CHAPTER 8: LUCIA

It's at days like this that I wish my mother hadn't passed away, so she could see the beauty she brought into the world. 

I can't stop staring at myself in the mirror. When the bridal stylist delivered my gown to my apartment yesterday, I was awestruck. I don't know what was done to the dress, but it was ten times better than it looked the last time I saw it. 

My wedding dress, a masterpiece of elegance, hugs my body with an impeccable fit. The tulle veil gracefully drapes over my head, flowing gently behind, framing me in an ethereal aura. The gown boasts spangle sequins adorning the sleeves and the body, catching the light with a subtle sparkle. The sleeves, extending gracefully to my knuckles, add a touch of sophistication.

The Queen Anne neckline adds regal allure, framing my collarbone with timeless grace. Every detail harmonizes to create a dress that embodies the essence of romance and refinement.

My hair isn't left out of the equation as it has been styled to complement the elegance of my wedding dress. Delicate tendrils escape the intricate updo, gracefully framing my features. The hairstylist has woven subtle floral accents into the arrangement, adding a touch of natural beauty to the overall look. The style is both timeless and modern, a perfect harmony with the sophistication of my gown, creating a stunning bridal ensemble. 

There's a gentle knock on the door before it opens and my dad walks in with a hand stretched towards me, calling me forward. "It's time, il mio bambino." 

I walk to him, taking his hand as we leave the dressing room. He kissed me on the forehead and wiped a tear before it managed to fall. "Careful baby, you don't want to ruin your makeup." I smile at that and try to be strong.

As we approach the ornately designed double doors of the church, I try not to grow apprehensive so I take deep breaths in a conscious attempt to maintain a calm demeanor. 

God, this is finally it. In a few minutes I'll be married to Ivan. 

When the doors open, the first person my eyes meet is Ivan's. He's putting on a three piece black armani suit and has his dark hair sleekly gelled away from his pretty face. 

He stares at me, no emotions evident on his features before looking away. With a sigh, I look to my friends also standing by the altar, who are clearly oblivious to what just played out as they're grinning so much, I wonder if it hurts. 

The gown's exquisite train trails behind me, creating a mesmerizing effect before I get to the altar. He places my right hand on Ivan's then leaves to join the huge congregation who I'm now just noticing. I don't know up to half of the people here but it doesn't take much to know that ninety percent of them belong to the mafia. 

I turn to face the priest as the ceremony commences. In no time, we're saying our wedding vows while exchanging rings.

"I, Ivan Dmitry, take you, Lucia Romano, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow." 

I always imagined that I would cry tears of joy when this day came. The tears I'm battling with definitely aren't tears of joy because I know that vow was just words and nothing more. There was no meaning attached to it.

I repeat my vow to him as sincerely as I can before slipping the ring into his ring finger, already accepting the fact that the beginning of something has only just begun. I can't tell if it's good or bad but I hope with everything in me that it's not the latter.

My hopes are shattered when the priest says "You may now kiss the bride." 

Ivan wraps his arms around me and places his hands on my lower back. Lowering his lips to meet mine, he places a subtle kiss on the side of my lips so that everyone would think that it was just a quick and gentle kiss. 

Feeling repulsed, I take a step back and wait for the day to just come to an end.