Chapter 33 Yes, I do ..
Dahlia.
" I just saw Dalton's mother walking out. " My mother stated, a curious smile playing on her lips, and my brain froze, with heat creeping to my face..
Even the makeup that I wore couldn't shadow how pale my face became.
Dalton's mother? My soon-to-be mother-in-law? My thoughts were racing, and so was my heartbeat! And when I recalled how uncensored my words were earlier during the encounter, I wanted to completely bury myself! I had even brazenly asked her to help get rid of Jason! What kind of daughter-in-law was I? Some murderer?
" What did you two talk about?" I was drawn back from my thoughts by my Mom's concerned voice. I guess, with how smart she was, she had already noticed the shift in my demeanour.
" Well, judging from how sickly pale your face is, your first encounter with your future mother-in-law didn't go well." She noted, but the expression on her face was unreadable as she rearranged my gown..
" Well, it doesn't matter, actually. Your mother is here. No one will bully you again. " She added, the previous cheerfulness returning to her face as she intimately held my hand.
" I want you to meet someone, instead. " She added, her eyes flying to the door, rare nervousness evident in her posture, especially the way her grip tightened around my hand, like she dreaded whatever was about to happen.
Well, that actually distracted me from those gruelling thoughts surrounding my first interaction with Dalton's Mom..
Shortly after, a tall, authoritative, and steady frame walked through the door, his dominant aura leaking out, with each step that he took.
He was hot, with firm yet pleasing features, you know, the sharp jaw lines, intense eyes.
I didn't have much experience, especially around the underworld, but I could tell with just a look. He looked like a person who played with guns, a lot, just like Dalton. There was that ruthless streak in his eyes that could only be acquired from years of shedding blood and taking lives.
And when he approached, when our eyes locked, something in me. I felt it, even the little tremor in my heart.
Some things were hard to understand, and yet, hard to ignore. It was like my heart took a bow of recognition when we saw each other.
And then there was the way he froze when he saw me, the way he looked at my face, as if he was searching for something, a sign.
And, his eyes, they looked familiar,...like mine? No! I shook my head, peering my gaze from his, turning to face my mother instead, my gaze probing.
The ever composed Amy Bank looked flustered.
" Dahlia? Meet Sebastian... ..he is your uncle. " Her voice shook as she stressed, fighting hard to stay composed.
Uncle? That name was new, foreign, even..
My gaze flickered between the two of them, and the way Sebastian's gaze darkened when he was introduced as an uncle didn't escape my even keener eyes. Let's not talk about the obvious tension between them.
Naturally, I also had my own doubts, but that could wait. Dalton's mother had successfully ruined my day. I couldn't take another blow. I wanted my wedding to be perfect, memorable, and piecing together things I didn't know didn't fit into that puzzle.
" Uncle Sebastian?" I acknowledged, stretching my hand to shake his, and the grip felt tight and safe, You know? like the feeling of knowing you are safe, at home? I couldn't explain it, but I couldn't ignore the warmth that spread to my heart either.
A small smile tagged at the corners of my lips, returning his awkward one. He didn't look like a person who smiled a lot. It was painfully obvious and refreshing, too. It was better than a fake smile, no?
" Dahlia? Can I walk you down the aisle?" He asked, carefully, and yet, there was the eagerness masked under his tone, that I noted.
Walking me down the aisle? That question nearly brought tears to my eyes. Fck! I didn't want you to cry.
For the longest time, I had looked forward to being walked down the aisle by Brooks, but now?
I hadn't even thought about it until Uncle Sebastian asked. To say I was hurt and touched at the same time?
" Yes, I will appreciate that," I whispered, flushing him a soft and grateful smile, and he nodded, obvious joy evident in his eyes.
The white Limo was already parked outside the door, and while the driver opened the door for me, Uncle Sebastian opened the other for my mom, like a perfect gentleman.
The silent understanding between them was obvious, and so was the tension, and the curiosity that rhythmed with my heartbeat.
The ride from home to the wedding venue was short, punctuated by silence and heartbeats, and when I stepped out, I couldn't help it. Tears glistened at the corners of my eyes.
It was everything I had ever fantasised about, and more.
The sun was almost kissing the blossoming sky, blushing with beautiful and orange hues.
It was a seaside afternoon wedding, with a red carpet over the smooth sands, champagne towers over velvet-themed tables, a temporary stage, canopied by white and pink daisies, and eager guests who sat in white silk-wrapped chairs.
The arrangement was understatedly beautiful. A fantasy wedding, the kind that forever curves itself in your heart, your memories.
As I took everything in, my breath shook, and the air left my lungs. My dream wedding, in my dream dress, with my dream husband.
Yeah. My dream husband wasn't just a name. He was an intentional person, and that person was Dalton Riggs.
And I couldn't wait to be his wife.
I could feel unfamiliar eyes on me, burning with curiosity, and equal curiosity burned through me too as I looked forward.
And there he was, in a black bespoke suit, looking firm and sinfully breathtaking, his posture pumped by confidence and tenderness as he looked at me.
The twinkle in his eyes when he saw me, the relief that painted his face, he looked like he had just released a breath that he'd been holding for a long time..
He looked like a person who couldn't wait to mark their bride. He looked everything, an eager groom.
In the background, distinct music was interluding, blending in with the ocean waves, peacefully, calmly, it was like the very nature was also pleased with our union.
Uncle Sebastian firmly held my hand and gave me an affirming nod, before he walked me down the aisle.
A mixture of anticipation, excitement, and anxiety coursed violently through me, and, if Uncle Sebastian's presence wasn't so protective next to me, I would have tripped over myself.
The walk from the entrance all the way to the altar felt like floating through the air, and the entire time, Dalton's eyes were on me, as if he was staring at the most precious thing, ever, without blinking, like he was afraid I would disappear if he did.
Uncle Sebastian gave a curt nod. Typical mafia family. No unnecessary words were exchanged. Just gazes, sharpened with warnings scarier than words ever could. It was like a telepathic communication, one that Dalton nodded to, seriously, as he took my hand from Uncle Sebastian's.
"Yes, I do. I will love her, cherish her, from now, till I draw my last breath." Dalton's vows were short, and yet, they had my heart faltering. Till I draw my last breath...Words that came from a place deeper. It was the most sincere words I had ever heard.
" Do you Dahlia Banks take Dalton Riggs as your.."The priest asked, and even before he could finish, I was already nodding.
I had never been so eager in my entire life.
After I said yes, Dalton didn't even wait for the priest's signal, he directly locked my lips with his, locking me into a deep, dominant, and expressive kiss, one that left me breathless.
The background faded around as I kissed him back, with the same fire, the same intensity.
From a distance, I could hear them, the camera shutters, the cheers, and the applause. The media was present, the news of our wedding was going to hit the headlines ...
" You are mine now, Dahlia Banks." Shortly after breaking the kiss, Dalton whispered, as he placed the ring on my finger.
And the world around disappeared, and it was just Dalton, and the expensive gold ring around my finger, and a future, so bright, it burned my imaginary eyes. .
I opened my mouth, ready to respond, but I didn't get the chance.
A loud and deafening sound tore through the air, echoing with the ocean waves. Music stopped, applause died,
Dalton's body went rigid, and when I turned, a shaky gasp tore past my lips..