Chapter 200

Chapter 200
Victor: POV

Standing at the altar with Vera by my side, I felt a strange mix of nervousness and certainty.

The grand hall glowed with soft lighting, and the string quartet's music floated through the air, creating the perfect atmosphere for what I was about to do.

Around us, family, friends, and business associates from around the world watched expectantly.

News cameras positioned discreetly at the back were broadcasting this "wedding" between Mikhail Bradley and Elena Chen to the world.

Little did they know they were about to witness something else entirely.

I looked at my wife, breathtaking in her white wedding gown.

The dress hugged her curves perfectly, the slight swell of her pregnancy barely noticeable beneath the fabric.

Her eyes met mine, filled with excitement and nervousness. She had no idea what I had planned, thinking she was here only as Elena's maid of honor.

Elena stepped forward, gently placing the veil over Vera's face. My wife's confusion was evident in her furrowed brow, but Elena just smiled mysteriously before stepping back.

Through the delicate fabric, I could see Vera's mind working, trying to piece together what was happening. Her eyes widened with realization just as the officiator cleared his throat.

"Today," he began, his voice resonating through the hall, "we are gathered not only to celebrate the love that exists between Viktor and Vera, but to reaffirm it. To reaffirm their vows, their promises, and the bond that has only grown stronger."

Vera's eyes locked with mine, shining with unshed tears. I took her hand, squeezing it gently. The soft gasp that escaped her lips sent a thrill through me.

After everything we'd been through, I could still surprise her, still make her heart race.

I ran my thumb across her palm in slow circles, feeling her shiver at my touch.

Even here, in front of everyone, I couldn't help but tease her.

Her cheeks flushed pink beneath the veil, and I knew she felt it too—that electric current that had always flowed between us.

"Would you like to say your own vows?" the officiator asked, looking between us.

"I would," I answered without hesitation, my voice steady despite the emotions churning inside me.

Turning to face Vera fully, I took both her hands in mine. The hall fell silent, the air thick with anticipation.

"Vera..." I began, my voice deeper than usual. "When we first stood here, I promised to love you, to cherish you. But I didn't fully understand what those vows meant, even though my heart did. Since then, I have only grown to love you more. Every day with you has been a gift..."

My voice caught slightly, but I pushed through. This wasn't the time for my usual restraint. She deserved to hear everything I felt.

"Love is you, honey... You've brought a peace to my life I never thought possible..."

I continued, watching as tears began streaming down her face. "I can't promise life will always be perfect, but I promise that no matter what happens, I'll be here. I will always be yours."

Her hands trembled in mine, and I held them tighter, anchoring her to me as I always had.

When I finished, Vera was openly crying, tears soaking into the delicate lace of her veil.

The officiator nodded toward Vera, silently asking if she wanted to speak.

"I didn't expect this moment to feel more real than the first time," she began, her voice quivering slightly. "From the beginning, it has always been you..."

My heart swelled at her words, at the raw emotion in her voice.

"Though we've faced challenges, they've only made us stronger, our love more determined," she continued. "I'm glad you finally learned to express your love with words."

I chuckled softly, bringing her hand to my lips for a quick kiss.

"But honestly," she said, her voice breaking, "I never thought I would have the kind of love we share... but I found you. You are my whole world. You are where my heart belongs, where my home is. I promise to love you, in every moment, until the day I die."

Tears streamed down her face, but her smile never faltered as she looked at me. My Vera, was so strong, so beautiful, so completely mine.

I couldn't wait another second.

Pulling her closer, I captured her lips with mine, pouring every ounce of my love into that kiss.

The officiator cleared his throat, reminding us we weren't alone.

Reluctantly, I broke the kiss, but kept Vera firmly in my arms.

"Congratulations, Vera and Viktor Quinn," the officiator announced, his voice warm with approval.

"Today, you have reaffirmed your vows, recommitting yourselves to one another. I am honored to pronounce you, once again, husband and wife. You've already kissed, but now, with my permission, you may kiss again to seal your reaffirmed vows!"

I grinned, pulling my blushing wife back into my arms and kissing her with an urgency that surprised even me.

My tongue slipped past her lips, exploring her mouth with a passion that made her melt against me.

I could feel her body responding, her breath quickening as I held her tighter.

Having my wife kissed like this, in front of the world—literally, with the television broadcast—felt so intense, so erotic.

She trembled in my arms, her body soft and yielding as the kiss deepened.

The world around us disappeared. There was only Vera, only the heat of our bodies pressed together, only the love that had survived death, betrayal, and separation.

When we finally broke apart, gasping for air, the crowd erupted in applause.

Vera's face was flushed, her lips swollen from my kiss. I ran my thumb across her lower lip, savoring her reaction.

"I love you, sweetheart," I whispered, my voice rough with emotion. "I love you so fucking much."

"I love you too, honey," she whispered back, her hands cradling my face as if I were something precious.

I couldn't resist kissing her again, briefly but deeply.

"Get a room!" someone shouted from the crowd, causing us both to laugh.

Sweeping her into my arms, I carried her like the bride she was, heading toward the corner where our family waited eagerly to congratulate us.