Chapter 101 HAPPY ENDING
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AUTHORS’S POV
The grand cathedral was awash with golden light streaming through the stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished stone floors.
Rows of pews were filled with family and friends, their faces beaming with anticipation and joy.
The air was thick with the scent of fresh lilies and roses, arranged in lavish bouquets that lined the aisle.
At the heart of it all stood Adeline, a vision of breathtaking beauty, though her heart raced with a nervous flutter she couldn’t quite tame.
Her wedding gown was a masterpiece—ivory silk cascading over her frame in delicate layers, the bodice adorned with intricate lace that shimmered faintly in the light.
A long, gossamer veil trailed behind her, catching the soft breeze that slipped through the open doors. Her dark hair was swept up elegantly, adorned with tiny pearls that glinted like stars.
She was stunning, radiant, yet her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her veil for the hundredth time, her breath catching in her throat.
Today was the day she’d dreamed of, but the weight of it all pressed against her chest.
The heavy wooden doors creaked open, and her brother Vladimir stepped inside.
Tall and broad-shouldered, with a warm smile that softened his usually stern features, he paused as his eyes landed on her.
For a moment, he simply stared, taking in the sight of his little sister transformed into a bride.
“Adeline,” he said, his voice thick with emotion,
“you look… absolutely beautiful. Beyond words.” His words carried a sincerity that made her eyes well up, and she pressed a hand to her chest, trying to steady herself.
“Vladimir,” she whispered, stepping toward him. “I’m so nervous. What if I trip? What if I forget what to say?” Her voice wavered, a mix of excitement and fear spilling out.
He closed the distance between them, placing his hands gently on her shoulders.
“You won’t,” he assured her, his tone firm yet tender.
“And even if you did, it wouldn’t matter. Everyone here loves you, and Luciano—he’s waiting for you out there like you’re the only thing in the world that matters. You’re going to be fine, Addie. More than fine—you’re going to be happy.”
His eyes glistened slightly, and Adeline felt a lump rise in her throat. They’d been through so much together, and here he was, her rock, steadying her once more.
She threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest for a brief, grounding moment.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Vladimir chuckled softly, pulling back to look at her. “You’d manage. But I’m glad I’m here.” He extended his hand with a gallant flourish, a playful glint in his eye. “Shall we, my lady?”
Adeline laughed through her nerves, a bright, musical sound, and slipped her arm through his. The organ began to play, a swelling, majestic melody that filled the cathedral, signaling the start of the procession.
The doors swung wide, and as they stepped forward, Adeline’s breath caught at the sight before her.
The aisle stretched long and grand, lined with smiling faces—her family, Luciano’s family, friends who’d traveled far to witness this day.
At the end of it all stood Luciano, waiting at the altar. He was striking in his tailored black suit, the crisp white shirt accentuating the sharp lines of his jaw and the warmth of his olive skin.
His dark hair was neatly swept back, and his eyes—those deep, soulful eyes—locked onto her the moment she appeared.
A slow, dazzling smile spread across his face, and Adeline felt her nerves melt into something softer, something like certainty.
Vladimir guided her forward, his steady presence a comfort as her heels clicked softly against the stone. The crowd rose to their feet, a wave of gasps and murmurs rippling through them at her beauty.
Luciano’s mother dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, Charles nodded proudly, and her friends clapped enthusiastically. Adeline’s gaze flickered between them all, but it always returned to Luciano, who looked at her like she was a dream made real.
When they reached the altar, Vladimir squeezed her hand before placing it in Luciano’s outstretched one.
“Take care of her,” he said to Luciano, his voice low but firm, though a smile tugged at his lips.
“Always,” Luciano replied, his eyes never leaving Adeline’s. Vladimir stepped back, joining the family in the front pew, and Adeline felt the warmth of Luciano’s hands envelop hers. She smiled up at him, her heart pounding but now with joy rather than fear.
“You’re gorgeous,” Luciano murmured, just for her, his voice a velvet caress. “I don’t know how I got this lucky.”
She blushed, her cheeks tinting a soft pink, and squeezed his hands in return. The priest, a kindly older man with a gentle demeanor, stepped forward, his robes rustling as he raised his hands to begin.
“Dearly beloved,” he intoned, his voice carrying through the cathedral, “we are gathered here today to witness the union of Adeline and Luciano in holy matrimony…”
The ceremony unfolded like a dream. The vows came first, each word a promise etched into the air between them.
Adeline’s voice trembled slightly as she spoke,
“I, Adeline, take you, Luciano, to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward…”
but she grew steadier with each syllable, her eyes shining as she looked into his. Luciano’s vows were firm, unwavering, his gaze intense as he pledged his life to her.
When they exchanged rings—simple gold bands that gleamed in the light—Adeline’s hands shook again, but Luciano steadied them with his own, sliding the ring onto her finger with a tenderness that made her heart skip.
The priest smiled warmly as he reached the final words.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Luciano, you may kiss your bride.”
Luciano didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward, his hands cupping Adeline’s face, and pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss.
The world seemed to fade away—the cathedral, the guests, the music—all swallowed by the warmth of his lips against hers.
She melted into him, her hands resting against his chest as she kissed him back, a shy but radiant smile breaking through when they finally parted.
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, her family standing and clapping with unrestrained delight.
As they turned to face their loved ones, Luciano leaned close, his breath tickling her ear.
“You’re mine now, Mrs. Luciano Morelli,” he teased, his voice low and flirtatious.
“Better get used to me making you blush like that.”
Adeline’s cheeks flared red again, and she nudged him playfully, though her smile was wide and unguarded. “You’re terrible,” she whispered, but her eyes sparkled with happiness.
The sun shone brightly outside as they stepped into the day as husband and wife, hand in hand, surrounded by love and laughter.
It was a beautiful beginning, one they’d remember forever.