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“Mr. Donatelli,” the priest nods at him, “please share your vows.”
Elio clears his throat, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand. “Aria,” he says, voice thick with emotion, “I have spent years in a world that demanded force, control, and sacrifice. I never thought I’d find someone who could pull me out of it, someone who’d make me want more. Until you stepped into my life. You showed me that true love does exist. Something I never thought I was capable of feeling…or giving. You gave me something worth leaving everything behind for. You are my peace… You are myhome. And I swear, for the rest of my life, I will love you, honor you, and protect you.”
A lump rises in my throat. My eyes sting. I squeeze his hands back, trying to breathe past the emotions swelling inside me. My eyes blur with tears, but I don’t let them fall.
“Miss Abruzzi,” the priest turns to me, “please share your vows.”
I swallow, my throat tight. I raise my teary eyes to look into Elio’s eyes. “I…” I pause, collecting myself. “I once heard that love isn’t just about finding the right person, but choosing them every day. Elio, I choose you. I choose you over and over, every single day. I choose you in the quiet moments and the loud ones, in the easy days and the impossible ones. I promise to love you fiercely, to challenge you, to laugh with you, and to hold your hand through every chapter of our story. You have all of me, and I have you.”
A single tear escapes down my cheek, and Elio catches it with his thumb, his smile soft and knowing.
Looking stunning in her champagne-colored satin gown, Mia steps forward to hand me the diamond ring with a proud smile. I collect the ring, just as Elio does the same with Cortez. Smiling at each other, we slip the rings onto each other’s ring finger.
The priest clasps his hands together. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He nods at Elio. “You may now kiss the bride.”
The words are barely out of the priest’s mouth. His hands frame my face as he leans in, his lips pressing against mine. He tastes like home. The room erupts in cheers, but all I hear is the sound of my own heart beating in time against him.
***
The music shifts from instrumental jazz to a soft, romantic melody floating through the room as the lights dim slightly. A hush spreads as Elio and I step onto the dance floor.
The moment we take our first step, wisps of artificial smoke curl around our feet, creating the illusion that we are dancing on clouds. Elio’s hand is wrapped firmly against my waist, his touch anchoring the small of my back as we move in perfect rhythm. The music swells, and he spins me slowly, his eyes never leaving mine.
A soft murmur ripples through the crowd; awed whispers, quiet sighs, and the occasional “They look perfect together.” The ballroom is jam-packed with Dad’s colleagues from work, my friends from both school and my internship, a few of Mario’s friends from Mia’s newspaper, and Elio's rich acquaintances. Initially, it was supposed to be a small celebration, but then we both decided, since it’s our real wedding, it should be an elaborate one.
When Elio brings the soft waltz to an end, applause erupts, accompanied by a few whistles and cheers. I glance breathlessly at Elio, and he grins, brushing a stray curl from my face.
Elio and I make our way from table to table, greeting our acquaintances and loved ones, when I notice people stepping aside, voices lowering. And then I see... Ezra.
He is impossible to miss. Tall and broad-shouldered, his presence alone demands attention, just like Elio. He’s dressed in a tailored three-piece black suit, the crisp white shirtunderneath unbuttoned at the collar, giving him an effortless yet commanding look.
His emerald-green eyes scan the room, sharp and observant, always assessing. Even here, at a wedding, he carries himself like a man still in control of everything around him.
His wife, Raven, walks beside him. She is a stunning woman with brown eyes and dark, long hairstyled in an elegant twist. She’s wearing a golden brown silk gown that hugs her figure, the color a perfect match to her eyes.
Two cute boys are holding on to her hands, while their sweet little sister looks quite comfortable in Ezra’s arms. They all look so adorable together.
Elio straightens beside me, his posture shifting slightly−not tensely−becoming more alert.
“Elio,” Ezra says, his deep voice cutting above the room’s noise.
“Capo,” Elio responds with a nod.
Ezra’s lips curl into a smirk as his gaze flickers to my baby bump.
“I see you finally settled, my man!”
Elio chuckles. “It was about time, no?”
Ezra looks at me now, his sharp eyes softening just slightly. “And you must be Aria.”
I nod. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
He studies my sheepish smile for a beat before glancing back at Elio. “You did well.” There’s an approval in his tone as if he’s not just talking about the wedding but about the life Elio has chosen.
Turning to Raven, I smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Raven.”
She throws me a smile and winks. “Welcome to the club, Aria.”