The Wedding
369 Words
The cathedral was lit by a hundred candles.
No press.
No guests beyond a handful of powerful men Elena did not recognize.
She wore ivory silk.
He wore black.
The priest’s voice echoed through the vaulted ceiling.
Elena’s hands were steady when she placed hers in Lorenzo’s.
His grip was firm. Warm.
Solid.
“Do you take—”
“Yes,” Lorenzo answered before the priest finished.
A ripple of restrained amusement moved through the room.
When it was her turn, Elena hesitated only a second.
“Yes.”
The ring he slid onto her finger was simple platinum.
No diamonds.
No display.
Just permanence.
When the ceremony ended, he leaned close.
“This changes nothing.”
She met his eyes.
“It changes everything.”
Chapter Four — The Rules
The first night in the De Luca estate felt unreal.
Her room — separate from his — overlooked the city skyline.
Security cameras lined the halls.
Guards rotated shifts every six hours.
At dinner, Lorenzo outlined the rules.
“You will have protection at all times.”
“I don’t need babysitters.”
“You have enemies now.”
“I didn’t choose them.”
“You chose me.”
The words landed heavier than intended.
She studied him.
“Who are we really convincing with this marriage?”
He didn’t answer immediately.
“Other families believe I’m vulnerable without an heir.”
“So marry a woman who can give you one.”
Silence.
Something cold passed through his gaze.
“I do not mix children with war.”
The finality in his voice startled her.
There was history there.
Pain.
But he shut it away before she could ask.
“You’ll attend a gathering tomorrow,” he continued. “Smile. Be graceful. Let them believe you are happy.”
“And if I’m not?”
His eyes softened — barely.
“Then learn to pretend.”
- Writer
