Chapter 9
The morning of the wedding arrived quickly,
blanketing the estate in a soft,
peaceful mist.
I stood in front of a full-length mirror,
staring at the woman looking back at me.
I wore a simple,
elegant white gown that draped flawlessly over my stomach,
making me look like a glowing goddess.
A team of professional stylists had fixed my hair,
pinning it up with delicate pearl accessories.
I touched my stomach gently,
feeling a small flutter from the babies.
"We are doing this,"
I whispered to them,
"we are starting over today."
The heavy wooden door opened,
and Lucian stepped into the room.
He stopped in his tracks,
his breath catching audibly in his throat.
"Ava,"
he breathed,
walking slowly toward me like a man in a trance.
"You are the most beautiful bride in the world."
I smiled,
feeling a genuine wave of happiness wash over me.
"You do not look so bad yourself,"
I teased,
admiring his sharp,
custom-tailored suit.
He offered his arm,
and I took it willingly,
letting him lead me out of the suite.
We walked down the grand staircase together,
heading toward the sprawling gardens in the back of the estate.
A beautiful floral arch had been constructed,
overlooking the serene mountain lake.
A silver-haired judge stood waiting,
holding a thick leather binder.
A few of Lucian's trusted staff members stood nearby,
acting as our official witnesses.
The ceremony was brief,
but the words felt incredibly heavy and real.
When Lucian slid the massive diamond ring onto my finger,
his hand was completely steady.
"With this ring,
I claim you,"
he whispered,
ignoring the traditional vows for his own words.
"I vow to protect you,
to cherish you,
and to destroy anyone who tries to hurt our family."
Tears pricked my eyes,
and I slid a simple gold band onto his finger in return.
"I do,"
I whispered,
sealing the promise.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife,"
the judge declared,
smiling warmly at us.
"You may kiss your bride."
Lucian did not hesitate,
he cupped my face with both hands,
leaning down to capture my lips.
The kiss was gentle at first,
then deepened with a fierce,
consuming passion that left me breathless.
When he finally pulled away,
I was dizzy,
my heart hammering against my ribs.
"Mine,"
he murmured against my lips,
a satisfied smirk playing on his face.
Suddenly,
a security guard rushed up to us,
looking slightly panicked.
"Mr. Blackwood,
we have a situation at the front gate."
Lucian's smile vanished,
replaced instantly by a lethal scowl.
"What is it?"
May you like
"It is Nathan Drake, sir,
and he has brought the media with him."
