Chapter 36
As soon as we walk into the office, a nurse tells me to undress and put on a hospital gown.
I’m startled—what kind of appointment is this?
I lie down, and a doctor comes in and runs every test imaginable—gynecological exams, blood work, ultrasound, a complete check-up.
When he finishes, I get dressed and go back to the consultation room. Lorenzo is with me, and the doctor looks at me.
“Aurora, you’re doing very well. You’re still a little weak from everything that happened and not eating properly these past few days, but nothing that won’t improve soon if you follow a proper diet. I’m also prescribing some vitamins.”
“But doctor, if I’m fine, why do I have to take vitamins?” I ask.
He smiles.
“Since we ran a full panel of tests, we discovered you have a vitamin deficiency. But it’s just to keep you healthy and prevent any issues if you decide to get pregnant.”
I look at Lorenzo in disbelief. He smiles and hugs me.
“Relax, love. Everything’s fine.”
“Lorenzo, I don’t want to be a mother.”
“What do you mean, love?”
“I don’t even know if we’re going to work out.”
“Let’s go, love. We’ll talk about this at home.”
We say goodbye to the doctor and leave. In the car, Lorenzo gives me a serious look.
“Lola, what do you mean you have doubts about whether we’re going to work out? Do you doubt your love for me?”
“No, I’m sure of my love for you. I have doubts about your love for me.”
“What do you mean, my love? I want to marry you, have children. All you have to do is say yes.”
“Are you proposing to me? Is this serious?”
“Of course it is,” he says, looking at me anxiously.
“I accept, love. Yes, I want to marry you,” I say, giving him a passionate kiss.
One month later...
The hall is bathed in light and luxury, the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I’m overwhelmed with emotion. Lorenzo is the best thing that ever happened to me.
He has his tough side, which I see with certain people or in certain situations, but with me, with my sister, in our home, he’s a prince. My father vanished without a trace. I never heard from him again, which is a shame—maybe he would have gotten help.
I walk down the aisle with my heart racing—the kind of nervousness every bride feels, I imagine.
He waits for me at the altar, impeccable, with the firm expression of someone who carries the weight of an empire.
His eyes meet mine, and I see tenderness there, something real that I’ve come to know well.
As we exchange vows, I feel our lives becoming one.
I leave the past behind and accept the future with all the risks and secrets it will bring, becoming part of this family and this organization—the Tropical Wolves.
When he places the ring on my finger, it’s unlike any other, bearing the head of a wolf.
I feel it’s more than a wedding band. It’s a symbol that makes me belong to him, to his family, to his world.
When the vows are finished, Lorenzo picks up a glass and taps it with a utensil. Everyone stops and looks at him.
“I want to take this moment, while we’re all gathered here—people who are special and important to us—to give thanks. To say that you look beautiful, my love. You’re the woman who enchanted me from the very first moment, and I want you until the last days of my life.”
A wave of cheers, laughter, and euphoria sweeps through the hall, and we’re hugged and congratulated by everyone.
Lorenzo takes me by the hand, wraps me in his arms, and kisses me.
“I love you, Mrs. Caruso.”
I smile.
“I love you too, Don Lorenzo.”