Hauntingly Beautiful

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"We take a step back to avoid the war or appreciate the art. But if we don't, then let it haunt us for stepping forward." The man took his leave together with her as the event started from where they're looking just a minute ago.

ROME, ITALY [VATICAN CITY] 9:00 PM, Saturday

The fervid lamppost on every side of the brick pathway leading to the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica's grand entrance is now the brightest among the others. The dusk completely took over the sky and the sun set as the dawn comes in the La Famiglia Carson and La Famiglia Forelli.

The country is still at its busiest peak, much more for the La Famiglias' preparing for the wedding of the century. Despite the extravagant preparations inside the cathedral, only a few dozen people are present inside which earned a serene noise instead of a loud nuzzling crowd.

With luxurious vestments, dressed in white gowns covered in diamonds and gems, thin chains, and silver pins enough to notice how abundant their lives are, the guests are in their designated place.

"How can they think of holding a wedding in secrecy and then proceeding to do it in the grandest cathedral," Adira rolled her eyes while ignoring the priest's words and mumbled in annoyance instead.

Rivo glanced at her. Looked at her now-wife, dressed in a ball gown covered in black lace under the elegant gray cloth. The immaculate swords and blades, flowers, and vine detail at every end of her gown stood out.

He tilted his head to her side. "Never seen a bride wear black," Rivo mutters after scanning her for the nth time. He decerned her, eyeing her since the start.

No one can deny the heiress of Forelli has a ravishing beauty, a head turner, and a heart stopper. The only one who can ignore this beauty is the one who's on the same level as her.

"The moment our lips touch, Adira..." Napantig ang tenga niya ng magsalita ang isa. "..you'll start paying the debt you didn't know why..." Rivo warned. She bit her lips and slightly gazed above, meeting Rivo's eyes looking at her emptily.

Oh, he's ethereal.

Yet she nodded lightly, a little confused. What was her debt? Ah right... "The lengths I'll do for it Rivo," she mumbled the meaning of the latter's words bitterly.

The small number of people inside are all holding champagne and wine in their hands while intently looking at both the bride and groom. Soft melodies field the whole cathedral. Unaware of the lines exchanged between the two of them, everyone enjoys the event from a different point of view.

"What is this move?" Adira opens her mouth once again. She would rather hear Rivo's affirmation than the priests' vow; she hates weddings. Adira stared at him, disbelief evident in her eyes echoed on him. "You know damn well how my father agrees with everything that gives him more power."

He slid both his feet closer to her side. The priest speaking in Italian glanced at them before proceeding again to his dialogue. "I strive for more power too," he clasped both his hands on his back and smirked thinking about his pathetic answer.

Adira's eyes narrowed. "Bobo," she did not hesitate to cuss in another language inside the cathedral. Rivo shut his eyes closed, tight and took a deep breath.

She knew there were other answers and reasons. The building anger or detestable disguised in his eyes every time it meets hers leads her to conclusions.

Rivo vowed; "Adira, I will keep you under my shelter, under my skies, and under my arms. I would not let any bullet pierce your skin nor wounds and scars can engrave on it..." he lowers the mic and leans closer to her ears. "Only I... can make your nightmares. Ti amerò con un prezzo."