Chapter 97
Dominic woke up to the soft hum of machines and the sterile scent of antiseptics filling his room. His condition was wore than any other person and so he had a lot of antiseptics being inserted into him.
His body felt heavy, but his mind was alert. As he blinked into the harsh room light, he noticed a familiar figure sitting in the corner.
Angelo!
“You’re finally awake,” Angelo said, his tone even, though his sharp eyes betrayed his tension.
Dominic attempted to sit up, wincing at the dull ache in his ribs. “How long was I out?” he croaked.
“Long enough,” Angelo replied. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You’ve caused a lot of trouble, Dominic.”
Dominic looked down, guilt weighing on him. He had known the risks of his decisions, but he hadn’t anticipated how far the fallout would spread. “I didn’t mean for things to go this way,” he said.
Angelo shook his head. “Intentions don’t erase actions.” He stood up, towering over Dominic’s bed. “You need to leave the city, Dominic. Once you’re healed, I’m sending you somewhere else. You’ll still work for me, but not here. Not near Elena.”
Dominic’s jaw tightened at the mention of Elena. He nodded slowly. “I understand. I’ll leave once I’m better.”
Angelo turned to leave but stopped at the door. “I’ll arrange everything. Get some rest.”
Dominic watched him go, the weight of his decision settling in his chest. He had made his bed, and now it was time to lie in it.
*****
A week passed before Angelo finally went to Elena’s room. The tension that had built between them was a tension waiting to break. Standing outside her door, he took a deep breath before pushing it open.
Elena looked up from the book she had been pretending to read. The moment her eyes met Angelo’s, she dropped the book and ran to him. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest.
“Angelo,” she whispered, her voice was thick with emotion. “I’m so sorry.”
Angelo’s arms instinctively wrapped around her, holding her close. For a moment, they stood there in silence, the weight of their unspoken feelings dancing between them.
“I made a mistake,” Elena said, pulling back just enough to look into his eyes. Tears glistened on her cheeks. “But I love you. I always have.”
Angelo’s heart softened at her words. He cupped her face in his hands, wiping away her tears with his thumbs. “Elena,” he said quietly, his voice steady, “don’t ever do that again. Don’t ever hurt me like that.”
“I won’t,” she promised, her voice trembling. “I swear.”
Angelo sighed, a mix of relief and lingering frustration. He tilted her chin up and kissed her, slow and deep, pouring all his emotions into the moment. When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers.
“You drive me crazy, you know that?” he murmured.
Elena laughed softly, a sound that eased the tension in the room. “I know.”
Angelo scooped her up in his arms, carrying her to the bed. She giggled as he laid her down, hovering over her with a playful smirk.
“You’re mine, Elena,” he said, his voice firm but filled with warmth.
“And you’re mine,” she replied, pulling him down for another kiss.
“Let’s get that wedding done soon. It’s been waiting for so long.” Angelo whispered as he came down, leaning some of his weight on her.
“Yes, please. I’m tried of waiting already.”
****
Two months later, the day of their wedding had arrived. The ceremony was held at an elegant venue, with white roses and gold accents adorning the space. The air was filled with excitement as friends and family gathered to celebrate Angelo and Elena’s union.
Elena stood in front of the mirror in her dressing room, her wedding gown flowing around her like a second skin which fitted her perfectly. Abigail, the fashion designer fussed over her veil, ensuring everything was perfect.
“You look stunning,” Abigail said, stepping back to admire her work.
“Thank you,” Elena replied, her voice soft. She glanced at her reflection, a mix of nerves and joy swirling in her chest.
There was a knock at the door, and Abigail went to answer it. An older woman stepped in, her eyes warm as she took in Elena’s appearance.
“You look beautiful, my dear,” she said, her voice gentle.
Elena smiled. “Thank you.”
The woman approached her, taking her hands in her own. “You’re about to become a part of our family,” she said. “And I couldn’t be happier. Angelo chose well.”
Elena felt a lump form in her throat. She nodded, unable to find the words to express her gratitude. shd was the lucky one to still get his after all she has done. With this there was nothing that would ever tear her apart from him again.
“I’m the happy one, mom. Given that he chose me.” She muttered with fear filled eyes.
“Don’t cry, baby. So you won’t ruin your make up. You did well by saying yes to him.” She consoled.
” Thanks mom.”
” You are welcome, my love. Go on, your man is waiting for you at the altar.”
*****
As Elena walked down the aisle, her eyes locked on Angelo’s. He stood at the altar, his suit tailored to perfection, with his expression mixed with pride and love.
When she reached him, he took her hands in his, his grip firm and steady. The officiant began the ceremony, but for Angelo and Elena, the world seemed to fade away.
“Do you, Angelo, take Elena to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do,” Angelo said without hesitation.
“And do you, Elena, take Angelo to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do,” Elena replied, her voice clear and confident.
The officiant smiled. “You may now kiss the bride.”
Angelo wasted no time, pulling Elena close and capturing her lips in a kiss that spoke of their shared past and hopeful future.
The room erupted in applause as they turned to face their guests, hand in hand, ready to start their new life together.
*****
At the reception, laughter and music filled the air. Guests mingled with each other excitedly, enjoying the lavish spread of food and drinks. Elena and Angelo moved through the crowd, greeting friends and family with their arms linked together.
Somewhere among the crowd, Dominic and Eva, who had traveled from their new city to attend the wedding approached the couple together.
“Congratulations,” Dominic said, offering his hand to Angelo.
Angelo shook it firmly. “Thank you.”
Dominic turned to Elena, his expression sincere. “You look happy. I’m glad.”
“Thank you, Dominic,” Elena said, her smile warm but tinged with the weight of their shared history.
“Hi!” Eva greeted solemnly with a forced smile on her face.
“I’m glad you finally found happiness, Angelo.” She told him and he nodded.
“Thank you, Eva. I hope you find yours too.” He responded while Elena remained silent, avoiding eye contact with both of them.
“You both should make yourself comfortable. Eat and drink as there is enough for everyone.” Angelo said to ease the tension between them as he held Elena and walked away.
As the night wore on, Elena found herself growing restless. She glanced at Angelo, who was deep in conversation with a guest. Her thoughts drifted to the man she had just married, the man who had stood by her through everything.
“What if my dad hadn’t owed Angelo a debt?” she wondered silently. “Would I be here? Would I have found a man who loves me this much?”
Despite the rocky path that had brought them together, Elena felt a surge of gratitude. In a way, she owed her happiness to her father’s mistakes.
Angelo seemed to sense her mood. He turned to her, his eyes softening when he saw the faraway look in her eyes.
“Everyone,” Angelo announced, his voice cutting through the chatter of the room. “I’m afraid my wife and I must take our leave.”
There were murmurs of surprise and laughter as the guests began to cheer and clap.
Angelo took Elena’s hand, leading her out of the venue and into the waiting car. As they drove to his private villa, Elena leaned against him, her heart full.
When they arrived, Angelo carried her inside, kicking the door shut behind him. He set her down gently, his hands lingering on her waist.
“This is it,” he said, his voice low. “Just you and me now.”
Elena smiled, her fingers trailing along his jaw. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Angelo pulled her close, capturing her lips in a kiss that left no room for doubt. The night stretched on, filled with laughter, love, and promises of a future they would face together.
For Angelo and Elena, this was only the beginning.