Chapter 14 - The True Wedding
Six months later.
The sun shone brightly over the lush gardens of the Fierro Estate in Gold Coast.
A grand white marquee was set up on the lawn, filled with hundreds of guests—not mob bosses or corrupt politicians, but hospital staff, charity leaders, and true friends.
I stood in front of a full-length mirror inside the master suite, wearing a breathtaking white lace wedding gown with a flowing train. A crown of small white orchids rested in my hair.
The door opened, and five-year-old Lily ran in, wearing a matching white flower-girl dress, holding her rabbit which now wore a tiny silk bow tie.
"Mommy! You look like a real princess now!" Lily giggled, hugging my knees.
I knelt down, kissing her cheek. "And you're the prettiest flower girl in the whole world, sweetie."
Sarah, my maid of honor, wiped tears from her eyes. "It's time, Jess."
I walked down the aisle lined with white roses, holding my daughter's hand.
At the end of the altar stood Giovanni Fierro.
He wore a dark navy tuxedo, looking impossibly handsome, his dark eyes glowing with pure, unadulterated love as he watched me walk toward him.
When I reached the altar, he took both of my hands in his, his grip warm and steady.
"Six months ago," Giovanni spoke into the microphone, his voice thick with emotion, "I asked a stranger to pretend to be my wife for ten seconds. Those ten seconds saved my life. Jessica, you brought light into my darkness, and you gave me a family I will protect with my last breath."
I smiled through my tears, looking up into his eyes.
"I choose you, Giovanni. Not out of fear, and not for protection... but because my heart belongs to you."
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"I now pronounce you husband and wife!" the officiant declared.
Giovanni pulled me into his arms and dipped me back, kissing me deeply as the crowd erupted into cheers and white rose petals rained down from above!
