Chapter 32
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
ISABELLE
I woke up to the warm Sicilian sun peeking through the windows of my parents’ villa. Today was the day, our wedding day. I couldn't believe it had finally arrived.
As I yawned and got out of bed, my mother and father entered my room, beaming with joy.
" Buongiorno , Isabelle!" they chimed in unison.
I laughed. Ever since we started taking lessons, my parents insisted on speaking it whenever they could. I felt like a princess in my lace-trimmed white bridal robe.
" Buongiorno , mom and dad.” I responded.
“You're supposed to say papà and mamma, ” my dad said, making me laugh.
My mother helped me into my wedding dress, a stunning mermaid gown. It was a lace creation that hugged my curves in all the right places while billowing out from my knee downwards. My father, meanwhile, couldn't stop gazing at me with pride.
"Isabelle, you look like beautiful. Just perfect." he said, his voice choked with emotion.
My mother added, "We're so happy for you, sweetheart. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world."
I felt a lump form in my throat as I hugged them both tightly.
" Grazie , Mamma , Papà . I'm so grateful for your love and support." At my words, I could see tears form in my mom's eyes.
As we made our way to the venue, a breathtaking 16th-century palace overlooking the Mediterranean, I couldn't help but feel like the luckiest woman alive. The sun shone brightly, the flowers were in full bloom, and the sea sparkled like diamonds.
Everything was perfect.
I took a deep breath, savoring the anticipation of my married life with my beloved, Vincenzo. Today marked the beginning of our new journey together, and I couldn't wait to start it.
"Shall we?" my father asked, offering his arm.
I nodded, and together we stepped into the stunning courtyard, surrounded by our loved ones, and into the next chapter of my life.
As I stood at the altar, gazing into Vincenzo's eyes, I couldn't help but think how we had overcome so much to get to this moment. Distance, danger, doubts, and fears.
But our love had only grown stronger.
I thought about the family we would build together, the laughter we would share, and the adventures we would embark on together. Vincenzo's smile told me he was thinking the same.
The ceremony passed in a blur, but I remembered every word, every vow, every promise. And then, the moment of truth came; the exchange of rings.
Vincenzo slid the gold band onto my finger, and I did the same for him, my hands trembling with happiness.
We were pronounced husband and wife, and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
After my parents hugged us, Sarah was the first to reach me. There were tears streaming down her face.
"Congratulations, Isabelle! You deserve every ounce of happiness!" She said, her voice light with joy.
Next, Elia approached us, a broad smile on his face. He patted Vincenzo's shoulder.
“Congratulations, Enzo. You're practically glowing,” he said, and he was right, Vincenzo was smiling ear to ear. His joy was infectious.
Vincenzo's eyes met mine, shining with love. I knew that our union was not just about us, but about the family we would build, and the bonds we would share.
“I love you, Vincenzo.” I whispered, as I looked into his eyes.
“I love you too, Isabelle. More than words can say.”