Shadows of Affection (GxG)

Chapter 59: The Wedding

The forest stood in breathtaking silence, blanketed in hues of deep green and shadowed gold, as if nature itself was holding its breath. Sunlight streamed through the tall, ancient trees in narrow shafts, illuminating specks of dust and magic in the air. The setting was ethereal—untouched, sacred. A clearing had been transformed into a woodland chapel, with soft moss underfoot and delicate white petals scattered along the makeshift aisle. Strings of warm lights were draped from tree to tree, flickering like fireflies.

This was where Lily and Alessia had chosen to tie their souls together.

The guests—friends, family, and even the most feared mafia bosses from across the continent—sat quietly on wooden benches adorned with wildflowers. Everyone had followed the dress code: light colors, pastels, silks and linens that stood in contrast to the bold statement the brides were about to make.

Alessia stood just out of sight, dressed in an all-black tailored suit. The fabric hugged her frame like it was crafted by the stars themselves, with dark green accents that gleamed in the light. Her signature long black cape trailed behind her, trimmed with deep green embroidery that seemed to move like ivy. Her dark hair was neatly styled, her expression composed—except for her eyes, which searched through the trees as if they were already looking for Lily.

Her parents—regal and proud—flanked her on either side. Her mother adjusted Alessia's cufflink gently, and her father kissed her cheek with quiet affection before linking arms with her.

And so, Alessia Sorento walked down the aisle, not as the feared mafia capo, but as a woman surrendering to love.

Heads turned, eyes widened—she looked like a dark, beautiful storm. At the end of the aisle, she stood tall, waiting for her bride. The only sound was the wind whispering through leaves and the soft notes of Fawlin – Follow You Anywhere playing in the background.

But minutes passed.

And Lily didn't appear.

A quiet rustle moved through the crowd. Alessia's fingers twitched at her side. The air seemed to grow thicker.

Lucia gave her a reassuring nod, but Alessia couldn't shake the creeping anxiety coiling in her chest. She turned on her heel, whispering something to Isa and disappearing into the trees, her cape brushing moss and petals aside.

She followed her instinct—her heart. And it led her deeper into the woods, toward the sound of water.

There, beside a waterfall glistening under filtered sunlight, stood Lily.

She was radiant.

Her gown, a deep emerald green with black embroidery winding like vines across her bodice, flowed around her like forest mist. The slit up her thigh hinted at power and grace, her long hair falling in waves over her shoulder. Her eyes—those endless eyes—locked onto Alessia, filling with tears and light.

"I knew you'd find me," Lily whispered with a soft laugh, wiping at her cheek as one tear slipped free.

"I'll always find you," Alessia breathed.

They stepped toward each other until their hands met—fingertips first, then palms, then hearts.

"I couldn't read my vows in front of everyone," Lily said, voice trembling but steady in intent. "Not because I'm scared. But because I wanted them to be just for you. Only you."

Alessia nodded, speechless.

Lily took a deep breath and began.

"You changed my life. From the gallery, to the pain, to the fire we walked through—I've loved you in every version of this story. And when I thought I'd lost you, I still chose you. Every time. In every lifetime. You are my home, my storm, my shelter. I want to grow old with you. I want to hold your hand through every sunrise and fight through every shadow. You are everything I dreamed of... and everything I didn't know I could have."