Forever Changed

Chapter 8: Dreams and Decisions

Angelique POV

My father was silent for most of our dance and he had a frown on his face. He did not seem happy. I hoped I hadn't caused that frown. His eyes searched my face and I looked back at him before letting my eyes flick to my new husband. He had been dancing with his mother when I last looked, but was now alone on the edge of the dance floor watching her approach Bess. Oh how I hated that woman. I didn't even know her and I wanted to claw her eyes out. The way she'd ruined my wedding day. I knew Mattia was the true source of the blame, but there was no need for her to approach us for that photo. I would have eventually learned of their relationship, she didn't need to rub her role in my new husband's life in my face.

I turned to watch his mother and I could tell from my vantage point that she was giving Bess an unpleasant lecture. Turning my eyes back to my new husband I noticed him make a step towards intervening. He cared about her so much that he'd cause a public scene on our wedding day. In front of all the Elders who were surely watching this unfold. I felt my heart drop even further and couldn't suppress my small sigh. Like he'd heard me from across the dance floor Mattia looked directly at me and I couldn't hold his stare. I just had to get through another hour or so then I could be alone. He could check on his beautiful girlfriend and I could finally have a good cry.

"What's wrong Angel? Don't think I haven't noticed the change in your mood since the church."

I didn't know exactly how to respond to my father. I certainly didn't want to be having conversations with him about my husband's mistress or even mention what had happened in the garden, so I decided a small slice of truth would suffice.

"I am tired Papa. It has been a long day and having to be on show, perform my new role for so many hours has been draining."

He was searching my face, staring into my eyes. Checking whether my statement was true. Once he saw whatever it was he needed to see he gave me a small head nod and patted my shoulder.

"You have surpassed my expectations today Angel. The Elders have not stopped talking about your gesture with the dress and many other young brides are regretting their decisions to break with traditions. Your mother and I are proud of you."

I gave him a genuine smile then. My whole life had been spent seeking this man's approval. His compliments were few and far between. So to have him acknowledge my efforts and praise me for my choices made me feel incredibly happy.

"Thank you Papa. You know that's all I want. To make you and Mama happy."

He gave me one of his rare smiles before he spoke again.

"And Mattia. It is now your role to make your husband proud also. Marriages are hard work Angel and I know you've got the strength of character to make yours a strong and happy one. Your role in this union is an important one. Don't ever forget that."

With those words I found I had nothing else to say so I simply nodded my head. We continued swaying until the song came to an end and my father walked me to Mattia's father for my first official dance as his daughter in law. I was nervous. Although I'd been around the man for years I didn't interact with him as much as his wife.

She was a formidable woman I admired. So different from my own quiet mother but they got along well. As an adult woman I realised they were both strong in their own ways. Over the years following the Marriage Pact we had spa days or lunches once a month. When I asked about why we spent time together without her son, she explained I was her future daughter and therefore our bond needed to be strong. That she was my ally in their family and she hoped I would one day call her Mama.

After placing my hand in the senior Dicembre's hand my father gave my arm a squeeze and left the dance floor. As he lead me back towards the centre for our first dance I found I couldn't think of a single thing to say. All my years of training seemingly gone. After a few more moments of silence he spoke.