Secretly Mine

"How are you feeling? Doing okay?" Christian's voice came from the other side of the door.

I was standing in a beautiful bridal suite inside a large stone castle venue. From the window, I could see the immaculate decorations out in the gardens below. It looked like a wedding celebration fit for royalty.

That's how Christian treated me. Like royalty.

Ever since the day of the arrest, my life had turned into pure bliss. I moved in with Christian right away and settled in as the future Mrs. Vittoria.

"I'm feeling good. Maybe slightly emotional from all of the excitement, but good," I replied, wiping a few tears from my eyes.

I knew he came by because he was worried about me. Usually, the bride's mother and sisters would be in the bridal suite with her, but I've ceased all communication with my family after that day.

But my suite wasn't empty. Inside with me were multiple hair and makeup artists, all the best of the best.

"Mrs. Vittoria, please try not to wipe your eyes too much, dab like I taught you earlier," a female makeup artist said, walking over. She quickly lifted her brush and fixed the few smudges I made.

"I'm sorry, I'll remember," I said, doing my best to commit her instructions to memory.

I dreamed about this day so many times in the past, but now that I was here, standing in my white gown, I couldn't keep the tears of joy from flowing out.

My dress today was custom-made and was everything I've ever wanted in a dress. It was made from white silk and featured a stunning corset top that was embroidered with thousands of precious pearls.

The rest of my accessories matched the pearl theme. I truly felt like a queen today.

"Mrs. Vittoria, it's almost time for the ceremony," the event organizer said, knocking on my door.

I took one final look at myself in the mirror and made my way towards the door.

-

The ceremony was held in the beautiful gardens. I waited behind the large, rustic castle doors until the music changed over. My heart was pounding with excitement, and I couldn't wait to see Christian.

I spent the night here, getting ready for today's wedding. It had been a little over a day since I last saw him, and even though that wasn't a long time, my heart yearned for him.

Closing my eyes, I took a few deep breaths.

I just need to make it to the altar before breaking out into tears.

I kept repeating those words in my head, over and over, until I finally heard the music change.

"It's your turn," the event planner said softly, opening the double doors in front of me. As soon as I looked up, my eyes locked onto Christian.

He looked devilishly handsome. Today, he wore a perfectly tailored suit in a tan color, fitting with the wedding colors. His black hair and blue eyes stood out due to the light colored suit, and I couldn't keep my eyes off him.

Though I wanted to lift the skirt of my dress up and run towards him, I held myself back and took calm steps forward.

There were many smiling faces in the crowd, all looking at me with warmth and happiness. I knew that at least a few people were faking it, but I didn't care. Today was about me and Christian, and nothing else mattered.

As I got closer, I immediately spotted Christians red eyes. He continuously lifted a napkin to dry his eyes, causing me to break out into my own tears.

The moment I arrived, Christian helped me up on the small platform.

"You're so incredibly beautiful," he whispered.

"You're going to make me cry even harder," I replied, doing my best to hold back from a full breakdown.

He only smiled at me in return.

The priest beside us cleared his throat and began the wedding ceremony. All of it went by in a blur until the part where we got to exchange vows.

On the priest's cue, Christian reached out and held my hands. He looked into my eyes and smiled as best he could, as he did his best to keep his lips from quivering.

"Leslie… I never thought I'd find someone who could see through all of my walls and still choose to stay. You're the first person I've ever wanted to fight for—not out of duty, but because my life is empty without you in it. I promise you this: no matter what comes, no matter who stands against us, I will never let go of you. You are my anchor, my home, and the only future I want. Always. I love you."

I couldn't help it and broke down crying. Tears flowed down my cheeks without stopping. Each of his words was engraved deep in my heart and would live with me for the rest of my days.

The priest turned to me, motioning for me to do my vows.

I looked up at Christian, straight into his deep blue eyes.

"Christian… you've seen me at my worst—when I was broken, scared, and trying so hard to hide who I really was. And still, you chose me. You've given me a strength I never thought I had, and a love I never dared to hope for. I promise I'll stand beside you, through every storm and every shadow, because you're not just the man I love… you're the one my heart has been waiting for. Always, only you. I love you."

Christian nodded his head, his hands tightening their grip over mine.

We were both lost in our little world until the priest announced with a booming voice:

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!"

Christian didn't wait a single extra moment and dove in for a kiss. His hand curled around my back, pulling me in closer.

The kiss lasted until we were both breathless, and when we finally pulled away, everyone in the crowd stood up and cheered!

"Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Vittoria!"

Hand in hand, we walked down the aisle as husband and wife. There was only love and happiness on our faces. We no longer had to keep it a secret, no longer had to hide. Today, I would officially drop the Moresi name and begin my life at Mrs. Vittoria.