HIS

Chapter 23

Today is the big day—the day I marry the love of my life. The man who would go to any lengths to keep me safe and make sure I'm happy.
I never imagined myself walking down the aisle, especially after everything I went through growing up. But here I am.

Yes, we've only known each other for a short time, but life is about taking chances. And this—this feels like the right one.

We're at his family's private estate—the very place where his parents live. The grounds are expansive, with beautiful amenities set apart from the main house, but what truly makes it special is the privacy. There isn't another home for miles, making it the perfect setting for a day like this.

I'm so glad we didn't go with the hotel venue. Nothing compares to the natural beauty and peacefulness of this place. The only people capturing the day are the photographer, the videographer, and their team—just enough to preserve the memories without turning it into a spectacle.

It's still early morning, and I'm enjoying breakfast at the guest house with Marco, his wife Gwen, and my bridesmaids, Kate and Camilla. Marco will be walking me down the aisle today. In just one year, he's shown me more love and support than Victor Scott ever did.

Luca is, of course, the best man, and Max is the other groomsman. They're having breakfast over at the main house, which is about fifty meters from where we are.

We chose this peaceful setting for a reason—it's personal, private, and perfect for what today means to us.

"The makeup team's here," Gwen announced just as we finished the last bites of breakfast.

Suddenly, everything started to feel real. The nerves crept in, but I kept my composure—panicking wouldn't help. It was almost surreal, like I was watching the day unfold from outside myself.

So far, everything had been calm, almost dreamlike. It's hard to put into words, but I cherished every second of it.

I chose an off-white fit-and-flare dress that hugs my figure before gently flaring out at mid-thigh. The silhouette falls somewhere between a modified A-line and a mermaid cut, perfectly highlighting my slender waist and giving my shape a soft, hourglass look.

"The bridesmaids' dresses were equally stunning. They chose a similar style to mine, but in a beautiful blush satin fabric."

"When we were finished, I could hardly recognize the reflection staring back at me—it was me yet transformed. I knew my mom would be so proud of me for choosing a happiness she was never able to have. The thought of her brought tears to my eyes, but I reminded myself that she would be overjoyed to see how I rose from the ashes of that emotionally abusive home."

"Oh, darling! You look like an angel, Olivia," Marco exclaimed. I turned to see his proud face beaming beside his wife, who was gently fanning her cheeks as tears welled up in her eyes.

"You're going to make me cry! And my makeup looks way too good for that," I warned playfully, gently dabbing the corners of my eyes with a tissue, careful not to smudge a single detail.

"This should help calm your nerves," Tessa said with a warm smile, handing me a glass of champagne.

"A toast!" Gwen exclaimed. "May your union be blessed in the sight of the Lord, and may this day overflow with love and joy that lasts a lifetime. Cheers!"

Cheers echoed through the room as laughter and conversation filled the air. Glasses clinked in celebration, and in that joyful chaos, it was suddenly time to walk down the aisle. With the memory of my mother quietly cheering me on from the back of my mind, my heart whispered, 'Look, Mom—I'm happy, for both of us.' A bittersweet warmth settled over me, comforting in its quiet embrace.