Chapter 097

Mirabella's Pov

In my younger days, my mother made it a point to make me feel like a princess. She'd dress me up, doll me up, making sure I felt as content, beautiful, seen, and happy as possible.

"You're a princess, my love, and all princesses always have their wish granted to them. All you have to do when you want something is to wish upon it and it'll all be yours. You deserve all the best life has to offer," she'd say.

I didn't believe her.

And the tragic events of my life were enough reasons not to believe her.

But today, as I stand by the grand door of the St. Peter's Basilica Rome, with my daughter by the right side of me, and my son by the left side of me, both of them holding my hands and ready to lead me down the aisle where I'll once again exchange my vows with their father, this time in truth and from the depth of my heart, I now have an understanding of what my mother used to say to me.

As my husband comes into view, holding our eight month old babbling daughter to his chest as he nervously awaits me at the end of the aisle, I realize that my mother wasn't wrong about her theory.

This is what I've always wished for. It has always been my desire: a grand wedding of this manner, this exotic wedding dress, a man whom I love, a man who adores me, and a complete family.

I got the wedding, I got the location, I got the dress, I got my man, I got my children, and I got the family I've always wanted.

I have all I've ever wanted.

I paid the price and I'm reaping the benefits of it.

And this man who I love with all of my heart, my perfect man-it didn't seem like it before, it didn't seem as though he was good enough, but now, he's working so hard to prove himself.

He's the perfect father to our children, the perfect partner, and the smartest man I've ever known. Don't get me started on that handsome, angelic face.

I love him.

"You're absolutely perfect today, Mamà," my son says, looking up at me with so much love in his eyes.

"I hope to one day find what you and papà have," my daughter whispers, tears in her eyes.

I chuckle, my heart swelling with pride because I know I am setting the perfect example for my children. I am teaching them that as bloody and cruel as our world might seem to be, love still exists. Genuine love.

As I near my husband, I find his eyes brimmed with tears. He looks at me with adoration, as though he worships me.

He does worship me.

"You're absolutely beautiful, mi vida," he breathes as he hands Zarya over to Mariana and takes my hand. "I prefer it this second time around."

And I understand what he means. The first time, it was arranged, and I walked down that aisle by a different name.

I was Annabella Marcelo, a green eyed girl.

Today, I'm Mirabella Denaro. I am myself.

"Me too," I reply, fighting back tears.

As usual, the priest leads the occasion. It's beautiful, it's serene, it's intimate, it's genuine.

And when the priest announces that it is time we exchange our vows, Matteo wastes no time in stealing the moment.

"On our wedding day, years ago, on this same platform, I pledged to love you in sickness and in health, and for better or worse. I swore before God and man that I was going to make you the happiest woman alive, but those were lies. I was not good to you, I was not a worthy man, I was not worthy enough to be called your husband, and yet, you continued to stand by me."

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. I never believed this verse until you came along, Mirabella. You changed me, you changed my perception of things, you beautified my life in ways I never imagined possible, you are my everything. . ."

Beautiful words flow from his mouth, bringing me to tears.

I am happy. I have it all. I am that girl.

And together with my man, and my amazing children, I'm certain my life will continue to unravel beautifully.

As the exchange of vows transform into exchange of rings then into a full blown luxury party, I find myself smiling widely all through the night.

And as we draw the curtains close, I know that I can now beat my chest and hold my chin high when I say that life is beautiful. It might take time, but once you find the beauty in life, there's no turning back.

I'll say it again; Life is beautiful.

The End.