Chapter 10
Ten
Maxim
The looming day that I have been anticipating for so long has finally arrived, and it's hitting me with an unexpected force.
Anxiety courses through my veins, making me feel uneasy as I sit in a plush wooden chair on the second floor of the grand church where Aria and I are to be wed.
This marriage was not a shock for either of us. Our parents made their choices in matching us together, yet, it does little to calm my nerves.
Why am I so fucking nervous? Is it because marrying Aria will damn well secure me as the next leader of the Bratva, or is it the unknown future that awaits me after marrying her?
I know she wouldn't have picked this life. If anything, she's done whatever she can to be distanced from it.
I take in a deep breath and sigh, knowing all too well that everything changes for us today.
Aria's father specifically requested this church for our ceremony, adding a layer of pressure and tradition to the daunting event. The church itself is steeped in history, its walls adorned with faded frescoes and ancient stained glass windows. I have to admit, it's a beautiful scene.
As much as I would like to have control over every aspect of our wedding day, I have willingly handed over the reins to my bride-to-be, Aria.
Our marriage was a decision made for both of us, and the least I can do is give her the freedom of planning out the small details. At first, she told me she didn't want to, but I knew she'd regret it if she didn't, so I pressured her a little bit.
The only thing that I really give a damn about is good food and an abundance of alcohol, because trust me, we're going to need it. Aria's taken care of everything---from choosing the perfect menu to selecting the most talented musicians for our reception later tonight.
Our reception is being held two blocks away at a rental space, still luxurious, but a place where we'll all be able to have some drinks and cut loose.
I take another deep breath, calming my nerves.
Aria is the key to me taking over the Bratva, and regardless, I am marrying her today.
I'm sitting in a cushioned wooden chair on the second story of the church where we're getting married, drinking a glass of vodka before I am no longer a single man.
I always knew I'd be married, but when I envisioned my future wife, I never thought she would be a caring pediatric oncologist. I expected a spoiled, rich Russian woman. If you ask me, I've been blessed with Aria's personality and work ethic.
With a loud creak, the wooden door to the room I'm in swings open, and my sister Vera saunters in. "Are you ready to be a married man?"
Her long, straight medium-brown hair is pulled back tightly, accentuating her high cheekbones and sharp jawline. She's wearing a deep red dress that hugs her curves perfectly, while her lips are painted a natural nude color.
I snicker at her dramatic entrance and take a sip of my drink, "I suppose, not that I've been given much of a choice."
Vera gracefully sinks into the plush armchair on the other side of the small table. "I know. Father's been discussing potential prospects for me as we speak," she pauses to roll her eyes. "I'm sure you can tell how thrilled I am about it." Her tone drips with sarcasm.
"I bet. But you know there's no way out of it, right?" I raise an eyebrow, reminding Vera not to try any rebellious antics.
She gives me a knowing look and her voice turns serious, "I know. We don't have choices in these matters."
I nod in agreement, "You're right. We don't."
Vera swipes my drink from where it sits on the table and downs the rest of it in one go. As soon as she's finished, she smirks mischievously. "So, spill the tea. Do you like Aria? You haven't really talked much about her."
I lick my lips and chuckle, barely keeping up with this new age slang.
"She's spirited, fiery, but also has a kind heart underneath that tough exterior. Being a pediatric oncologist proves that."
Vera leans back in her seat and scans me up and down. "I've heard rumors about her trying to distance herself from her father and half-siblings. How do you think she'll adapt to our lifestyle? Being your wife will mean she's up close, right in the center."
It's something I've pondered as well. "I think she's been exposed enough to the chaos to understand the risks we face every day.
There will be challenges, but I believe she can handle them.
And if she has concerns, I'll listen. If she's worried, I'll comfort her.
She's going to be my partner for life and, believe it or not, I respect her. "
Vera purses her lips before a small smile plays on them. "You're a good man. A much better man than our father ever was."
I stifle a chuckle, "Well, that doesn't take much."
"How have things been with her father? I've heard a lot about him too." Vera adds, her voice laced with curiosity.
