Chapter 12: To love and protect

The next morning arrived far too quickly. Soraya hadn’t slept a wink, staring blankly at the ceiling until sunrise.

A knock on the door broke the silence, and two women walked in carrying a massive garment bag, followed by a team of stylists. When they unzipped the bag, Soraya couldn’t help but stare.

The wedding dress was breathtaking. It was far prettier and much flashier than the simple wedding dress she had worn before.

It was made of delicate silk with lace details and tiny crystals along the long train. It looked elegant and expensive, reminding her of Santino’s wealth and power.

Soraya sat like a lifeless doll as the stylists did her hair and makeup. She felt no excitement, no joy, only a dull numbness in her chest.

Downstairs, a sleek black car was already waiting at the front entrance to escort them.

Antoine and Evelina tried to approach her to say something, but Soraya walked past them without even a glance, her head held high.

Angelo held the car door open for her, stepping in right after to sit by her side. He stayed quiet, holding her cold, trembling hand tight in his own as the car pulled away from the Dalias mansion.

After a twenty-minute drive, the vehicle slowly came to a halt. Angelo descended out of the car first and offered his hand to guide her out.

Soraya stepped down and looked up at the grand structure in front of her. The moment her eyes fell upon the church building, she was shocked to the core.

It was the same church.

The very place from where this whole nightmare mess had first started.

"He chose this place on purpose," she whispered, her voice shaking with pure hatred as she gritted her teeth.

Angelo tightened his grip on her hand, his expression dark. "What happened, Soraya? Are you okay?" He asked in a worried tone, not knowing what was wrong. "We can take a second before going in if you are not feeling well."

Soraya closed her eyes for a brief moment, trying to calm herself down as it was not the time for her to break down. When she opened them again, the fear was gone, replaced by a cold, sharp glare.

"No," she said coldly, fixing her veil. "Let’s get this nightmare over with."

Angelo took a deep breath and offered his arm. Soraya held onto him, holding her flowers so tightly her hands turned white.

The church opened, showing the long aisle lit with candles.

Santino was standing at the altar in a charcoal tuxedo, looking calm and commanding. His eyes locked onto hers the moment she walked in, watching her as he had finally won what he wanted.

But for Soraya, every step down the aisle felt like she was walking right into a monster’s den.

The images of her standing alone at the aisle, waiting for her fiancé and calling him, kept running through her mind. But she kept herself poised.

When they reached the altar, Angelo let go of her arm. He turned to Santino, his voice low and warning. "Take care of her."

Santino didn’t answer with words. He simply gave a slight nod and offered his hand to Soraya. She hesitated for a second before placing her cold hand in his warm grip.

"Aren’t you the bride who just came two days back for the wedding?" The priest asked with a wide smile the moment he recognised her.

"Yes, it’s indeed me!" Soraya replied, gritting her teeth.

"God bless you." The priest didn’t understand her frustration as he continued. "I told you things will get better with time and see... You are marrying someone as prestigious as Mr. Selvaggio."

Soraya couldn’t help rolling her eyes. "Correct! Things got so much better that I’m getting married to a mafia, a ruthless monster."

The color drained from the priest’s face, but Santino stepped up to explain.

"My lady tends to joke a lot," he said, taking Soraya’s hand in his. "Why not start the wedding ceremony to lighten the mood?"

"Ye... Yes," the priest stammered as he started the wedding ceremony.

He swallowed hard, trying to stay calm as he opened his book. He cleared his throat nervously and looked at both of them.

"We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in marriage," the priest said, his voice still shaking a bit. He looked at Santino. "Santino Selvaggio, do you take Soraya Dalias to be your wife, to love and protect, in good times and bad times, until death do you part?"

Santino didn’t wait at all. He held her hand a little tighter and looked straight into her eyes.

"I do," Santino said, his voice deep and clear. He sounded completely sure of himself.

The priest then looked nervously at Soraya. "And do you, Soraya Dalias, take Santino Selvaggio to be your husband, to love and protect, in good times and bad times, until death do you part?"

The church hall stayed completely quiet. Soraya stared at Santino, her heart beating fast. Part of her wanted to scream ’no’ and run away. But she thought of her brother standing behind her and the dangerous threats Santino had made.

The words felt heavy in her throat, but she forced them out anyway.

"I... do," Soraya said softly, without any happiness in her voice.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest said quickly, wanting to end the awkward moment. "You may kiss the bride."

Santino stepped closer and lifted her veil. Soraya stood completely still, not moving an inch toward him. Santino just smiled, held her cheek, and pressed his lips against hers for a quick kiss.

The second he pulled back, Soraya wiped her lips with the back of her gloved hand right in front of him.

Angelo watched with tight fists, and the priest looked nervous, while Evelina cried her eyes out, and as for Antoine, nothing was visible on his expressionless face.

Instead of getting mad, Santino laughed softly. He grabbed her hand, held it tight so she couldn’t pull away, and leaned in close.

"Let’s go home, my dear wife," Santino whispered.

Soraya glared at him as he pulled her down the aisle, leading her out of the church and into her new life with him.