INSEPARABLE | 18+

T H I R T Y - T H R E E

Five months later.
Rome, Italy.

-

Valentina took in a deep breath and looked in the mirror. The veil covered her face as her dress pooled at her feet. She ran her hands over the intricate lace pattern and hand-sewn beading. The custom strapless wedding gown was embedded with rhinestones and pearls. Her hair was in an elegant bun with a few strands falling on her forehead.

"You look beautiful," Zara voiced from behind.

Valentina slowly turned around and joined her hands, "Thank you," She said wholeheartedly, "For everything."

Zara had been by her side without fail for the past few months, as a bodyguard, but more as a friend. She had looked after all the wedding preparations, single-handedly. From the cake to the decor - Valentina had only told her what she wanted, while Zara handled everything.

"You do not have to thank me," Zara smiled at her, "Donna."

Valentina shook her head, "Still Valentina for you."

There was a gentle knock on the door and then a head popped in the doorway, "Ciao Donna," Dimitri grinned, coming inside. He was wearing a dark blue suit; matching Zara's bridesmaid dress.

"Ciao Dimitri," Valentina greeted him back, patting him softly on the shoulder.

Dimitri widened his eyes, "Valerius is going to faint," He said dramatically.

"Definitely." Zara agreed, passing Valentina a wink.

Valentina giggled, "Maybe he will."

"However," Dimitri straightened his tie in the mirror, "He is becoming impatient."

Valentina moved forward as Zara gathered her dress at the back, laying it perfectly for her. She heaved in a breath, closed her eyes, and opened them again, "I will be out in a minute," She said to both of them.

"See you," Dimitri and Zara waved at her and after passing her a smile, exited the room, leaving the door open.

Valentina rubbed her hands against each other. This was the moment when the father of the girl would walk her down the aisle, but he was not with her, and neither was her mother. The only family she had was her grandfather, who also left her alone. No close relatives, or anything.

But she could do this.

She had always handled every hurdle life threw at her with strength, and now with Valerius by her side, she felt even stronger.

"I am fine," Valentina muttered to herself and walked towards the garden.

Their wedding was taking place in the Bernardi estate. The beautiful lush green land was adorned with floating candles, lights hanging on the tree trunks, and white amaryllis covering the aisle. The loosely arranged garden roses' arch blended perfectly with the background.

Everything looked stunning.

Just like a dream.

But it was the man standing beneath the arch who took her breath away.

Valerius wore a crisp black suit, complimenting his tan skin beautifully. His hair was brushed back, with a lone strand falling on his forehead. Grey eyes stared into her soul, and a small smile appeared on his lips when Valentina began to move towards him. His hands were clasped together as he watched her intently. The white flower in his suit pocket matched her bouquet.

The guests consisted of a few close friends and business associates of Valerius. Different crime lords from all over the world had traveled to attend the Italian Don's wedding. All of them focused on her as the slow music in the background played, fitting the moment perfectly.

Valentina only had her eyes on him.

Valerius placed his hand out for her when Valentina was near. She passed her bouquet to Zara and intertwined her hands with Valerius, smiling softly at him. But now, from close, she could notice his tearful eyes.

Her Valerius was a man of few words, but it was his eyes that were the reflection of his soul, and only she could read him.

Seeing the Italian Don tear up, made her heart swoon, and if it was even possible, she fell in love with him more.

She squeezed his hand and Valerius raised her knuckles to his lips to press a kiss, grazing his lips over them gently.

"Dearly beloved, we are all gathered here today to join this man and woman in holy matrimony," The priest began, and turned towards Valentina, "Valentina Fiore Bianchi, do you take Valerius Romano Bernardi for your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Valentina nodded, tightening her hold on his hand, "I do."

The priest turned towards Valerius, "Valerius Romano Bernardi, do you take Valentina Fiore Bianchi for your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this forward for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Valerius passed her a handsome smile, "I do."

"May the Lord in his kindness strengthen the consent you have declared and graciously bring to fulfillment his blessings within you." The priest said, and Dimitri came forward to present the ring to Valerius.

Valerius held the wedding ring in his fingers and looked at Valentina, "I vow to always love, cherish, honor, and protect you. You are my everything, mio cuore. Ti amo sempre e per sempre," He slid the ring onto her finger, "Take this ring as a symbol of my undying devotion to you."

(I will love you always and forever)

Valentina blinked back the tears that threatened to pour out of her eyes. She quickly composed herself, knowing it was her turn.

Zara passed the ring to Valentina who held the wedding band on her finger, "Valerius," She started, meeting his eyes, "My Valerius," His smile turned even wider, "You deserve the world and I promise to give it to you. All that I have, all that I am, is yours, mio amore." The band smoothly slid against his finger, and fit perfectly, "Take this ring as a symbol of my love for you."

The priest turned towards the crowd, "Should anyone present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Out of the corner of her eye, Valentina noticed Dimitri discreetly pulling his coat to the side, presenting the gun tucked in his waist. He dared anyone to object and only straightened himself when the priest cleared his throat.

Valentina had to hold back her laugh.

"By the power vested in me by God, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife." The priest said, "You may kiss the bride."

Valerius came forward and pulled back her veil, caressing Valentina's face in his hands, "Hello wife," He said with a grin.

"Hello husband," Valentina smiled back at him. Valerius closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to hers, sealing it with a kiss.

"I present to you our Don and Donna!" Dimitri yelled as the crowd erupted with cheers.

-

They are married!