by Lylah James
I shook my head, speechless. “No, I don’t have one,” I muttered, looking back up at Isaak. “Are you sure you want me to have this?”
He nodded and handed me the earrings. “Thank you,” I whispered, feeling so overwhelmed with emotion that I could barely speak.
I removed my earrings and wore the ones that Isaak gave me, my mother’s earrings. When they were in place, my heart felt heavy, and my stomach rolled with butterflies.
They were the only thing I had of my mother’s, and for the first time, I felt close to her. It felt like she was here, watching me. Closing my eyes, I imagined just that.
I imagined her in a white dress, standing behind Isaak, smiling at me, her eyes filled with so much love.
I saw her blowing me a kiss and then waving at me. I saw her glancing at Isaak, her eyes holding the same deep love. In my vision, she placed her hand over his back and kissed his lips ever so lightly.
And then she disappeared. Like she was never here. But I could still feel her presence.
Opening my eyes, I stared at Isaak with tear-filled eyes. “I wish she was here. I wish I knew her, Isaak. I wish she was here right now, holding me,” I said, my fingers whispering over the earrings.
He took a deep breath, like he was controlling his own emotions. Isaak rubbed my arms soothingly before replying. “I know. I wish she was here right now too. But Ayla, you might not see her, but she is here. I’m sure she’s watching over you. Your mother loved you so deeply. You were her everything. The light in her fucked-up world. Never forget that.”
I nodded, pressing a hand over my heart. My breathing calmed, and I sniffled, blinking away the unshed tears. Evaline silently handed me a tissue, and I mouthed a quick thank you.
When Isaak moved again, Lyov opened his box. Inside was a hair pin. “This was Alessio’s mother’s. If you don’t have a something borrowed, you can use this. I thought it was fitting for you to use Maria’s hair pin. She is my Angel, and you are Alessio’s. I would be honored if you include her in this wedding.”
I took the hair pin, feeling grateful for this. “Of course, Lyov. I’m the one who is honored. Thank you,” I replied, handing the hair pin to Maddie. She placed it in my hair and fixed my curls around it.
“She would have loved you,” Lyov continued when Maddie was done fixing my hair.
“I have no doubt that I would have loved her too. Because of her, I have Alessio. For that I am forever thankful,” I whispered, kissing his cheek in appreciation.
After pulling away, I looked down at my wrist. The bracelet that Evaline gave me sparkled in the light. “Looks like I have two something borrowed.”
Everyone smiled, the previous emotional moment breaking away.
“You have your something blue?” Isaak asked.
I nodded, smiling in the process. “Alessio’s eyes.”
My cheeks heated when both Isaak and Lyov raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in their eyes.
“It’s time, babe,” Maddie said.
My eyes went to hers as she quickly fixed her hair. All my girls were ready. Both Evaline and Nina were wearing a beige ankle-length dress. They were simple and sleeveless. The dresses weren’t tight but instead flowy around their hips and down.
Maddie’s dress was a little different. Same design and color but there were golden beads over her bodice. She was my maid of honor.
Taking a deep breath, I looked at Isaak and Lyov. Their faces were serious, their backs straightened, and their chests puffed out proudly.
Maddie handed me my cascading bouquet, made with white and pink peonies. As both men presented me with their elbows, I swallowed nervously, sucked in another deep breath, and then took their arms.
I tightened my hold on their arms as we took a step forward. My heels wobbled with my first steps, but with Isaak’s and Lyov’s help, I finally steadied myself and was able to walk with no problem.
We walked out of the room and then down the stairs, which was decorated with flowers. So many flowers covered each step and the banister. We could barely see the woods. Only pink and white flowers were visible. On each step, there were two candles on either side.
We walked down the stairs effortlessly and then continued out of the house, to the back garden where the ceremony was being held.
The door opened, and we stopped. I could hear the piano playing, a melody I didn’t recognize, but it sounded just as beautiful.
