Forever Changed

Chapter 1: Diamonds and Disappointment

Angelique POV

My mother cried when she saw me in her dress, just like I thought she would. Overcome with emotion that I'd chosen to wear her gown down the aisle instead of the Galia Lahav gown I'd had designed. When I explained that I would be wearing that dress for the reception, but that I wanted to honour her and Papa by wearing her dress, that I hoped to have a marriage just like theirs, she'd gone quiet. She'd given me one of her small smiles and pulled me tightly into her arms. For a tiny woman she had a strong embrace and I would miss her hugs now that I wouldn't be living at home. 

"I hope you find a way to be happy in your marriage Angelique. Truly I do." She stroked my cheek like she'd done since I was a little girl. 

"My Angel. It is my only wish. I want you healthy and happy and your belly full of my grandchildren. I can't ask for anything more."

It was now my turn to shed a tear and Mia immediately appeared with a tissue before I could destroy my make up.

"It's show time. Don't want Mattia to think you've got cold feet." We all laughed at that. There was no way this wedding wouldn't go ahead, even if I did get cold feet. But my feet were toasty warm. I couldn't wait to marry him. 

"You look beautiful Angelique. Mattia is a lucky man to have you as his wife. I'm excited to have you as part of our family and hope when my time comes to wed you'll stand beside me as my Maid of Honour."

"Oh Mia I would be honoured. I can't wait to spend more time together. I've never had a sister and I'd love to think that as we grow closer we'll truly feel like family."

We were both now teary eyed and it was time for my friend Rachael to wrangle us into position  and dry our eyes before the wedding planner got any more stressed.

"Okay, just like we rehearsed. Rachael you're walking first, nice slow steps and hold your flowers low to your body so the blooms are fully visible. Then Mia you follow when I give the signal."

Both women nodded at her instructions. We'd practiced multiple times on Thursday to ensure everyone felt comfortable in their role. 

"Angelique I will signal you once the ladies are far enough down the aisle to give everyone a clear view of the bride. It's your day and you deserve a grand entrance. Everyone will be dying to see what you're wearing. Now let's fix your veil and make our way through to the doors."

I couldn't believe the time had come. Within the hour I'd be Mrs Mattia Dicembre. Something I'd dreamed about for a decade was now about to come true.

With that, we heard the music start and my father stepped to my side. My oldest cousin had walked my mother to her seat at the front of the church before the music commenced and it was now time for my two bridesmaids to follow. 

My father held my arm folded into his, but didn't say anything. I hadn't expected any great speech. It wasn't his way. I was just grateful we'd had a moment before the ceremony. I spun the new ring on my finger, the one symbolising that he was passing my protection to another man. In just a few moments that man would get to see me all dressed up. More make up on my face than ever before, making me appear older and hopefully sexy. I also wore my hair in large curls, soft around my face as Mattia preferred. The colour was dark against my fair skin and the white dress. The hairdresser had fussed over my curls until they were exactly right and told me how lucky I was to have hair as beautiful as mine. I felt beautiful today. I wasn't one to care about my appearance usually, I had fairly simple tastes, but today I wanted to be someone different. Have Mattia see me as someone different. To see me as someone he wanted to spend his life with. Not just because of the Wedding Pact.