CHIARA
Oh, just when I thought the day was the best day of my life, the Contis weren't done giving me heart attacks. I returned home to a surprise wedding ceremony. Of course, Carmelo knew everything. He planned this with both of our families throughout the year. And the fact that I caught no whiff of it shocked me. I was focused on the vacation and nothing else.
There were a number of people waiting to tend to me because the ceremony had already begun. I washed up. Some did my hair, some did my face, and some were busy with my dress and jewelry.
The dress and jewelry that Viva and Leo were making throughout the year, as per Carmelo's secret request. Everyone kept me in the dark. But also, everyone worked to make this day possible.
I couldn't describe how happy this made me. And I couldn't cry because the makeup looked so amazing. So I just sat there. I was a ball of nerves and emotions waiting to explode. I was going to kill Melo. Mamma walked in after a while.
"Goodness. You look wonderful, my baby girl." She kissed my hair and stood behind me while the people around did their work. "You look nice yourself. Might as well get a boyfriend out there tonight." She slapped my shoulder, smiling. "Not at my age. The only thing I want to see now is my children's happiness. So, tell me, honey… are you happy?" I smiled back at her reflection in the mirror, holding her hand to my chest.
"Extremely. But do you know what makes me even happier?"
"What?"
"You're here with me, and you are happy." She wiped the corners of her eyes. "Bless you, honey." She rubbed my shoulders.
"Aww, you two are so cute, making me miss my Mum and everything. She is dead." The makeup artist pouted with glistening eyes. "Oh no." I uttered, "Oh dear, we're sorry." Mamma pulled her in for a hug.
The place was a sight to see. Chelsea did a number on the flower arrangements. She was a florist for a reason. The ceremony was held on the field of the Conti estate. Long tables arranged in a U shape on the left and right, draped and adorned with black and gold decorations and matching golden cutlery.
Viva made me a glamorous white body-hugging lace dress, sleeveless, backless, with a high slit, with a long tail that was covered with beads. I had to couple it with white lace gloves that reached my elbows and enchanting matching jewelry, thanks to Leo.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to me. Carmelo, who was standing by the altar with Junior, Leo, and Willem beside him, turned toward me and stared. His father, with a proud smile, stood in the middle because he was going to officiate our wedding.
Carmelo was in a black three-piece suit, immaculate black shoes, and a gold pocket square. My favorite colors. I smiled, studying him more. His hair was slicked back. His longing gaze and his tear-shining eyes were like a reminder of how good he was for me. Calm. Chaotic at times. Gentleman. Annoying and caring full-time. Handsome. Jealous. Emotionally available. Deals with my demons. Fucks me so right. Spoils me to madness. He was a man. My man.
I had to blink my eyes. Crying wasn't in the book at the moment. Beside him, Junior, Leo, and Willem wore white suits. And on their left, Chelsea, Viva, and Lia were all in matching white floor-length lace dresses and gold bouquets in their hands. All of them looked so wonderful with smiles on their faces.
"How do I look?" I asked Marco the moment he hooked my arm with his. He was the one walking me down the aisle. He gave me a once-over. "Beautiful, of course, you were born by our mother." He replied. I chuckled. "I love you, Marco," I said, trying my best not to sob. My cute bud looked almost like a big brother today. "Fuck. can we please do this after the wedding? I'm going to cry here, sis. Who's going to take my cover then?" He pressed his lips on my forehead. "Okay." I said, blinking my tears.
The song started, and I walked to him. To my forever.
Later that evening I was officially Mrs. Conti. People were busy as the ball kicked in because my mother-in-law said she wanted a ball as a wedding reception. Who was I to deny her? I let the woman do her thing.
Carmelo, who was talking to his father at their table, walked toward me. I had gone to change and came back with a lace long-sleeve black dress that was just above my knees, I coupled it with my golden jewelry and my hair held up in a messy bun with few strands let loose. Chelsea was the one who accompanied me. "I have the love gloves of all flavors in my possession, by the way. Just say the word." She teased.
I had gone to her for condoms one time because we ran out of them the night Carmelo asked to marry me for the first time. She hadn't let that go yet.
My lips curled up in mischief, "Thanks Chelsea. The thing is… we're doing it hard and raw tonight. No love gloves needed." I said. She squealed and blurted, "Girl, shut up!" She bent over her knees, not able to contain her laughter. While I bit my lip hard trying to keep a straight face because now people were staring at us. "No, you shut up, Chelsea."
Carmelo, who was talking to his father at their table, walked toward me. Chelsea excused herself and went to her man, still laughing. I knew she was going to tell Junior. I checked Carmelo out shamelessly. My husband.
"Are you done undressing me with your eyes, Mrs. Conti?" He uttered once he reached me. "I'm nowhere near done. Should we go back and leave this ball?" I narrowed my eyes on him. He chuckled. "I'm afraid not yet. The whole world needs to know that you are my wife." He took my hand and kissed my knuckles.
"Oh, are you showing off now?" His hand snaked around my waist, and he pulled me fast. Our chests collided. "I am. And I'll show you off till the end of time, tesoro." A corner of my lips curled up. I fixed his pocket square. "You look dashing tonight, husband." He smirked and smooched my cheeks. Something that has become his favorite thing to do. "And you are breathtaking. Do you know that?" His hands casually cupped my ass.
"Now, now, go find a room or join us to the party you shameless couple." We both turned to find the loudest person at our wedding. He had been talking to Junior, and I could hear his laughter from their table to where we were. "Willem," I said and glanced back at my man. "Wasn't he banned from entering Italy, baby?" Willem told me so himself.
"Not anymore. Your crazy man showed me some mercy. Oh, and before I forget…" He raised a hand, and two men came over with two big, wrapped boxes. "My grandpa sent these gifts for both of you." Carmelo called for someone to get the gifts.
"Congratulations man. Finally got your obsession in your damn possession." The men shared a hug. "Thank you, Will." He said, grinning. "Hey, sister-in-law." Willem then kissed my cheeks, and I returned them with a smile.
"Where is Stormy by the way? I haven't seen her since I arrived." We both shrugged. Haven't set my eyes on her since I arrived here.
Then audible gasps erupted. We all turned to the direction. My lips parted. "Holy shit." Willem uttered. Storm walked with so much aura in her silver heels and red beaded cocktail dress. The pearl crystals off the shoulders showed off her beautiful brown skin. The corresponding choker around her neck made her look even more chick. Her hair was split and tied in a ponytail. It wasn't the usual style. She even had make-up on. I knew she was a baddie Tanzanian underneath all that rock face she put on display. I just had no one to talk to about it.
She stopped before us. Her eyes fixed on Willem as if we didn't exist. "Damn, Stormy. You look hot." He smiled, checking her out. Who was shameless now? "I saved your life. You owe me a dance, Willie." She uttered. My eyes popped out. "What?" Did I miss a chapter? Willem's smile widened. "Of course." He took her hand, placed a kiss on her knuckles and went to the dance floor with her.
"Melo."
"Hm?"
"Remind me. Who was that woman again?"
"Definitely, Storm Ravenhall."
"Storm is dancing, Melo."
"She is, tesoro."
"That's too with Willem?"
"I'm overwhelmed too, my love."
"What the hell is going on?" Carmelo filled me in about the 'Stom saving Willem's life' story while we were at the dance floor.