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Scarlett

I sit in the plush leather seat of the limousine, my fingers nervously twisting a delicate lace handkerchief. The excitement and nervousness churn in my stomach, an electrifying mix that makes every breath feel shallow. Yelena and Alina sit on either side of me, chatting animatedly about the flowers and the orchestra, their voices a comforting hum. I try to focus on their words, but my mind drifts to Viktor.

What will he look like when I step into the ballroom? Will his eyes soften when they meet mine, or will he maintain that composed demeanor that always hides the storms within him? The thought sends a shiver through me, a blend of anticipation and awe. Today isn’t just a wedding—it’s a declaration, a promise to stand beside the most formidable man I’ve ever known.

I glance out the window at the sprawling cityscape. The limousine glides smoothly through the streets, its tinted windows shielding us from curious eyes. The luxury surrounding me feels surreal, a stark contrast to the life I once led.

Yelena leans toward Alina, her voice bubbling with excitement as she describes the ice sculptures in the reception hall. “They’re shaped like swans, Scarlett. Swans! Viktor spared no expense.”

Alina giggles. “Of course, he didn’t. This is the wedding of the decade, after all.”

Their enthusiasm is infectious, and I can’t help but smile, even as a tiny voice in the back of my mind whispers doubts. This day is bigger than anything I ever imagined, a fairytale spun in silk and diamonds.

“You’re quiet, Scarlett,” Yelena says, nudging me gently. “Nervous?”

“A little,” I admit, my voice soft. “It’s all so overwhelming.”

Alina reaches over and squeezes my hand. “You’ve got this. You belong here with him, Scarlett.”

“And he belongs with you, too,” Yelena adds. “I have never seen him this happy.”

I lean back against the seat, my hands resting lightly on my lap as the limousine hums beneath us. Originally, Viktor had suggested something small, a quiet ceremony with his family. I’d been relieved at the thought, preferring intimacy over grandeur. But then the plans changed. Viktor had explained it with his usual blunt honesty: “This isn’t just a wedding, Scarlett. It’s a statement. After today, there will be no more doubt that Viktor Makarov is alive.”

I understood then. This day wasn’t just about us—it was about showing the world and the Bratva the strength of our union. A quiet ceremony wouldn’t suffice. Viktor needed to clarify that I wasn’t just his wife; I was the Pakhan’s queen.

As the limousine slows, my breath catches at the sight of the grand hotel. Its facade gleams in the sunlight, a towering masterpiece of glass and marble. The entrance is flanked by uniformed staff, their polished appearances matching the elegance of the surroundings. My gaze sweeps upward, taking in the sheer scale of it all. This is Viktor’s world, a world of power and opulence.

The car door swings open, and Yelena steps out first, turning back to offer her hand. “Come on, Scarlett. Let’s get you out of here without wrinkling that masterpiece of a dress.”

I laugh softly and take her hand, my other arm gripping Alina’s for balance as I step out onto the carpeted driveway. The cool air brushes against my cheeks, carrying the faint scent of roses from the towering arrangements lining the entrance.

Alina fusses with my gown, ensuring every fold of fabric falls perfectly. “There. Perfect,” she declares, stepping back to admire her work.

Inside, the hotel is alive with activity. Staff moves like a well-rehearsed orchestra, their efficiency adding to the sense of grandeur. Chandeliers drip from the ceiling like frozen waterfalls, their crystals catching the light in a dazzling display. Everywhere I look, there’s beauty—flower arrangements cascading from tall vases, golden accents gleaming in the warm glow of the lights.

The bridal suite buzzes softly with preparation, a calm contrast to the grandeur of the event outside. I sit before a gilded vanity as the makeup artist dabs a final touch of shimmering highlight on my cheekbones. The soft glow in the mirror reflects the culmination of every dream I never dared to admit I had—a life transformed by love and resilience.

"Perfect," the artist murmurs, stepping back to admire her work.

Behind me, Alina appears with a crystal glass of something fruity and refreshing. "Here, Scarlett," she says, her tone warm and playful. "A toast to the most beautiful bride."

I accept the glass with a grateful smile and take a careful sip, mindful of my makeup. Nearby, my babies coo softly in the arms of their nannies. The sight of them melts me. Their tiny hands wave aimlessly, and their soft gurgles fill the room with innocence and joy.