“Ready?” Isaak patted my hand. I nodded, and the three of us took a step forward. Together, we walked out.
I was blasted with sunlight, warmth spreading through me. I blinked, my heart accelerating.
It beat faster at the sight in front of me. Nothing else mattered. I didn’t see anything…no one except the man standing at the end of the aisle.
My breath was stolen from me as I walked to Alessio. I couldn’t remember the walk. All I could see and feel were his eyes on me.
His bluish steel-colored eyes stared at me intensely, following my every step, my every movement.
His black suit was similar to what he always wore, except for the golden tie. His hair was sleek on his head, but he didn’t shave. I told him not to. He looked so much better with a few days of stubble.
His eyes stayed on me as I made my way to him…my husband.
My heart drummed in my chest, so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. My hands grew clammy, and I held my bouquet tighter.
I breathed through my nose, trying to act normal when all I wanted to do was run to him and jump in his arms.
I quickened my pace just a little. I heard Isaak’s low chuckle in my ear, but they matched my pace, not once complaining.
When we finally reached the end of the flowery aisle, we stopped. Lyov placed a kiss on my cheek, over my veil.
When he whispered in my ear, his voice was low, only for me to hear. “Keep smiling just like this. And keep making my son happy. He deserves it. Both of you do.”
Lyov stepped away, leaving me a tearful mess. Isaak kissed me on the other cheek before whispering in my ear too. “It is my honor to get a chance to be your father, Ayla. You were my sweet little girl and always will be. Be happy, my sweet girl. You deserve everything…all the love and happiness.”
I grabbed onto his arm, refusing to let go when he went to step away. “Thank you…Dad.”
His eyes filled with tears at the words, and he nodded, kissing my forehead. This time, I let him go.
After I handed my bouquet to Maddie, Isaak took my hand. Alessio was already reaching forward, and Isaak placed my hand in his.
When my palm made contact with Alessio’s, he instinctively wrapped his fingers around mine, holding my hand firmly and tightly in his.
Isaak held our hands together. “I’m giving my daughter away to you, Alessio Ivanshov. You make her cry, just once, and I will come after your heart. This is not a joke. I have more than a decade of experience on you. You are nothing compared to me.”
Alessio raised his eyebrow. “The arrogance doesn’t suit you, old man. But know that Ayla will never cry a tear of pain as long as she is mine. As long as I am breathing, she will only know happiness.”
Isaak nodded. “Good. I wish you both many years of happiness.”
With that, he stepped away, letting our hands go.
It was only Alessio and me. Just us, standing, staring at each other. Holding each other’s hand.
His grip tightened, and he pulled me closer. Someone cleared their throat, but Alessio didn’t care. I didn’t either. I was lost in his eyes.
Alessio brought my other hand up too, holding both close to his chest. He stepped forward until our bodies were touching. So deliciously close.
I could feel his breath close to my lips, my veil the only barrier between us. Alessio let go of my hands and pulled my veil over my head.
A smile stretched my lips as he leaned closer, as if to kiss me.
“You look so beautiful, Angel. Took my breath away when you walked out of those doors,” he
murmured, moving even closer. “But you will look more beautiful with the dress off.”
“Boss, you can’t…” Mark, one of Alessio’s man and our minister for today, said.
“Fuck off, Mark. You don’t want to die,” Alessio growled.
A second later, his lips touched mine in the sweetest kiss. It was only for a moment, though, because he pressed harder, more demanding. My lips parted, giving him access. His tongue slipped inside, dancing with me.
We kissed, both lost in each other when Alessio was suddenly pulled away from me. I gasped, my eyes going wide.
“Okay, I think one kiss is enough. You can do the dirty in private. Damn it!” Viktor snapped, holding Alessio back.
I could feel my cheeks burning under everyone’s stares. There was laughter, and I looked down, suddenly shy and nervous. Way to go, Ayla.
