Page 30 of Forced Bratva Hostage

After he let go, his eyes fell on Alexei. “Good to see you, cousin.”

“You, too, Roman,” he replied, shaking his hand. Alexei looked at me and added, “PakhanArtem sends his best wishes. He would've been here, but something came up.”

A slow, tender smile curled onto my lips as I gave a gentle nod.

“So, where’s the lucky woman? Where's the bride?” Roman questioned, his eyes roaming the church.

Just as he spoke, the pianist transitioned to the timeless “Wedding March.” The front door opened, drawing everyone's attention to the most beautiful woman in the building—no exaggerations.

My brows arched at the sight of my bride emerging from the doorway, holding a bouquet of flowers in her hands. Her steps were slow and graceful, a vision in ivory and lace.

She was bathed in the sun's golden lights, its rays filtering through the stained glass windows behind her, casting a halo effect that made her radiant.

The fitted bodice of her ivory gown highlighted her slender waist, and the flowing skirt cascaded down her legs, which were fitted perfectly with a pair of heels.

My expression softened, and my breath caught, suspended in awe, as I stood transfixed, rooted on the spot. Atthe sight of her, my heart swelled, an unusual warmth spreading across my body while my eyes widened with wonder.

I was lost in her beauty, oblivious to everyone else, my chest expanding with emotions. I'd never been so excited to see anyone before. This feeling was alien to me, and for some reason, it felt good.

I'd always known that she was a pretty one, but the woman gracefully walking down the aisle beat my expectation of pretty. She was gorgeous in every way, her beauty ethereal as if she'd just stepped out of a Renaissance painting.

At that moment, I knew that I had made the right choice.

As she approached the altar, her poise electrified the air, stealing everyone's attention. Heads turned, eyes locked on the rare sight of a goddess.

Her hair, styled in an elegant updo, shone with subtle hints of gold and honey, the sunlight illuminating her amazing baby face and sparkling eyes.

“My God….” The words fell out of my mouth in a hushed tone, my eyes never leaving her.

Alexei's voice came through beside me: “Sheisbeautiful.”

“Yes, she is,” Roman said, resting his palm on my shoulder. “And you need to be up there. It's time.” He gestured at the altar a few paces to the right, where the priest was waiting.

“Shit.” I sprang to my feet, jolting up the long steps leading to the altar.

I'd lost track of time and gotten so carried away watching my bride that I’d forgotten my place.

As she drew nearer, I extended a hand, helping her up the steps. For the first time in my life, I felt butterflies in my stomach as she took my hand with a small smile playing on her cherry-red lips.

She stood across from me, barely a foot away, her expressive brown eyes sparkling like diamonds as she stared at me, a hint of confidence dancing in their depths.

Had she been rehearsing for this moment since the day I announced her fate? This was the only explanation for her calmness—her collectiveness—on such an occasion that should undoubtedly bring tears to her eyes.

I knew how much she hated the idea of being my wife, so I'd expected some resistance. But right now, there was none. Her face was lit up with a bright smile that accentuated the hint of shyness in her countenance.

Wren was either an amazing actress, or she’d finally come to terms with her new reality.

She batted her eyelashes, her enticing lips curling into a subtle grin that melted my heart.

Is this real?I couldn't help but wonder.

“Dearly beloved,” the priest's voice resonated through the church, “we are gathered here today to witness the union of Afanasy Tarasov and Wren Everett in holy matrimony. We pray that the good Lord bless and strengthen their love.”

Her head was slightly bowed, her eyes momentarily meeting mine every now and then.

Stunned by her elegance and grace, I maintained my smile, my gaze unwavering.

The priest continued, his eyes locking on the both of us, “Marriage is a sacred bond between two souls. Afanasy and Wren, you stand before us and the almighty today, ready to commit to one another…forever.”

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