Chapter 10 - FOREVER MY QUEEN
A year later.
The sunshine over the Castellani estate was bright and golden. The private gardens were filled with hundreds of blooming white roses, and the sounds of laughter filled the clear afternoon air.
Standing in front of a grand floral arch overlooking the lake, I wore an exquisite lace wedding gown, holding a bouquet of red roses—a nod to the night everything changed.
Beside me stood Luca.
He looked impossibly handsome in his dark tuxedo, his dark eyes filled with a love so deep and fierce it brought tears to my eyes.
"With this ring," Luca spoke, his voice steady and full of devotion as he slipped a flawless diamond band onto my finger, "I give you my life, my protection, and my heart. You are my queen, Mara. Today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my days."
"And with this ring," I replied, smiling through happy tears as I placed a gold band on his finger, "I promise to love you, challenge you, and never wear a red dress without your permission again."
Luca laughed—a rich, booming sound that warmed my entire soul.
"I pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared.
Luca didn't wait. He pulled me into his arms, dipping me low just like he had on the dance floor a year ago, and kissed me with a passionate intensity that made the entire world dissolve.
The crowd—including Rachel, my friends, and even Marco—erupted into cheers and applause.
When Luca lifted me back up, he rested his forehead against mine, his arms wrapped securely around my waist.
"Eighteen months was far too long to wait for you, Mrs. Castellani," he whispered softly.
May you like
I wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. "Then you'd better spend the next fifty years making up for it, Mr. Castellani."
"With pleasure," he smiled, taking my hand as we turned to face our future together—unbreakable, untouchable, and deeply in love.