Alessio glared and shrugged off Viktor’s hold before moving closer again. This time, he didn’t make a move to kiss me. Thank God.
Instead, he pulled me closer, holding my hands to his chest. “Do you stuff, Mark. And hurry the fuck up.”
Pinching his nipple, I hissed quietly. “Stop it.”
He snapped his mouth shut but looked restless. I knew how much he didn’t want to be here right now, doing this. But well…he had to stick with it.
At the thought, I smiled. He was going to love it in the end. It was going to be a day he would remember forever. I was going to make sure of it.
“Friends and family of the bride and groom, welcome and thank you for being here on this important day. Today, we are gathered together to celebrate the very special love between Ayla Abandonato—”
“Ivanshov,” Alessio growled, breaking Mark off.
“—and Alessio Ivanshov by joining them in marriage,” he continued over Alessio.
I smiled, feeling the happiest in that moment. My heart overflowed with love for the man standing in front of me.
As Mark continued with his speech, I tuned him out. I thought of everything, from the very beginning and to this moment.
The time when I was scared and running away from home. The moment when I hid in Alessio’s car and under his bed. And then when he found me.
The first look, the first touch, the first word, when blue met green…the beginning of our love story.
How he changed me…and helped me with my past. His undeniable love made me alive.
How I changed him. From someone heartless, from someone who only wanted me as a plaything to someone loving me unconditionally.
We were both broken. Two broken halves making a whole.
We learned to love together, taking baby steps. Such small steps that it would have looked impossible for us to be standing right here in this moment. But here we were, getting married in front of our friends and family.
In front of our daughter.
My mind traveled back and then to this moment. I stared in his blue eyes as his fingers rubbed back and forth over the back of my hands.
He stared back at me, his eyes holding the same amount of love, if not more.
Mark’s voice broke through my thoughts, and my heart drummed. “You fell in love by chance, but you’re here today because you’re making a choice. You both are choosing each other. You’ve chosen to be with someone who makes you smile and laugh. Someone who lifts you up and makes you into a better someone. You’re about to make promises to each other that you intend to keep. Your vows are sacred, something you’ll hold till your last breath.”
He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “So, Alessio Lyov Ivanshov, do you take Ayla Abandonato as your wife, to love, honor, comfort, and cherish her from this day forth? Do you vow to hold her, be her strength, and wipe her tears, cherishing every single moment with her? Do you vow to share all that you are and all that you have with her, and promise to continue loving her and supporting her through sickness and health? Pain and happiness?”
Alessio opened his mouth, his grip tightening around my hands.
“I do,” he said. His voice rang loud and clear, holding every ounce of seriousness.
In that moment, I realized that this meant as much to him as it meant to me.
My heart tripped, and my stomach cramped with too many butterflies at his words. Two simple words, uttered in front of hundreds of people. His love for me…it was my undoing.
Mark turned to me. “Do you Ayla Abandonato…”
“No,” I quickly said.
Alessio’s eyes widened, and he sucked in a harsh breath. There was utter silence.
Realizing that I just messed this up, I cleared my throat. “I mean wait.”
I glanced at Mark, and he too was staring at me with wide eyes. Smiling convincingly at him, I quickly finished. “I want to say my own vows, if that’s okay.”
I felt Alessio’s tensed muscles relax under my palm, and I rolled my eyes internally. Silly man. Did he really think I would stop our wedding?
“Of course, you can,” Mark replied, smiling kindly.
When he gave me a nod, I looked back at Alessio. He stared at me intensely, his blue eyes growing darker with need.
Feeling suddenly nervous, I swallowed and licked my lips. “Well, I had this memorized, but now I’m a little nervous. I hope I don’t mess this up,” I started.
People chuckled in the crowd, and I saw Alessio’s lip twitching. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
Opening them again, I stared at Alessio and finally found the courage to speak. “When we first met, I didn’t think we would be standing right here in this moment. It seemed impossible back then. You were mean and rude. And I was scared of everything. We were both scared of taking this step. But when we did, we found out how beautiful love really is.”