I rise carefully, my gown flowing like liquid silk around me, and walk over to my children. Leaning in, I kiss each of them gently on their cherubic cheeks. "Mommy loves you both so much," I whisper, their warmth filling my heart with love so pure it nearly brings tears to my eyes.

Yelena appears at my side, holding a small box. "Viktor wanted me to give you this," she says, opening the box to reveal a delicate bracelet encrusted with diamonds. The stones catch the light, scattering tiny rainbows across the room.

"It's stunning," I breathe as she fastens it around my wrist. The cool weight of the bracelet feels symbolic—a tangible reminder of Viktor's love and protection.

Once the bracelet is secured, the makeup artist and Alina help adjust my gown and veil. The dress, a custom-made masterpiece, is everything I could have dreamed of. The bodice is intricately embroidered with delicate floral patterns that cascade down into the flowing skirt. Tiny pearls and crystals are stitched throughout, shimmering with every move. The train, long and regal, is edged with lace so fine it looks as though it could dissolve under the lightest touch.

"You look breathtaking," Alina says, her voice thick with emotion.

Yelena clasps her hands together as she steps back, admiring me from head to toe. "Viktor is going to lose his mind when he sees you," she says with a mischievous grin.

The bracelet sparkles on my wrist, a perfect complement to the ring Viktor placed there months ago. Its design mirrors the intricacies of my gown, a seamless blend of elegance and strength. I run my fingers over the cool diamonds, their beauty a reminder of the life I’m stepping into—a life filled with hard challenges and unparalleled love.

Alina steps forward, fluffing the veil once more. "There," she says with a satisfied nod. "You're ready."

The door opens, and the wedding planner steps in, her eyes immediately landing on me. She gasps softly, clasping her hands together in delight. "Scarlett," she says, her voice brimming with admiration. "That dress is a work of art. You are absolutely radiant."

I flush under the praise, a mix of pride and nervous energy bubbling within me. "Thank you," I manage, smoothing the fabric of my gown.

The planner checks her clipboard before looking up with a beaming smile. "It’s time," she announces her tone a perfect balance of excitement and calm.

The hallway stretches before me, each step bringing me closer to the ballroom—and Viktor. My heart pounds, the sound of a steady drumbeat in my ears.

The ballroom takes my breath away. Chandeliers hang like crowns, their light casting a golden glow over the sea of elegantly dressed guests.

The moment I step into the grand ballroom, my eyes find Viktor. He stands tall at the altar, his broad shoulders framed by the soft glow of chandeliers. His dark and sleek suit is a masterpiece of tailoring, accentuating every line of his powerful frame. His tattoos peek out subtly beneath the crisp white shirt, a stark reminder of the man beneath the polished exterior. The protector, the fighter, the lover.

My breath catches as our eyes lock. His gaze is unwavering, a steady flame that burns with intensity. In that moment, the room, the guests, the grandeur—it all fades. There is only Viktor; his presence grounds me even as it sets my heart racing.

I take my first step down the aisle, and the world feels like it’s shifting beneath me. "Breathe," I whisper to myself, steadying my nerves. Each step brings me closer to Viktor, the man who has become my anchor, my safe harbor in stormy seas.

My heart swells with joy and anticipation, the weight of this moment settling over me like a warm embrace. After tonight, we’ll indeed be one—a family bound by love and unbreakable ties. Viktor, our babies, and I will be united, a fortress against whatever the world dares to throw our way.

As I pass by our children, nestled comfortably in the arms of their nannies, I give them a slight nod. Their tiny faces light up with innocent joy, their presence a reminder of everything Viktor and I have fought for. My heart brims with pride and love for the life we’ve created together.

With each step, the distance between Viktor and me diminishes. By the time I reach him, my nerves are gone, replaced by a profound sense of peace. I slip my hand into his, and the world feels complete as I take my place beside him. The moment feels timeless, a culmination of every twist and turn that brought us here.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to celebrate the union between Scarlett Wood and Viktor Makarov.” The officiant begins, and my heart leaps with joy at the future that awaits my groom and me.

The End.