Page 63 of Depths of Obsession
Marie finishes the rollers and kneels in front of me to file my nails, muttering about how there’s no time for a proper manicure, but she does her best. I sit there, my hands trembling, trying to process everything.
This isn’t how I imagined my wedding day. I thought I’d be in a church, surrounded by friends and family. I thought my father would walk me down the aisle, that my mother would be in the front row, crying tears of joy. Instead, I’m here, about to marry a vampire to save myself from a worse fate.
The thought would make me laugh like a lunatic, but my chest aches and tears prick my eyes. I blink rapidly, refusing to let them fall. There’s nothing to be gained by crying over circumstances I can’t change. My father always told me to be strong, to hold it together no matter what. Slapping me was unnecessary, but the message wasn’t wrong.
Marie pulls out a makeup case and studies my face, then sets to work. I close my eyes, letting her do what she needs to do, focusing on the rhythmic motion of the brush strokes. I breathe in deeply, trying to steady my emotions. Luca has done everything he could to make this easier for me, and all I can think about is how unfair it all feels. I dreamed of marrying for love, and instead, I’m marrying for survival.
“Okay.Bellissima,” Marie says, stepping back. She touches up my lips, then takes the rollers out of my hair, Then guides me to flip my head upside down so she can finger-brush the curls. I straighten, and she smiles as she sprays the final result. “Perfect. Now, the dress.”
She helps me into the dress, tightening the laces in the back before stepping back to admire her work. "One more thing," she says, crossing the room to the dresser and opening one of the boxes. She holds up a diamond necklace with a large emerald pendant, fastening it around my neck. Then, she hands me the matching earrings—emeralds surrounded by diamonds. It’s exquisite, and I can’t stop the gasp that escapes me.
Marie turns me toward the full-length mirror, and I stare at my reflection, barely recognizing the woman looking back. The dress is flawless, the jewelry glitters in the soft light, my hair and makeup are perfect. It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. And yet… it’s not real. This marriage isn’t real.
I blink back tears, forcing a smile. "Let’s do this," I say, my voice shaky but determined.
Marie nods, and with an encouraging smile opens the door for me.
As I step into the hallway, I find Luna waiting. She’s wearing a deep purple bridesmaid dress, and I let out a squeal, rushing to hug her. She hugs me back tightly, her expression tense.
“Are you sure about this?” she whispers, her voice filled with worry.
“I don’t have a choice,” I whisper back. “Luca is a lot better than the alternative.” She nods, but the doubt in her eyes mirrors the doubt in my heart. I open my mouth, about to say we should run, but Rocco appears from the stairwell.
"You look stunning," he says, his eyes flicking to Luna. Then, he escorts us to the elevator, and we ride up to the roof.
The elevator doors open, and I step out. At my side, Luna holds my elbow. Luca is poised by the gazebo, a trail of red rose petals leading to him. A man—presumably the officiant—stands on the gazebo steps, and Luna moves to stand beside him. The sun is setting, bathing the city in warm, golden light. The heady scent of lavender drifts on the breeze.
Rocco hands me a bouquet with lavender woven through the flowers. I take a deep breath, my eyes locking on Luca. He’s standing tall, wearing a crisp white shirt that stands out against his tanned skin, his hair curling slightly at the ends. His gaze meets mine, and something shifts inside me—a wave of love and certainty washes over me.
He loves me. I know it now, deep in my bones. It doesn’t matter that we barely know each other. He loves me, and I’m falling for him, too. My heart swells as I walk down the aisle, my eyes never leaving his. This may not be the wedding I dreamed of, but in this moment, my world is righted on its axis.
I reach him, and he takes my hand, slipping a ring onto my finger—a large emerald surrounded by diamonds, matching the necklace and earrings. It’s beautiful, and I smile up at him, my heart pounding.
"Buonasera," the officiant says, his voice carrying over the rooftop. He continues speaking in Italian, but my focus is on Luca, his fingers brushing mine, his eyes locked on my face.
Suddenly, Luca tenses, his gaze shifting over my shoulder. He glances at Rocco, giving him a look that makes my stomach drop.
Rocco moved to the edge of the roof to look down. His expression is hard lines and angles when he looks back to Luca. "They’re here."
Luca turns to the officiant, speaking rapidly in Italian. The man looks startled, but he nods, “Si, is possible.” He begins again, this time speaking faster. Luca starts repeating what the man says while he takes a ring out of his pocket. He removed the engagement ring and puts the solid platinum band on my ring finger. He puts the emerald ring back in place above the wedding band.
Then it’s my turn. I repeat the vows and Luna hands me a ring which I put on Luca’s left hand.
The man seems to finish and then he hands Luca a piece of paper and a pen, and Luca signs it quickly, then turns, handing me the pen. I sign where he points, my hand trembling.
Angry shouts reach us, echoing up the stairwell. Luca gestures for Luna to come and sign, and she does. Rocco stands by the roof door, his gun drawn, ready.
"Rocco!" Luca calls.
Rocco jogs over, signing the paper just as the door bursts open.
Gazzago storms through, flanked by three bodyguards, Renzo, and Mia.
"You’re too late," Luca announces, his voice loud, defiant. "Pippa is my wife." He bends down, his lips crashing onto mine in a kiss that feels like a claim, a promise.
I melt into him, my heart pounding, knowing that no matter what happens next, I am his, and he is mine.
CHAPTER 21
