Chapter 89 The Simple Vow

Chapter 89 The Simple Vow
The morning sun was bright over the Damiano house. The gardens looked completely different, with thousands of white roses on the stone walls, long white ribbons moving in the warm wind, and in the middle of the grass, under a very old oak tree, was a simple white altar.

Salvatore was the first person to arrive in the garden, sitting in a wheelchair with a thick wool blanket over his legs. Even though the afternoon was warm, he felt cold. His face was very pale as he looked at the flowers and the altar. 

"It looks very nice," Salvatore said, his lips tugging into a slight smile, his voice a low rasp.

Adriano stood behind him, nodding. "It is perfect, sir."

The guests started to arrive in small groups. Only the people who had fought for the family were there. Vincent Harrington stood at the front, wearing a sharp black suit. Beside him were Hilson and Valeria’s parents. There were no cameras, no paparazzi.

Luca and Alexander walked to the altar together, both wearing dark suits. Luca looked calm, but his hands were tight at his sides. Alexander, on the other hand, looked like a man who had been through a lot. He kept pulling at his tie. Luca reached over and tapped his hand.

"Stop fidgeting," he whispered. "You look good."

"I’m nervous," Alexander replied. "I have faced guns that felt easier than this."

"Just breathe," Luca said calmly. "They are coming."

The music started; a slow song played on a violin. The garden went very quiet.

Valeria came out first, walking down the aisle slowly, dressed in a simple off-the-shoulder white gown that moved smoothly around her as she walked. She didn’t notice the guests; her eyes were locked on Luca as she only saw the man waiting for her at the altar. When she reached him, he took her hands.

Then, Isabella came out.

She looked beautiful in a white mermaid-like gown. Because Salvatore was too weak to walk, Vincent Harrington stepped forward. He walked her down the aisle. Isabella looked at her father in his wheelchair and smiled at him, blowing him a kiss. Then she looked at Alexander, her eyes full of love.

The wedding started. Luca and Valeria stood in front of the priest first as they said their vows.

"Valeria," Luca said, his voice filled with emotion. "I spent a long time looking for the truth, and I almost lost you. You gave me a second chance. You helped me trust again. I promise to be your partner. I promise to be honest every day. I promise to fight for our love for the rest of my life."

Valeria had tears in her eyes. "Luca, I have loved you for a long time. I promise to be your home. From today, we will have no more secrets. It is just us."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest said.

Luca pulled her close and pressed his lips against her as the guests clapped and cheered. 

Then it was time for Isabella and Alexander, as they joined their hands together.

"Alexander," Isabella said. "You are my hero. You took hits for me. You kept me safe. You are my home. I’m not afraid when you are near me. I promise to love you always."

Alexander looked at her, like the happiest man on earth. "Isabella, you are the reason I’m alive today. I used to think I was just a man without a soul, but you showed me what real happiness feels like. I promise to be a good husband every day to you, to care for you, and be there for you at all times."

When they kissed, it was passionate and tender. Isabella wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close, as if she were never going to let him go.

Salvatore watched them from his wheelchair, with tears streaming down his weathered face. For the first time in years, he felt light; the weight on his chest was finally gone.

After the ceremony, the family gathered around him.

"Thank you," Salvatore whispered, looking at Vincent. "You saved my children."

He looked at Valeria and Alexander. "You are my children now. Welcome to the family. And Luca, Isabella... I love you more than words can say. My work is done."

His voice broke, and his children leaned in, embracing him gently. 

As night fell, the house became quiet. The guests left, and the house felt peaceful.

In their bedroom, Luca and Valeria were finally alone. The door clicked shut, and they made love with an intensity that celebrated their new beginning. Afterward, they lay tangled together in the silk sheets, the moonlight filtering through the window.

"We should have many children," Luca whispered, his arm around her waist. "A house full of them."

"I like that," Valeria said, resting her head on his shoulder. "Growing old with you in a house full of noise sounds like a dream."

"It’s not a dream anymore," he replied, kissing her forehead.

In the other wing of the house, Isabella and Alexander entered their room. Alexander looked at her, standing there in her white dress, and felt like he was dreaming.

"Come here," he said softly.

He reached for the zipper of her dress with gentle touches. He didn't rush. He savored every moment. They made love slowly and deeply, their bodies moving together in the dark. Every touch was a promise kept.

Later, Isabella rested her head on his bare chest, listening to the steady, strong beat of his heart, feeling like it was the best sound in the world.

"We finally made it, Alex," she whispered. "We made it through the darkness."

Alexander stroked her hair, his fingers moving through the long strands. "I’m never letting you go, Isabella. Never."

"Where should we live?" she asked quietly. "I want a garden of my own. Somewhere quiet. Away from the city."

"Wherever you want," Alexander promised. "We will build a life that belongs only to us."

They talked for hours in the dark, planning a future that was bright and clear. Eventually, they fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

Across the hall, Salvatore lay awake in his bed. He could hear the quiet hum of the house, but for the first time, he wasn't afraid. He felt a profound peace. His children were safe. His legacy was in good hands. He closed his eyes and let out a long, slow breath, knowing that his work was finally finished.