My sister is notorious for going around and getting information on other people. If you need someone to gather facts quickly, she's the one to call.
"He's an interesting character," I pause, my anger rising as memories flood back. "He kidnapped Aria's mother and held her hostage as a way to ensure Aria would go through with the wedding. Aria told me and I handled it, making sure her mother would be freed immediately."
Vera's mouth practically drops open in shock. "You're fucking with me right now."
I shake my head, "No, I wish I was. But I've made sure Nikolai won't be pulling any stunts like that anymore. If he does, he'll have to deal with me."
Vera raises her eyebrows, "So, you're becoming protective over her. That's surprising."
I furrow my brows, laughing bitterly. "Why is it surprising?"
Vera takes a moment to carefully choose her words before responding. "I figured you'd only use Aria for show, nothing more. I never expected you to actually care about her well-being. I assumed she would merely be a pawn in the Bratva power game for you."
At first, I thought the same thing. But that night in the alley when everything changed between us...I knew I couldn't go through this without caring about her.
"I guess you could say my perspective on all of this has shifted," I admit.
Vera chuckles, amusement evident on her face. "I'd say so," she glances at the clock on the wall. "Are you ready? It's almost time for your wedding."
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be," I reply honestly. No one can truly be prepared for an arranged marriage.
We both stand up from our chairs and leave the room, making our way downstairs. Vera leads me into the grand room where my wedding to Aria will take place.
The space is massive, with towering forty to fifty foot ceilings adorned with intricate designs. Stained glass windows surround the room, casting a colorful light throughout.
Meanwhile, every pew in the church is filled to the brim, and it feels like our wedding is going to be the event of the season.
I guess it's not every day the Bratva's prince gets married.
I stand at the end of the aisle, my heart racing and my hands trembling in nervous anticipation. My hands even begin to start sweating, and I didn't expect this to happen.
The soft strains of instrumental music fill the church, creating a tranquil ambiance as I wait for the doors to open.
Finally, they do, revealing Aria standing at the end of the aisle in a stunning white dress that hugs her curves and flares out gently at the hips. It's not overly extravagant, but it suits her perfectly and she looks absolutely radiant.
Her father is beside her, his arm linked in with hers, and she appears less than thrilled about it. I imagine it's something else he's forced upon her.
I look at her, trying not to be frustrated, focusing on how beautiful she looks.
I take in every detail from the delicate lace embellishments on the bodice to the graceful way her hair is styled. As she takes carefully timed steps toward me, I notice the intricate geometric pattern on her dress, a unique touch that only adds to her beauty.
But then again, I shouldn't have expected anything less from Aria. I'm starting to think she's always one to make a statement and stand out from the crowd.
As Aria reaches the front of the aisle, her eyes meet mine, and I can see a mixture of nerves and determination in her gaze. We both know why we're here, because we've been promised to one another.
I might have seemed like a pompous ass when I first met her, but I have no intention of making her life a living hell. We're going to be partners and I will damn sure make she knows that.
Her hand trembles slightly as it reaches out to intertwine with mine, seeking the comfort and support I am more than willing to offer. Her father steps back, taking his seat in the first row on her side of the room.
The priest begins the ceremony, his voice echoing through the grand room. My attention is solely on Aria, curious to know if she's freaking out or if she's accepted her fate.
Once the priest is done with the introductions, we begin the service and soon enough we're exchanging vows.
Shockingly enough, her words flow like a gentle melody. Her voice is filled with sincerity and strength, and I find myself captivated by her every word.
I didn't think there would be any genuineness in her tone as she exchanged these vows. If anything, I thought there might be some annoyance or malice in her words.
"I promise to stand by your side through every storm and every triumph," Aria says, her voice filled with honesty. "To cherish and protect you, to love you fiercely and unconditionally."
I can't help but smile at her heartfelt words, feeling a sense of awe wash over me. This fiery woman standing before me is not one to be tamed or controlled. She is a force to be reckoned with, and I know she will make a great mafia queen when the time comes.