Forever Changed

Chapter 11: Brothers and Olive Branches

Mattia POV

My appreciation of Angelique's maturity increased as our wedding drew to a close and I thought back on everything. I'd hurt her multiple times over the course of the day, yet she'd continued to behave with grace and class.  Even now when I knew she was tired, she was politely listening to a story from one of my uncles who had definitely had more than his fair share of the wine on offer. Smiling at him with kindness and laughing. He looked beyond happy to have her as his captive audience. She'd behaved exactly as a wife in our world was expected to. Showing me that my parents were correct, she was the right choice to stand beside me and head our family. That she would handle difficult situations with ease. A bride to any Dicembre male had to be able to stay composed under pressure, our lives were not for the faint of heart. Seeing her today, I would never question her role again. 

I'd lost count of the number of guests who had complimented my bride and told me how lucky I was to have her as my Chosen. Men and women, young and old were enamoured with her and wished us many happy years together, filled with lots of children. I couldn't help but smile thinking of how I hoped that if I was lucky, she might even fall pregnant on our wedding night. She finally excused herself and made her way towards me.  

"Sorry that took so long. He was telling me a story about his latest grandson and I didn't want to interrupt him. Mia says they've found the missing cake knife and they're finally ready for us to cut the cake. Can I please remind you that I only want a small taste, I will be very upset if you smear it on my face." Angelique was looking up at me with her small hands fisted on her hips. She looked very serious but I couldn't help but laugh at her stance. Her face fell at my laugh and I quickly grabbed her hand.

"Of course sweet pea. I am laughing at your serious stance, hands on hips, chin tilted back. You look like you're ready for battle. Why on earth would I smear it on your face? It would ruin your make up and possibly your dress?"

She smiled at me then and I quickly realised I would do anything for her genuine smiles. 

"Lots of men seem to think it's funny to smash the cake into their new wife's face. There's a whole Tiktok hash tag for it." Her angry scowl showed me she did not like this custom, nor did I.

I chuckled as she gave me her explanation.

"I promise you I will not smear cake on your face Angelique. That is ridiculous. Now I would like to take a large slice with extra icing back to our room with us so I can smear that icing in much more intimate places once we are alone."

Her mouth popped open at my statement and her cheeks bloomed into a beautiful blush. 

"What did you say to your new bride to scandalise her so that she is blushing? Hhhmmm?" 

I had forgotten how quiet Antony was on his feet and both Angelique and I jumped at his question. 

"I was just reminding her I'd love to have a small slice of cake for us to share privately with a brandy later this evening."

The look he gave me made it clear he didn't believe me and I didn't think it was possible but Angelique's blush only increased.

"Riiiiiigggghhhttt. I'm sure that's what you said."

"Shoosh you! You're both trying to embarrass me and I'll be all red for the photographs!" 

She poked him in the chest to emphasise her point and he pulled her in to tickle her sides. Hearing her squeal made me smile. I loved that she already got along with all my brothers. They treated her like family and would protect her with their lives. 

I felt a small surge of sadness come over me as I watched them together. They were the same age and if he'd been her chosen, her life would be so much simpler. He would hold a position of power within our family, but not one as challenging as my own. She'd get to live a quieter life, without all the judgement and events to attend.