Page 90 of Stolen Queen

The room erupts in laughter and emotion fills me. This is what family should feel like, supportive, loving, and full of joy. It's so different from the atmosphere I grew up in.

As Bella puts the finishing touches on my hair, she leans in close. "I'm so happy for you, Ava. You deserve all this happiness."

I squeeze her hand, overwhelmed with love for my sister and the family surrounding me. This is the beginning of a beautiful new life, and I can't wait to see what the future holds with Matteo by my side.

As the time approaches for me to walk down the aisle, my father stands stiffly beside me, his disapproval radiating off him in waves, even as he brags about the joining of our two families. I refuse to let his attitude dampen my spirits.

I steal a glance at Matteo, standing tall and handsome at the altar. His eyes lock with mine, and the love I see there blows away the negativity I feel from my father. The corners of Mateo’smouth lift in a small, secret smile meant just for me, and my heart soars.

My father clears his throat, drawing my attention back to him. "Ava, you keep an eye on the D’Amatos. I don’t trust them.”

I close my eyes, hating that my father is wanting me to spy on my new family. “You put a gun to my head, Father. It’s you I don’t trust.”

His dark eyes turn to me. “That was all for show, Ava. To see just how committed they were to you. And now you know.”

He’s so full of it.

“By spreading your legs, you tied my hands. I could have arranged something so much better for you.”

For you, you mean, I think but don’t say.

The music starts, and I take a step forward, ready to untether my life from my father and bind it to Matteo. I'm no longer the scared, obedient daughter he once knew. Matteo has shown me what true love and respect feel like, and I won't settle for anything less.

We begin our walk down the aisle, and I push thoughts of my father's disapproval aside. Each step brings me closer to Matteo, closer to our future together.

We reach the end of the aisle, and time seems to stand still. My father hesitates, his grip on my arm tightening for just a moment, and I panic that he’s going to try something. Then, slowly, he places my hand in Matteo's.

The instant our hands touch, relief, joy, love, and freedom wash through me. It's like taking a deep breath after being underwater for too long.

Matteo's eyes are full of love as he squeezes my hand. I want to jump in his arms, but I restrain myself.

As the officiant begins the ceremony, every word seems to drag on endlessly, and I wish we could fast-forward to themoment when Matteo and I are finally pronounced husband and wife.

I steal glances at Matteo, admiring how handsome he looks in his tailored suit. His eyes meet mine, and I see the same impatience reflected there. A small smirk plays on his lips, and I know he's thinking the same thing I am. Let’s get the honeymoon started.

As we prepare to exchange vows, my breath catches. This is the moment I've been dreaming of since I first realized I was in love with Matteo. He takes my hands in his, and the world around us fades away.

"Ava, from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were different. You've challenged me, inspired me, and shown me what true love really means. I promise to protect you, to cherish you, and to love you fiercely for the rest of our lives."

The love I feel from him fills me with awe. "Matteo, you've given me more than I ever thought possible. You've shown me freedom, passion, and unconditional love. I promise to stand by your side through whatever life throws our way, to be your partner in every sense of the word, and to love you with every fiber of my being."

He winks at me, and again, I have an urge to jump in his arms that is difficult to resist. We exchange rings, and the symbol of it, of joining my heart and soul with him forever, makes my chest fill with emotion and excitement. This is it. I’m Mrs. Matteo Moretti.

“You may kiss your bride.”

Hallelujah! Matteo’s lips meet mine, pure love radiating between us. I wrap my arms around him and hold tight, never wanting to let go.

“I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Moretti.”

Matteo laughs, and like Prince Charming, he scoops me up in his arms to carry me back down the aisle. I'm breathless and giddy as applause erupts around us.

It’s amazing to think that just a few months ago, I was trapped in a life destined to be filled with domination and pain. My mind drifts back to that daring night when I snuck out of my father's house. I was terrified but exhilarated, desperate for a taste of freedom. Little did I know that one act of rebellion would change my life forever. It led me to Matteo, to discovering what true love and happiness feel like.

“I love you. I love you. I love you,” I chant to him as he carries me out of the church and to the limo waiting to take us to the reception.

“I love you more.” He helps me into the limo, pulling me onto his lap as it pulls away from the curb. His lips fuse to mine, and I think I understand now what it means to swoon.

I hitch my dress up and straddle his lap, fumbling with his belt.

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