He smiled then. A breathtaking smile that stole my breath away. His hands released mine and wrapped around my hips, anchoring me to him.
“You taught me how to love, Alessio. You taught me how to live. How to be myself. You gave me a chance at seeing this world. When everything seemed impossible, you made it possible. You made the sun shine brighter for me. You were the little light in my darkness, pulling me forward, telling me that it was okay to leave the darkness behind and embrace the light, our love.”
I heard sniffling behind me, and I knew it was Maddie. Or even Evaline. From behind Alessio, I saw his men…his most trusted men, looking just as deeply affected.
My eyes went back to my husband. My voice rang clear for everyone to hear as I continued. “When I gave up on everything…on us, you still didn’t give up. You fought and told me to fight for us. You saved me and brought me back. Alessio, you held me closer every day, and every moment, your love made me forget the pain. I don’t think I can ever thank you enough for loving me and for fighting for us. But all I know is that I will never leave you. I will forever be at your side, just like we were meant to be. From the very beginning, we were fated.”
Looking up at him, my fingers whispered over his chest, his wildly beating heart. “So this is my vow to you. Alessio Ivanshov, your love is my anchor. You are my strength. I promise to give you all my love from now until eternity ends. I vow to care for you, trust your love, be what you need, to make sure your feelings are always considered. I vow to show my love and respect. I want to live out the days of my life with you. I, Ayla Abandonato, vows to take you as my husband, to love, honor, comfort, and cherish you from this day forth. We are one and always will be.”
Licking my lips, I said my final words. “I make this vow because my heart is yours.”
“Can we have the rings, please?” Mark said.
I turned around to see Lena walking down the aisle, holding Maila in her arms. My sweet baby was wearing the cutest white tutu dress, with a flower headband on her head.
Our rings were exchanged, and I couldn’t help the way my heart fluttered.
Finally, I palmed Alessio’s cheeks, holding him to me. “I love you, Alessio Ivanshov. I love you so much.”
The tears slid down my chee
ks unashamedly. Those words…I have longed to say them, and I knew this day was perfect.
I felt Alessio sucking a harsh breath, and then he was kissing me, devouring me in front of all our friends and families.
He had no care in the world as his lips met mine in a hard, bruising kiss. Alessio nipped at my lips, and I kissed him back with the same passion.
My hands went to his neck, pulling me closer to me. “I love you, Angel. I fucking love you so damn much.”
His breath mingled with mine, his tongue sliding along mine. My lips felt swollen, but I still didn’t let him go.
Mark cleared his throat, but Alessio still didn’t let me go. He tried again and again, but there was no success. Alessio and I were lost in each other.
“Boss,” he said, trying to get Alessio’s attention.
Another clearing of a throat. “Well…emm…by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may continue kissing the bride.”
Laughter could be heard, and I felt my own smile. Alessio was smirking against my lips.
“You are mine now,” he whispered against my lips.
“Always have been and always will be. Only yours, Alessio,” I whispered back.
We finally pulled away, both of us breathless. My cheeks felt warm, my lips swollen.…and my heart…well, it was wild.
Alessio grabbed my hand, and we turned to face the audience. Mark stood behind us, and I could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke again.
“It is with great honor I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Alessio Ivanshov.”
Everyone stood up and clapped. There were shouts and roars of happiness.
Alessio bent down and swept me off my feet, cradling me to his chest as he stepped off the platform. My hands went around his neck, and he walked us back.
“I love you, Alessio,” I said to him. Placing a kiss on his cheek, I let my lips linger there. “I promise to continue loving you until I take my last breath.”
His hold tightened around me, and I smiled.
My husband. My king. My love. My savior. My monster. My made man.
And I, his Angel.
Chapter 39