Mafia's Forced Love

The Wedding

This chapter is same as the Epilogue 1. If you have read His Perfect Wife, you can skip it. If you haven't, this will give you a little info about the Rodriguez couples.

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Three Years Ago,

Three huge cruise ships were standing on the seashore. The gentle waves were touching their base. The silence of a small, deserted island was suddenly replaced with thousands of voices. A long paved trail was artificially made on the soft sand, leading it to the beautiful garden. The alter in between the two beautiful fountains was decorated with beautiful white and pink orchids. Their fresh and mild fragrance was adding a different vibe to the environment. Marching ornaments made of pearls were hanging everywhere. Even all the guests were decorated in expensive attires, showing off their status. The island couldn’t even avoid the unwanted media, even after tight security. After all, it was a big event. Two Rodriguez were tying their knots, and everyone was excited about it.

The two rows became silent abruptly as the ceremony began. They fixed their eyes at the couple standing in the alter.

Daniel couldn’t take his eyes off the man standing by his side. The tuxedo of light pink and white combination really suited Liam. A bright smile on his face was greeting everyone. His eyes were fixed on the black-suited man, his husband-to-be.

“The bridegrooms have prepared their own vows,” the officiant pronounced loudly.

Daniel smiled, taking Liam’s hand in his as he started, “I have always fickle between men and women and taken no one seriously. I thought you were just like others, only a few night’s obsession. Never even have given you a fair amount of attention, though you have always waited for me patiently. I don’t even when I have fallen for you and might never have realized it if Val didn’t plan that date of yours.”

He paused for a moment. With a chuckle, he started again, “but things are different now, Liam. You have no idea what you mean to me. My entire world is nothing without you. I can’t even imagine a moment without you by my side. No matter what, Liam, I promise I’ll always love you, till death do us apart.”

Liam’s eyes sparkled as they filled with tears. That was the moment he had been waiting for. His happiness touched the lips of Cora as well. The beautiful maid of honour in a sky-blue gown. Little roses were decorated around her chest and her waist. The loose curls around her face were brightening up her smile. She was happy for both of them. Her eyes travelled towards the groomsman, one of Daniel and Austin’s friends, Lorenzo. He had just travelled from overseas for their wedding. His dark blue eyes were glued to Cora. Her heart skipped a beat, realizing his gaze again.

They had spent a lot of time in the last few months because of this wedding preparation. Cora never thought she could grow a liking towards this despicable and rude man. The attraction was undeniable. An evil smirk formed on his lips. She knew the meaning. She was staring at him again and got caught.

“Jerk,” murmuring under her breath, she concentrated on Liam again, failing to notice the sadness and disappointment on Lorenzo’s face.

“Daniel, I know we never started like other normal couples. And we went through a lot together before realizing each other’s worth. Undeniably that has strengthened our bond, strong enough to bear you for the lifetime.” Liam chuckled. So did Daniel. A peal of light laughter spread across the garden.

“My love for you has only grown stronger with time. No matter what, Daniel, I promise, I will never give up on you. No matter what comes in our way, we will fight together. I love you Daniel and I always will, till death do us apart.” Liam completed his vow.

The ceremony was completed with that. Daniel pulled Liam into a passionate kiss, giving the media what they wanted. Applaud filled the air.

The newlywed turned to face the audience. Cora hugged Liam tightly, whispering best wishes. Daniel’s eyes met Austin. They both were smiling, exchanging words through their gaze. Grandma Merry was sitting in the front row. Her face was lit up like a Christmas tree.

“Ahem,” a certain voice grabbed their attention. None but  Lorenzo. “Sorry to interrupt, buddy, but it’s your turn,” he spoke, indicating Austin. With a grin, Austin stepped on the altar. The slow music started again, making everyone silent.

Nervously, Austin looked towards the entrance. A beautiful fairy stepped on the paved pathway. Holding the bouquet in her hands,  slowly she made her way towards Austin. Her wedding gown shimmered as the sunlight touched its edges. The dazzling diamond ornaments were nothing in front of her pure and sweet smile. Valerie stood beside Austin, making him bewitched.

With a blush, she whispered, “stop staring, Mr Rodriguez.”

“How can I?” Austin replied, still was in a daze.

The officiant cleared his throat to gain the focus. He started the ceremony again. It was Austin’s turn to take the vows.

“A girl suddenly came into my life. Showing her big doe-like eyes, she tried hard to push me away. Only if she could have realized it would only cause me to fall for her harder,” he chuckled, watching Valerie hanging her head shyly.

“There were lies, secrets, piling up between us. But that was never enough to keep us apart. The bond building in our hearts was stronger than any of these. Slowly, you became a part of my life. You gave me the home I always wanted. Even before realizing how much I love you, I almost lost you. I was never the man you were supposed to be with, in the first place. You have changed me, wife. You have taught me what love is, you make me feel all those magics they talk about. I will always support you and respect you, Valerie, just the way you’ve always wanted.”

With a bright smile, he started again, “so… just the way I’ve promised you before. I, Austin Salvatore Rodriguez, take thee, Valerie Brown, be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

A tear made its way through Valerie’s smooth cheek. She was more than happy. Cora and Liam exchanged glances, watching their friend taking another step in her life. Everyone kept patience, waiting for Valerie to start.

She giggled, wiping her tear, “things may have changed. We are maybe taking these vows again, Austin. But that day in the church with you, grandma, and Danny will always be my wedding day. The day you came into my life, the day I found my family, the day that changed my fate. A dying girl got strength and hope to live again. An orphan learned about family, something that keeps us going. I know what you have been through for me, I wasn’t the only one suffering, but you never left my side. You were always there, leaving all your world behind, just to take care of me, and I will never forget that hubby. I promise I will never make you worried again. I promise I will always love you the same as I did when we met for the first time, and I promise I will never leave you alone, not in this lifetime…”

Her voice choked as she continued, “from this day forward… for better, for worse… for richer, for poorer…”

Her voice shivered, “in sick…ness… and health…”

Wiping her tears, she continued with a smile, “to love… to cherish… till death do us part.”

Austin hugged her tightly even before the marriage officiant could say anything. Valerie trembled under his touch. She knew Austin meant every word he spoke today. He loved her unconditionally, even when she had pushed him away. There were misunderstandings and secrets, but nothing could stop them from being together.

Slowly Austin pulled away. Cupping her face, he pecked her lips gently to feel every inch of her. Taking his sweet time, he moved his mouth against hers. Valerie closed her eyes and gave in. Her arms were curled against his neck. Remembering their first kiss in that empty church, a blush crept along her jawline. With a giggle, she deepened their kiss, taking Austin by surprise. After a passionate make-out session, they looked into each other’s eyes. They were telling the story of love, passion, trust, and much more.