We arrived at the majestic The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, where the wedding party would take place. Giovanni reached out, helping me out of the vehicle, and his concerned question about my well-being made me smile. "Are you okay?"
The words came easily, "I'm great," I replied with a smile, and he commented, "Just a few more hours, and we'll be free forever." The irony of the situation didn't escape me, but I kept my expression neutral, like a bride about to celebrate happiness.
We entered the elegantly decorated hall, and the event coordinator announced our entrance, "Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Cordopatri." Warm applause greeted us, and we maintained our smiles, exchanging a passionate kiss for the crowd. It was a choreography we had rehearsed many times in the previous weeks.
The cel
