Chapter 48
The days pass quickly. Luara died after suffering for many days from an infection caused by rat bites. I spoke with John and Adam, which allowed us to move forward. They both understood my choice to stay with Samuel, especially after our tumultuous and unconventional story. Unexpectedly, John Colt decided to keep the wedding planned with his cousin Ágata. When we talked, he explained and confided how he felt.
"I spoke with Ágata, and since we were children, we knew we would get married. With all these changes in marriages, it seemed like we had lost something. I’ve always seen marriage as fulfilling a family role. I felt suffocated knowing I had to marry to maintain power. Now that we know that’s outdated, we just need to choose the right allies. However, even though we don’t love each other, we knew we’d have a peaceful marriage. We decided together to learn to love each other. We’ve shared similar struggles and know what it was like to grow up in the Colt family. We understand how it felt to grow up without a childhood, without the chance to choose, watching Samuel having to kill and become colder every day. We felt how much we lost our innocence to live under the madness of a dictator like Pavel, who only accepted cold and emotionless soldiers."
I remember that his gaze was sad at that moment.
"I know we were always conditioned to have a marriage between us, but choosing it could make all the difference. I think we can allow ourselves to try."
I immediately understood their choice. Ágata is a sweet girl and deserves to be happy. John is cautious and kind, making me believe they’ll be very happy together.
I return my attention to the present and choose one of the wedding dresses Samuel ordered. Today is the day of our private wedding at one of the Colt properties. We’re at a vast estate, rustic but completely luxurious. The walls are of polished concrete, and the floor is travertine marble. Samuel is a reserved man, not fond of extravagance, but he’s extremely elegant. I analyze the dresses laid out on the bed.
"Wow, each one is more beautiful than the last! Which one should I choose?"
"I think maybe one that reflects your personality—something striking, daring, and at the same time, seductive," says Camila, smiling. She’s wearing a gorgeous shimmering blue dress that highlights her enchanting smile.
"Perfect, I think I’ve found the one."
The dress is made entirely of fine white silk, short, with long tulle fringes on the sides, and a plunging neckline that reaches the center of my abdomen, leaving my breasts prominent.
Camila curls the ends of my hair, and Gisele selects a stunning pair of diamond earrings that highlight my blue eyes.
"A true queen," declares Gisele, emotional.
"And when will your wedding take place?" I ask, and Camila blushes when talking about Iurih.
"Iurih and I decided to get married on the beach, at sunset."
"We’ll be waiting for the invitations. And you, Gisele?"
"We’re enjoying ourselves. Adam is fun, and we’re taking things slow," she reveals as she buttons up my dress calmly and then smooths the fringes. The blonde is wearing a killer pink dress that accentuates her perfect curves.
The door opens, and John enters. He’s wearing a gray suit, and his expression is serene. Gisele and Camila hug me and leave the room, giving us privacy. John takes my hand gently.
"I’ve seen how much you’ve changed Samuel, and I hope you both have a happy life. Not only did you make him a better person, but you also gave me a new brother."
"I hope Ágata makes you happy and that you two love each other more every day."
"Not being with someone out of obligation makes all the difference! We’re happy we gave ourselves this chance," John says as he hugs me tightly and then escorts me to the door.
The Bratva security guard signals that we can go. We leave and walk down the corridors to the place prepared for the small ceremony. The garden is fully decorated, with a colonial gazebo in the center adorned entirely with white flowers, and the path to the altar is covered with scattered red rose petals.
I admire the moon and the stars in the sky, and my entire body tingles as I see Samuel standing, waiting for me at the altar. He wears a stunning white suit with a red tie adorned with golden details, highlighting his regal presence. His hair is perfectly styled, and the pale moonlight reflects in his eyes, an intense blue like the ocean. A dark man, consumed by shadows, a broken soul that once wandered lost in search of light, love, and salvation.
I take in every face present here, people who suffered for years and are now relieved to have reached a new beginning. Samuel is a strong leader, but now he has a family to love.
My father approaches, wearing a navy-blue suit. He kisses my cheek and guides me down the flower-lined path to Samuel. My mafioso extends his hand, and I take it gently. I glance at my children out of the corner of my eye, and my heart is filled with joy. The ceremony is brief, and Samuel hugs me tenderly when it ends.
"You may kiss the bride!" the priest declares, smiling.
Samuel looks at me intently, and after his fiery tongue dances erotically over mine, he raises an eyebrow, clearing his throat to speak.
"I know this moment is only symbolic, but I want to say that without you, Tatyana, I would still be lost in the darkness. Thank you, my love, for being my light, my angel, and my wife."
I kiss his warm, full lips as everyone claps happily.
We enter the hall decorated with thousands of white balloons, and the celebration is intimate, attended only by our family. We sit at one of the adorned tables and pick up the babies. I cradle Magno in my arms as he cries softly, and I rock him lovingly. Sarah and Alek smile contentedly in their father’s arms.
"The eldest is Magno. At seven, we’ll start his training," Samuel says, smiling proudly.
"That’s right, our future Pakhan of the Bratva! Such a little crybaby, this Pakhan!" I kiss his soft cheeks, and he smiles. Samuel watches me, his eyes glistening with emotion.
"What’s wrong?" I ask, saddened and concerned.
"Never, not even in my wildest dreams, did I imagine my life would end up like this."
A happy smile forms on my lips, and I declare firmly, "Our life will be amazing from now on!"