Lovenap

Chapter 10

Dimitri stood at the front of the church, back straight and shoulders stiff with nerves. The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the marble floors and vibrant stained-glass windows, casting warm, colorful patterns around the sacred space. The scent of fresh flowers and polished wood filled the air. He nervously checked his watch even though the hands hadn’t moved since he last glanced at it three seconds ago. He felt Nikolai’s firm hand land on his shoulder, grounding him.

In a low, barely audible voice, Nikolai said, “Dude, chill… you got this.”

Dimitri attempted to calm his pounding heart with a deep breath. Then the music filled the space — a piano playing deep, rich notes that echoed beautifully through the church. The large heavy wooden doors at the back slowly opened, revealing Tony standing tall and proud, a broad smile consuming his face. On his arm was a slightly disheveled Bianca. Dimitri could see she looked a little frazzled, as if she had tripped over her dress just before the doors opened. He chuckled softly to himself at the thought, the tension in his chest immediately easing into pure affection.

The father-daughter duo slowly walked down the aisle. Bianca’s heels clicked softly against the marble tile. Guests gazed fondly at the bride as they passed the pews filled with family and friends from both sides. Her long, soft floral cathedral lace veil framed her face, giving her an almost regal glow. Her dress was an elegant off-the-shoulder design with scalloped lace softly kissing her skin. The neckline highlighted her shoulders and collarbone while maintaining timeless elegance. The fine craftsmanship of the lace made embellishments unnecessary — the dress was radiant in its simplicity, flowing gracefully with every step.

Her blonde locks were neatly slicked back, with a few soft tendrils framing her face. Simple, light makeup gave her a soft glow, expertly bringing out her beautiful features and those captivating big brown eyes.

Finally they stood in front of Dimitri. Tony gently placed Bianca’s hand in his, firmly clasping them together.

“I leave her in your care now.”

Dimitri quietly nodded, then turned his full attention to his beautiful bride. He mouthed the word “beautiful,” causing her already blushing cheeks to redden further. A soft, velvety giggle escaped her lips, lighting up the entire room.

They exchanged short but heartfelt vows, promising to always love and take care of each other through every adventure, challenge, and joyful moment life would bring.

After the vows, they exchanged rings. Dimitri gently slipped Bianca’s ring onto her delicate finger — his late mother’s classic intertwined bands that symbolized unity and the joining of two lives. Simple yet deeply meaningful. Bianca glowed with utter happiness as she admired it, her eyes shining. He cupped her face with both hands and whispered warmly, “Ty moyo serdtse, my little Zayka.”

Then he kissed her passionately — as if it were both their first and last kiss, full of promise, joy, and the quiet certainty that they had found something real in the most unexpected way.

Later that night…

The reception was in full swing. Families from both sides festively drank and danced together under strings of twinkling lights and soft lantern glow. The air was filled with laughter, the clink of glasses, and the rich aromas of Italian and Russian dishes blending on the long tables. Children showed off their favorite dance moves on the floor, spinning and giggling.

Nikolai approached a stoic-looking dark-haired woman with a smooth, confident smile. “Would you do me the honor of a dance, Volchitsa?”

She lifted a skeptical brow but quietly took his hand, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. The music swelled around them — a lively, romantic melody that seemed perfectly timed.

“She-wolf, huh?” she asked, one eyebrow arched as they moved together.

Nikolai cheekily smirked, his hand resting lightly at her waist. “Caught that, did you?”

“You’re not the first Russky that came to get patched up,” she replied, her voice carrying a teasing edge.

Nikolai pouted dramatically at the thought, causing the woman to smirk. “Though none of them have held my attention like you.”

Nikolai immediately perked up, smoothly twirling her around the floor with surprising grace.

“Caterina…”

Nickolai tilted his head to the side in confusion, "what?"

She leaned in closer, her lips so near they brushed his ear, and in a sultry voice whispered, “The name of your future wife.” He was stunned by her words — even more so as she playfully bit his ear before pulling back with a wicked little smile. She slowly started to walk away, hips swaying, but Nikolai quickly followed, not allowing Caterina out of his sight for even a second. The same level of instant devotion that Dimitri had shown his wife from day one.

Dimitri watched the scene with a broad grin, his arm wrapped securely around Bianca’s waist as they swayed together under the twinkling lights. The chaos that had brought them together had somehow turned into the most perfect beginning.

He leaned down, brushing a tender kiss against her temple. “Ready for our next adventure, Zayka?”

Bianca looked up at him with sparkling eyes and a bright, joyful smile. “With you? Always.”