Deceptive Hearts

27

The sky was a perfect shade of blue, with the gentle breeze brushing through the air, adding just the right touch of calm to an otherwise buzzing day. The venue had been adorned with elegant arrangements, flowers in whites and soft pastels that reflected the light of the mid-afternoon sun. The guests were already seated, murmurs of excitement floating around the space.

Inside, Alora stood in front of the mirror one last time, taking in the sight of herself in the wedding gown. The dress fit her perfectly, and despite everything—her mission, her doubts—she couldn't deny that she felt beautiful. She was nervous, yes, but this moment had been built up for so long, and she had no choice but to go through with it.

Eyra stood by her side, beaming with pride and excitement. "Are you ready?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with emotion.

Alora hesitated, her fingers trembling as they brushed over the bouquet. “I think so,” she whispered. But her heart was racing, not just because of the wedding, but because of everything it represented—the decisions she was making, the future she was binding herself to.

Franklin knocked gently on the door before entering. His suit was crisp, his eyes filled with pride as he took in the sight of his best friend. “You look perfect, Alora,” he said, his voice warm. “It’s time.”

Alora nodded, taking a deep breath. She looked at herself one last time in the mirror before turning to leave the room. The sound of the music playing outside reached her ears as she made her way toward the entrance of the ceremony, where her future awaited.

---

Meanwhile, Dante was standing at the altar, his back straight, his eyes fixed on the path Alora would soon walk. His suit was tailored to perfection, but it wasn’t the elegance of the day that held his focus—it was her. His hands were clasped in front of him, but his fingers twitched slightly, his possessiveness growing with each passing moment. He needed her here, beside him, as his.

Franklin stood next to him, a soft smile on his face as he clapped a hand on Dante’s shoulder. "This is it, man. No turning back."

Dante's lips curled into a smirk. "I never intended to turn back. Once she's mine, there’s no letting her go."

As the guests settled into their seats, Rossetta, Dante's mother, sat near the front, her hand resting on Sylvester's arm. She smiled knowingly, watching her son, aware of the intensity that burned inside him when it came to Alora.

Victoria, Marco, and even the distant family members, including Matteo and Lucia, were there, their eyes shifting between Dante and the entrance, waiting for the bride to appear. Everyone who had been part of their lives, who had seen this relationship bloom, was present, and there was an undeniable excitement in the air.

---

Alora’s heart raced as she stepped through the doorway and into the light. The moment her eyes met Dante's, the rest of the world faded away. He stood tall, his gaze burning with possessiveness and something deeper—something that made her breath catch.

Franklin offered his arm to escort her down the aisle, as Eyra and Victoria followed as her bridesmaids. Alora walked slowly, her eyes never leaving Dante's. The guests watched, many with smiles, some with whispers, but all eyes were on her as she made her way closer to the altar.

When she finally reached Dante, Franklin gave her a reassuring nod and stepped back. Dante took her hand, his grip firm, possessive.

"You look beautiful, baby," he whispered softly, his voice laced with the intensity that made her heart flutter. He squeezed her hand gently, his eyes darkening as he leaned in slightly. "And now you're mine."

Alora couldn’t stop the shiver that ran down her spine at his words, the reality of her situation sinking in. But there was something about the way he looked at her, something that made her feel both safe and trapped at the same time.

The ceremony began, the priest’s words floating around them, but Alora barely heard them. She was too focused on Dante, on the way he held her hand like he would never let go. His possessiveness was a constant presence, but there was an underlying tenderness that only she could feel.

When it came time for the vows, Dante’s voice was low, filled with promise and intensity. “Alora, I vow to protect you, to keep you with me forever. There’s no turning back now, baby. You're mine, and I won't let anything or anyone take you away from me."

Her heart pounded, her thoughts swirling with everything that had brought them to this moment. The mission, her sister, the future she was giving up. But as she looked into Dante’s eyes, she knew there was no escaping this. Not now.

When it was her turn, Alora spoke softly, but the words felt heavy on her tongue. “I… I promise to stand by you, to be with you, and to… to keep this bond.”

The priest smiled, sensing the nervous energy but pushing forward. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Dante, you may kiss your bride.”

Dante wasted no time. His hand cupped her face, his lips crashing against hers in a kiss that was more than just a symbol—it was a claim. The guests cheered, clapping and celebrating, but all Alora could feel was Dante’s possessiveness, his overwhelming need to make sure she knew who she belonged to.

When they pulled away, Dante whispered against her lips, “You’re mine now, baby. And I won’t let you forget it.”

---

As the ceremony ended, the guests stood to congratulate the newlyweds, but Alora was still reeling from the intensity of the moment. Dante’s hand never left hers, his grip tight as they made their way through the crowd.

Rossetta and Sylvester approached them, smiles wide as they congratulated the couple. “Welcome to the family, Alora,” Rossetta said warmly, her eyes twinkling. “I always knew it would be you.”

Sylvester offered a proud smile, his hand firm as he shook Dante’s. “You’ve made the right choice, son. You and Alora will make a powerful team.”

But as the celebrations continued and everyone gathered for the reception, Alora couldn’t help but feel the weight of her mission pressing down on her. She had done what she needed to do—for Eyra’s sake—but now, she was bound to Dante in a way she hadn’t fully anticipated.

---

The day flowed into the evening, with toasts, laughter, and dancing under the stars. Alora found herself swept up in the energy of the celebration, though a part of her still felt like she was living in someone else’s life. She was married now, to a man who loved her, yes—but whose possessiveness ran deeper than she had ever imagined.

And as they danced together, Dante’s hand resting firmly on her waist, he leaned in close, his voice a low rumble. “You belong to me now, baby. There’s no going back. Not ever.”

-----------------------------------------

I hope you loved this chapter, it's a sweet chapter, isn't it?
I apologize for the late update again, I hope you understand from what I've told you before.
This was a pretty long chapter huh? What do you think?

Thank you!
Love y'all 💗

-1235 words-