100 | Happy birthday
May 15th, Aurelia's 21st birthday.
I've spent weeks planning this, wanting to give her something as extraordinary as she is, something to drown out the chaos we've survived this past year.
Tonight, I've rented out the grandest opera house in New York, every seat empty, every light hers, because she loves opera.
The royal box is ours, high above the velvet-draped hall, and she's beside me, a vision in a deep red gown, its silk hugging her curves, her red hair cascading, her golden eyes shining with a joy that makes my chest ache.
I'm in a tailored black tux, the one she loves the most.
The single performer on stage, a soprano I handpicked, sings Aurelia's favorite aria, "O mio babbino caro"her voice soaring, pure, wrapping us in its longing, its love.
Aurelia's hand is in mine, her fingers laced tight, her breath catching as the notes climb, and I watch her, not the stage, because her face is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
I'd kill for that look, die for it.
The aria ends, the final note lingering, and my wife turns to me, eyes glistening, a smile so bright it could burn the world down.
"Luciano," she whispers, voice thick, "this is... perfect."
I lean in, kissing her softly, my lips brushing hers, tasting her awe, her love.
"Only the best for you, principessa," I murmur, my voice low, rough with the truth of it."Happy birthday."
She laughs, and I feel the way she's my home, the way she loves me back, like I'm her forever.
The staff clears out, leaving the opera house to us, and I lead her down from the royal box, my hand on her lower back, her gown whispering against the stairs.
The stage is empty, vast, the curtains drawn, and I pull her to the center, the spotlight soft, bathing us in gold.
"Dance with me..."I say, my voice a command wrapped in devotion, and she smiles, stepping into my arms, her body fitting against mine like she was made for me.
I cue the music with a nod to the sound booth, a slow, haunting violin piece, no words, just feeling, and we move, swaying, her head on my chest, my arms around her, one hand at her waist, the other cradling her neck.
The opera house is silent, but her name echoes in my mind, in the velvet halls, in every beat of my heart.
"You're my world," I whisper, my lips in her hair, her scent filling me, grounding me. "I'd buy out the fucking stars for you."
She laughs, her hands sliding up my chest, teasing the lapels of my tux.
"Stars, huh? Big talk, Costa," she teases, her voice warm, a spark of that sass I love. "This opera house is pretty good, though. You might've outdone yourself. I bet it took a hell of a lot to rent this place out."
I smirk, spinning her slow, her gown flaring, then pulling her back, our bodies pressed tight.
"Outdone myself?" I murmur, my lips brushing her ear, a growl in my voice. "I'm just getting started. Wait till I get you home, love."
She swats my chest, grinning, but her fingers linger, tracing my shirt, her touch a spark.
"Promises, promises," she says, playful, but there's heat, a challenge, and I lean down, kissing her, deeper this time, my tongue teasing hers, tasting her, claiming her right here on this stage.
"Careful," I warn, pulling back, my voice rough, my hands tightening on her hips, "or I'll fuck you right here, and this opera house'll never be the same."
She laughs loudly, her head thrown back, and it's music, better than any aria, because it's her, my Aurelia.
We dance on, the music weaving around us, her name still echoing in my soul.
I suddenly stop moving, just for a moment, my hands framing her face, my thumbs brushing her cheeks, my heart pounding like it's trying to break free from my chest.
"Marry me," I whisper, the words slipping out like a prayer, a plea, my eyes locked on hers.
She laughs again, surprised, her eyes dancing with amusement.
"I'm already married to you," she says, poking my chest, her ring glinting. "Did you forget I'm already Mrs. Costa?"
I shake my head, my hands steady, my voice dropping, serious, every word a blade and a rose.
"No, principessa," I say, my forehead touching hers, my breath mingling with hers. "The first time was a fraud. It wasn't enough for you. I want to marry you right, in a place you choose, your dream dress, your special day, everything yours. I want the world to see you're mine, forever."
Her laughter fades, her eyes widening, glistening with tears. Her breath catches, her hands gripping my wrists like she's anchoring herself to me.
"Luciano," she whispers, her voice trembling.
I pull back just enough, my eyes burning into hers. My voice soft but sure, a vow carved in my bones.
"Will you do me the honor of marrying me properly this time, Aurelia Costa?" I ask, my heart exposed, because I need her to say yes.
She laughs, a sob breaking through, and throws her arms around my neck, kissing me. Her lips warm, salty with tears, tasting of love and forever.
"Yes!" she says pulling back, her smile radiant, her hands fisting my shirt, playful but wild. "Yes, you insane, perfect man, I'll marry you again, a thousand times."
I feel relief and love crashing through me, and I kiss her back. My hands slide to her waist, lifting her, spinning her as she laughs, the violin swelling.
"A thousand times, huh?" I tease, setting her down, my lips at her ear. "Careful, baby, I'll make you scream 'I do' every damn night."
She swats my chest, her cheeks pink but her eyes dark with heat. "Big talk, gangster.Better make this wedding epic, or I'm stealing your car, not just your whiskey."