Book two of 'The Vengeance Duology'
Five years ago, the lads and I made the biggest mistake of our lives-a reckless decision that shattered everything.
We destroyed what mattered most, but my deepest regret is how much I hurt her.
Every moment of pa...
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The officiant turns to me. "Valentina, your turn."
I take a shaky breath, reaching for Tom's ring. As I slide it onto his finger, my mind flashes back to Alessio again. His voice, his touch, the look in his eyes when he said "Don't marry him."
"Tell me I'm wrong, and I'll leave."
I bite my lip, pushing the thought aside. This is what I wanted. This is what I've chosen. Isn't it?
"With this ring," I say, my voice barely above a whisper, "I thee wed."
The officiant smiles at us both. "Now, before I pronounce you husband and wife, I must ask: do you, Thomas Moore, take Valentina Sorrentino to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," Tom says immediately, his voice firm and certain.
The officiant turns to me, his smile warm. "And do you, Valentina Sorrentino, take Thomas Moore to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
I freeze. The words hang in the air, waiting for me to speak. Tom is watching me, his eyes full of love and anticipation, and yet... all I can think of is Alessio. His words echoing in my mind.
"It should be us up there, and you know it."
The officiant repeats, "Do you, Valentina—"
I hesitate. My eyes flicker to the door again, where Alessio stood just moments ago.
My heart is screaming, torn between the man standing in front of me or the one who just left.
My mind is spinning, and my dad's words echo louder in my ears, "If you feel like you need to run, run." It's like they're the only thing I can hear now.
"Run."
"Run."
"Run."
I glance over at Nicco, desperately searching for some kind of clarity. When our eyes meet, it's like he knows exactly what I'm thinking. He nods, his expression firm, silently telling me, "I'm right behind you."
He stands, ready. And with that, I whisper, "Fuck, I... I can't, I'm sorry," before bolting out of the hall, my heart pounding in my chest. Nicco is right on my heels, following me without hesitation.
I hear gasps as we burst through the doors, leaving everyone behind. Voices call my name, but they blur into the background. I can hear my family, though—cheering in Italian, their words blending into a mix of laughter and support.
"This way!" Nicco shouts as he overtakes me, leading the way.
We race out into the car park, my heart still hammering in my chest. But Alessio isn't there. I spin around, desperate. "Fuck, where is he?" I ask, my voice trembling.
Nicco doesn't miss a beat, running straight to my car and jumping into the driver's seat. I quickly follow, sliding into the passenger side. "He'll be at his home," Nicco says, determination in his voice, before slamming his foot on the accelerator and speeding out of there.
