Chapter 75

Alessia.

Six months later.

“Listen here young woman, you promised to deliver it today. We even signed an agreement so that nothing like this would happen. How can a wedding take place without a cake?” Annie paced as she vented her anger at the person on the other end of the phone.

She stopped pacing and scoffed. “Are you kidding me? You want me to wait for an extra half an hour? Are you sure you’re not a fake baker? If only I’m not busy right now. I would have come right there and give you a piece of my mind myself.”

“Sorry won’t fix this woman! You wasted my time. What will my best girl think of me now? How can she go to the wedding venue with half-baked decorations? I’m giving you half an hour. If you don’t get the cake ready, then expect the police at your door!” Annie ended the call and threw it on the vanity mirror.

“Calm down, little tigress. Why are you getting worked up so early in the morning.” I said adjusting my sitting position on the bed while I awaited Angelo’s reply.

Annie spared me a look, or should I say a glare. “Your wedding is in five hours and you’re sitting here telling me to calm down when we haven’t done anything yet? I don’t think you’re okay in the head.”

I didn’t fail to chuckle at the way she was attacking me with her death glare. “What do you expect me to do? We didn’t want all this extravagant wedding but you guys wouldn’t want to listen. So I don’t care.” I said with a shrug. Just then my phone buzzed with Angelo’s reply.

Angelo: You know that the wedding won’t take place without my presence there. Just hang on a little bit. I will be all yours in a few hours. I’m about to round up the event.

Angelo had gone to Mexico for an art exhibition which is the biggest exhibition in the world that would bring him lots of money. I wanted to tag along but my parents and his parents wouldn’t allow me because they were busy making preparations for our wedding. The preparations have been going on for like a month—or rather the day Angelo proposed to me.

It was the best day and moment of my life. The past couple of months had been a bit rough for us. Angelo’s recovering, dealing with some of the accusations that had been raised against him because he was involved with Dominic and my father’s case.

And I got busy with opening up my own event management company where I take control and have people under me. I won’t say much but would say the couple of months had been both challenging and a blessing to us. I will forever be grateful for having Angelo in my life. Someone I can depend on. He had been my source of support right from the start. Especially in making my dreams come through. That is establishing my company.

My parents and mother had been there too. My mother had been the mastermind behind getting me clients. Even though I told her I can do it. But she wanted to support in her own way. Angelo had recovered although he gets complications at times but the doctor advised him on things to eat and drink. He doesn’t listen that much but I make sure I punish him whenever he wants to slack off. I had that effect on him.

I was brought back to reality by a smack on my shoulder. “I am talking to you woman!” She hissed out frustratingly.

“What?” I rubbed my hand over the spot. “You are the bride but you’re not acting like one. I’m the one running around. I have too many errands to run. The makeup artist!”

“Damn! The makeup artist is supposed to be here!”

“Well, I can go all natural you know. The wedding dress is ready. The makeup isn’t a problem.” I tried to suggest but the look Annie gave me in return made me zip my mouth.

“The makeup is a problem. This wedding isn’t just a simple wedding.”

“But we want something simple.” I defended.

“Shut it! You guys aren’t getting it. This is going to be the biggest wedding in New York. Why did you think we chose this place instead of Italy? We have most of our guests here. You are not going to make things difficult for us. My aunt and my mom have already invited all their friend. So did I. If you don’t have friends, fine. Allow us to take control of that wedding. Just appeared there looking like the real mafia lord bride.”

I rolled my eyes at her remark. “Point of correction. Angelo is no longer a mafia. He’s a normal man like everyone. My Angelo.”

Me: Make sure you arrive before 1 pm. Else forget you're getting married!

I hit the send button. Another smack landed on my back followed by the phone getting snatched by Annie. She read through the message. “Oh, are you guys planning on eloping? What's with the 1 pm? Isn't the wedding by 2 pm?” Annie asked fixing her suspicious eyes on me.

I heaved out a deep breath, got off the bed, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Calm down. You’re still my chief bridesmaids. And he needs to be here before 2 pm to get ready, isn't it? So chill.” I snatched the phone back.

“Let me freshen up. Call the makeup artist. She should not waste time else I will change my mind and go all natural.” I grinned seeing the anger that had begun forming on Annie’s face.

“You will not dare!” I heard her shout but I was already inside the bathroom.

I took my time purposely in the shower just so I would piss Annie off more. One thing I was sure of, Annie wouldn't allow any mistake to occur. She had put in too much effort to back down.

If it was up to Kelvin, they would have been married a month ago. But Annie prefers to celebrate mine first before hers. Tell me why I won’t be grateful every day for having someone like her as my best friend.

By the time I came out of the bathroom, a sly smile was what I was greeted with from Annie. “You thought wasting time would back me off? The makeup artist is here. Get your ass down here. We have less than four hours to get to the venue.” she spared her wristwatch a glance.

I slowly trekked my way towards them. “Can I at least wear something?”

