23. Bella
TWENTY-THREE
Bella
The small, secluded chapel is bathed in soft candlelight, creating an intimate and somewhat somber atmosphere. I walk down the aisle, my heart pounding with every step.
Mia has made me look beautiful but it feels wrong, like wearing a mask. Alex doesn’t love me. Isn’t this a sin?
Alex stands at the front, looking every bit the imposing figure I’ve come to know, his gaze locked on me.
The priest introduces himself as Father Dominic. He’s got a long beard and twinkling eyes.
He wears a mix of traditional robes and colorful scarves, humming an old tune as he prepares the altar. His presence is unusual but comforting in a way I didn’t expect.
"Welcome," Father Dominic begins, his voice rich and melodic. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Bella and Alex, two souls brought together by fate and bound by love."
I glance at Alex, who nods subtly, his expression serious. He takes my hand as I reach him, holding it tightly. The warmth of his grip steadies me, even as my heart aches with the knowledge that this marriage is only temporary.
Father Dominic continues. "Love is a journey, a path we walk together. Sometimes it's smooth, sometimes rocky, but it's always worth the effort. Now, Alex and Bella, please face each other."
We turn to face each other, and Alex’s intense gaze holds mine. “This is to keep you safe,” he whispers, his voice firm and unyielding.
Father Dominic looks at us with a kind smile. "Alex, please say your vows."
Alex squeezes my hand and begins, his voice strong and commanding.
"Bella, from the moment I met you, I knew my life would never be the same. I promise to protect you, to stand by your side through every challenge. This marriage will keep you safe, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure your safety."
His words are both comforting and heartbreaking. I feel a tear slip down my cheek as I repeat the vows Father Dominic guides me through. My voice trembles, but I force myself to stay strong. "Alex, I vow to stand by you, to trust in you, and to face whatever comes our way together."
Father Dominic hands Alex the ring, and my new husband slips it onto my finger with a possessive but tender touch, his eyes never leaving mine.
My hands shake as I place the ring on Alex’s finger, my heart breaking with the bittersweet reality of our situation.
Father Dominic raises his hands in blessing. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Alex pulls me close, his lips capturing mine in a deep, possessive kiss. I melt into him, feeling both immense happiness and a sharp pang of sadness.
This kiss, this moment, is all I’ve ever wanted, but it’s wrapped in the harsh reality of our circumstances. I’m safe but at what cost to my heart?
We leave the chapel hand in hand, stepping out into the sticky heat of the early evening. The world outside feels strangely unchanged, despite the monumental shift in my life. Alex leads me to the car, his grip on my hand never wavering.
As we drive away from the chapel, the city lights blur past us, and I glance at Alex, wishing desperately that this marriage could be real and lasting. I want to believe that we can find a way to make it work, that we can defy the odds and be together.
But reality is harsh. This marriage is a means to an end, a way to protect me from the dangers that lurk in the shadows. I know that once Alex has fulfilled his mission, our paths will diverge, leaving me alone once more.
I look out the window, the wedding ring glinting on my finger. It’s a symbol of both my love for Alex and the fragile, uncertain future we face together.