia, being so close, could discern his subtle attempt. Her lips curved into a knowing smile, and a suppressed giggle escaped, causing Venezio to raise an eyebrow in amusement, to which she shook her head in playful denial.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the priest proclaimed, igniting a wave of whistles and applause from the ecstatic crowd. Cupping Celia's face tenderly, Venezio tilted her head to the side before their lips met in a gentle yet passionate kiss, symbolizing the sealing of their union. As the kiss deepened, her hands instinctively found their way to his nape, pulling him closer, their connection fueled by an irresistible passion. Celia blushed deeply, feeling the intensity of their bond as they finally broke the kiss. Inizio bounded towards them, and they both crouched down, enveloping their little bundle of joy in a warm embrace, showering him with affectionate kisses.
"Congratulations!" he exclaimed enthusiastically, a sheepish grin adorning his face.
"Thank you, my love," Celia replied, placing tender kisses on his cheeks and ruffling his hair. Her gaze then shifted to the matching attire of father and son.
Clad in matching black tuxedos that hugged their frames flawlessly, Venezio and Inizio exuded a timeless elegance. Venezio's hair, neatly styled and gelled back, showcased his handsome features, while a single strand danced upon his forehead. Inizio's hair, styled to the side, mirrored his father's dapper appearance.
With the vows completed, the attendees extended their heartfelt congratulations. Lighthearted threats were seriously whispered to Venezio, reminding him to keep Celia perpetually happy. As the evening progressed, the celebration of their new journey continued, with champagne flowing and delectable meals being savored. The air was filled with heartfelt conversations, devoid of any lingering animosity. Together, they indulged and rejoiced in this new chapter, united in love and bound by shared aspirations.