“Come on sit.” she dragged my body and forcefully sat me down. “We are all women here. What you have is what we have. Unless you want to send some nude to your groom.”

“Annie!” she didn't even feel ashamed of the makeup artist who was trying her best not to show a reaction.

“Okay, I won’t say anything. She is the best makeup artist in this city. Please make her beautiful in such a way that her groom will drool over her today.”

A small chuckle erupted from me. “You’re a bad girl.”

She shrugged. “I’m doing all this for my cousin. He has suffered too much in love. I will go check the venue. Call me when you're done.”

“What about your makeup? Don't tell me you're going to ditch me.”

“Don’t worry. Mine will come last.” she winked and alighted out of the room.

As soon as Annie was out of the room, I turned to the ever-ready makeup artist. “Please make it simple. I don't want anything heavy.”

“Sure, Ma’am. Allow me to perform my magic and make you the best bride New York City will ever have.” I don't know why everyone was hell-bent on making this wedding the talk of the town, but let's see how it goes.

**

The makeup took more than an hour. The makeup artist put heavy makeup on my face even after warning her not to. She chose to follow Annie’s instructions than mine. “You traitor!” I glared at the girl.

“Sorry, I had to do more than what you asked for. Maybe you don't know but reporters are looking forward to this wedding. It would be one of the most talked about in this city.”

I rolled my eyes at her remark. She must be kidding me. “I’m serious. Check the internet.” I picked up my phone and the first thing I saw was the hashtag. Everywhere was plastered with Angelo’s face.

“Was he this popular?” I muttered.

“His father had made a positive impact in this country. It was after the bad people have been exposed that people started talking about him.”

“Wait how did you know all these?” I looked at her suspiciously.

“My father once worked for Angelo’s father. I used to hear him talk about him.” my mouth formed into a thin line.

Great. I guess I would be marrying a celebrity then.

The door was busted open with Annie hot on her tail. “Are you….oh my God! Who is this beautiful woman!”

“She is my bride!” she squirmed excitedly. “You look stunning. And you haven't changed into the wedding dress yet you're looking so dashing. Damn! This is going to be mad!”

“You’re so crazy, Annie. Let me take a selfie and send it to—” I didn't get to press the camera button when Annie snatched the phone away.

“Pictures will be later. For now, go get dressed, and let's head to the venue. Everything is set!”

“But Angelo-”

“You guys will meet there. What's with the rush when you're going to be his forever.” she nudged my arm with a wink. “Young lady, please help her in changing. While I take a quick shower before we do my makeup.”

**

I hadn't felt nervous and excited at the same time as I did at the moment in time seeing myself entering the big hall. My face was covered with a veil as I linked my arms with Dad. I could feel people’s eyes on me even through the veil. Flashes of cameras from every direction were flying around. “Be yourself.” I heard Dad whisper next to me. He knew I was nervous but he was there to be with me at every step.

Soft music was playing in the background as we walked the aisle. We finally reached the front where I was greeted with Angelo’s foot. He took it from there. My heart escalated inside as I felt Angelo’s warm hands. I didn't need to look to know the expression on his face.

The priest's voice echoed through the big crowd as he began reciting. All the while I could feel Angelo’s hot gaze on mine. When the priest was done, he handed over the microphone to us to take our wedding vows. Tears filled to the brim of my eyes as Angelo recited his vows. I couldn't finish my own due to how emotional I got.

Finally, it was time to exchange rings. The rings fit perfectly on our fingers. I was still in tears when Angelo lifted my veil. “It's our wedding day and you're crying like a baby.” he frowned.

I chuckled mixed with tears. “I couldn't help it. You were way too much perfect with your words. I had to cry.” I muffled out with a pout.

Angelo circled his hand around my waist and took a step closer. He leaned over to my ears. “Save the tears for later because I would make you scream my name till your last breath.” I sighted Annie with her wicked smile next to Kelvin. She looked extraordinarily beautiful. She and Kelvin looked perfect together.

On the other side were my parents and my mother together with Angelo’s mom. Everyone had a smile on their faces. That was the only thing that mattered. To see everyone happy. “Are you going to kiss me or not?” I said through gritted teeth.

Angelo’s eyes flickered over my lips, to my eyes then back to my lips again. “I’m about to give the world the best show of their lives. So I need to prepare myself for a great kiss.”

“You may now kiss the bride.” the priest reminded. Cameras were ready to capture a great moment. Family and friends were all anticipating us to seal the wedding with a kiss. I wrapped my arms around Angelo’s neck pulling him to me. “Let’s give them a great show then. I love you, my hubby.”

“I love you more, my wifey, my Bella.” with that, we sealed our love with a passionate kiss, giving the audience a lifetime moment to relieve on. It was the best day of my life. To be married to the most important man in my life. I was glad to have crossed paths with him. I was once his captive, now his love and life. I have nothing else to ask but for us to live in happiness and harm. To a greater future together. To a beautiful beginning.

“Congratulations to us!” We whispered to each other, leaning in for another kiss.

THE END.