The morning light slipped through the tall windows like silk, warm and soft. In the middle of her room, Alex stood in a mess of satin, diamonds, and lace. Her white gown, custom-stitched to fit like a second skin, shimmered with every frantic movement she made. Her hair was pinned perfectly, makeup flawless, heels already on—but she couldn’t find it. Not the necklace. Not Nova’s necklace.
She muttered under her breath, yanking open drawers and boxes, frustration building. It wasn’t just jewelry. It was the last piece of her mother she could still wear. Her hands shook slightly, panic rising, until she heard the gentle creak of the door.
Luca stood in the doorway in his tailored suit, holding up a delicate silver chain. Dangling from it was a small crystal pendant shaped like a teardrop.
“Looking for this?” he asked with a knowing smile.
Alex froze, her eyes watering despite herself. She stepped forward slowly, reaching out, but Luca gently brushed her hands aside. “Let me,” he murmured.
She turned around and lifted her hair. His fingers were steady, careful, as he clasped the necklace around her neck. When he finished, he rested his palms on her shoulders.
“She would’ve cried today,” he said softly.
“I already beat her to it,” Alex whispered, blinking quickly.
Luca kissed her cheek and offered his arm. “Shall we?”
She nodded, looping her hand through his. Together, they walked down the stairs and into the car waiting outside. The city passed by in a blur of soft golds and blooming petals. Spring had finally taken hold—warm, full of promise, as if the world itself was celebrating.
In the backseat, Alex exhaled slowly, her hands folded tightly in her lap. “Do you think David’s going to show up?”
Luca smirked. “David wouldn’t miss this day for any money in the world.”
Alex snorted, “Then he’ll probably drag Arthur with him.”
“They’ve become ridiculous,” Luca agreed. “Inseparable.”
“Enemies to business partners,” she quipped.
“Sounds familiar.”
Alex tilted her head, amused. “Please don’t compare Arthur and David to me and Zade.”
He chuckled. “Fair enough.”
As the car rolled to a stop in front of the venue, Alex’s heart thundered. The building was wrapped in ivory roses, warm lights twinkling like stars across the grand entryway. Luca helped her out of the car, steadying her hand as if she were five years old again.
Inside, the room buzzed with anticipation. Candles flickered. Guests whispered. A string quartet began to play, soft and reverent.
At the doors, Alex hesitated. Her fingers tightened around Luca’s.
“You ready?” he asked gently.
She looked straight ahead. “No.”
He smirked. “Good. The important things are never easy.”
She rolled her eyes and took a breath, nodding. Luca pushed the doors open, and they stepped into the hall.
Everyone stood.
Applause rang out like a heartbeat, rhythmic and full. Alex barely noticed anyone else. Her gaze locked on one man—at the far end of the aisle, standing beneath a white arch, dressed in black with a single silver rose pinned to his lapel.
Zade.
He stood perfectly still, but his eyes… his eyes were alive. When he saw her, his whole face shifted. There was no smirk, no arrogance—only awe.
Alex didn’t blink as she walked. She didn’t need to look down. Her feet moved forward as if drawn to him by gravity itself. She could feel her father’s hand tighten, then slowly, at the edge of the altar, he let her go.
Zade stepped forward. He took her hands in his, warm and certain.
They didn’t hear the officiant. Not really. They heard each other. Every vow was unspoken, stitched into the way they held each other’s gaze. When the words finally came—You may now kiss the bride—Zade didn’t wait.
He leaned forward, fingers cradling her face, and kissed her.
Not gentle.
Not hesitant.
But deep. Passionate. Raw.
A silent promise of forever.