23. Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Camila Flores
T he day is here. I can hardly believe it—I’m marrying Vicente today.
For the past week, he’s had dinner with us every night. In the afternoons, he’s been coming home with me, and Ava lights up every time she sees him. She adores him. Every evening, she recounts her day with an excited energy. Vicente listens so intently, like every word is precious. After dinner, we usually play charades or, if it’s a weekend night, watch a movie.
Last Friday, Ava chose Up for our family movie. Her reasoning? She declared, “Sometimes Boss Man makes the same frowny faces as Mr. Fredricksen.” I cackled so loud, Mrs. Evans texted us to make sure everything was alright. Vicente feigned hurt, but I could see a small smile tugging at his lips when Ava wasn’t looking.
Our wedding will be small, just how I want it. Vicente told me he only invited his brother, Gabo, who was flying in from Italy with his girlfriend, Isabella. And after Owen stopped by the office and apologized, I agreed we should invite him and his wife. As for me, the only person I wanted there—aside from Ava—was Mrs. Evans. She’s been more like family to us than anyone else, and I’m grateful she’ll be there.
Still, I can’t ignore the knot of anxiety in my stomach. I would be lying if I said I’m not dreading the day I meet Vicente’s parents. What will they think of me? I don’t come from their world. Just a couple of months ago, I was cleaning offices and making cookies to make ends meet for Ava and me. And then there’s Ava herself. I’m not just a single mother—I’m a single mother who is about to marry their son, a man who comes from a family of wealth and status. On paper, I’m not a good enough match for Vicente. Not in a million years.
Would they think I’m doing this for the money? They wouldn’t be wrong. At least, that’s how it started. Vicente would be able to claim the vineyard, and I would have enough money to give Ava a future where I didn’t have to worry about hospital bills and school supplies.
But somewhere along the way, things changed. Vicente changed. I got to know the real man beneath the businesslike exterior. He’s a kind, sweet, and loving man, more so than I ever expected.
The lines between what's real and what was part of the deal have blurred, and I’m developing feelings for him. Feelings I never thought I would feel for anyone.
“Camila, dear. Are you ready?” Mrs. Evans asks from the other side of my bedroom door.
“Yes, Mrs. Evans. It’ll just be a minute,” I say.
I get up from my vanity and steal one last glance at the large mirror behind the door.
I chose a simple, yet elegant dress. It’s an off-the-shoulder, midi satin dress with an A-line skirt. It has pockets, which were the selling point for me—I’m a mom, and I’m always carrying stuff for Ava.
The back is corset style, and it took me longer than I care to admit to tie up the laces. I paired it with Manolo Blahnik embellished satin slingback pumps in fuchsia. I wanted to add a pop of color to my outfit and honor one of my and Ava’s favorite shades—pink.
For my jewels, I decided to wear one of the sets Vicente got me at Tiffany’s—a stunning necklace, bracelet, and earring set adorned with diamonds and sapphires.
My hair is down in soft waves, with a diamond clip securing the left side.
I look like a million bucks.
Giving myself a wink in the mirror, I make my way out of the bedroom. The moment Mrs. Evans sees me, her eyes water, a mix of love and happiness shining in her blue gaze.
Taking a hand to her chest, she says, “Oh, dear. You look magnificent.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Evans. You scrub up well, lass.”
She chuckles at my use of British slang, something I rarely do.
Ava comes from her room, looking like an angel in a white tulle dress with a pink bow on her waist. Her shoes are white Mary Janes, and her hair is plaited. I’m so glad she didn’t ruin the plait when she got dressed. My baby is growing up.
“You look like a princess, Mummy.” Ava hugs my middle, and my heart melts.
“Thank you, mi amor . You look like an angel.”
She hugs me tighter, and I quickly wipe away the moisture threatening to spoil my makeup.
“Today is a happy day. No more tears. Even if they are happy tears,” Mrs. Evans says as she wipes her eyes as well. “We need to go now if we don’t want the bride to be too late.”
I look at the clock on the wall, and my eyes widen. “We’re twenty minutes late already!”
I grab my bag from the dining table, double-checking that I have all the documents I need.
Ava and I walk out of the flat, and Mrs. Evans locks the door behind us.
Once we’re outside, I start looking for a black cab, but Mrs. Evans elbows me gently to get my attention. I follow her gaze, and my jaw hits the floor.
A white Rolls-Royce sits at the curb. A driver is waiting by its side, sporting a kind smile.
“Ms. Flores?” he asks, and I nod, unable to form words.
“Mr. Godoy requested that I take you to Town Hall.”
He opens the door, and my body moves without me really understanding what’s going on. Ava gets in beside me, followed by Mrs. Evans.
There’s an orange box in the front seat, which the driver passes to me before he starts driving.
“From Mr. Godoy.” It’s the only thing he says.
I notice a small envelope and open it to read the note first.
To My Wife on Our Wedding Day,
Camila,
Asking you to marry me has been the best decision of my life. From the first moment I saw you through that video feed, I knew you were going to be someone important to me. I just never thought one day you would become my everything.
With your laughter and kindness, you have thawed my heart and showed me that a life full of love and happiness is possible without giving up who I am.
You and Ava have brought my heart back to life.
Your husband,
Vicente
A sob escapes me before I can cover my mouth. This man is too much.
“Mummy, what’s wrong?” Ava asks as she moves closer to me.
“Nothing, sweetie. Mummy is okay. I’m just very, very happy right now.”
Her face transforms into a bright smile, and her eyes grow big when she looks inside the box. “Mummy, look.”
When I glance inside, I see the most beautiful bouquet I’ve ever seen. There are several kinds of flowers, all in different shades of pink. But when I look closer, I see rhinestones in each one.
“Are these diamonds, Mummy?” Ava wonders as she gently touches one with her index finger.
“I’m not sure, mi amor . But I wouldn’t put it past Vicente.”
Mrs. Evans chuckles as she nods in agreement, while Ava’s eyes fix on the little rhinestones as she counts them one by one.
We arrive at Town Hall in no time, and the first thing I see is Vicente on the steps.
He looks dapper in a black tailcoat tuxedo. His tie is gray and has a design I can’t really see from here. He’s also wearing a top hat, and wow, Vicente looks so handsome.
A shot of adrenaline rushes through me as it hits me—I’m really about to marry the most attractive man I’ve ever met.
Vicente beats the driver to open the door for us, and after helping Mrs. Evans out and hugging Ava, he offers me his hand to help me get out of the car.
“Camila, you look,” he says in a breathy voice as his eyes scan me from head to toe.
“You look very dapper yourself, soon-to-be husband,” I say, placing my right hand on his chest.
His heart is beating fast— is he nervous?
“Are you alright?” I ask him as my eyebrows furrow.
“Yes, of course. I was just starting to get worried. You’re late.” He practically growls as he grabs my hand, and I chuckle at his grumpy demeanor.
He raises a challenging brow, and my chuckle deepens.
“I almost went looking for you, I’ll have you know,” he says as we make our way to the steps where I see a man who looks like Vicente. It must be his brother, Gabo. They have the same dark brown eyes and their noses are similar.
“I’m sorry. I laugh when I’m nervous,” I say once I can speak.
He harrumphs, which only makes me dissolve into another fit of laughter.
I stop walking and take a couple of calming breaths. I don’t want to make the wrong first impression, especially not of his brother, now standing next to Mrs. Evans with a gorgeous woman on his other side.
Vicente is holding Ava’s hand and mine as we reach the group.
“You must be Camila. So happy to meet you. I’m Gabo, this idiot’s brother.”
I notice Vicente’s face turning red, and to stop myself from laughing again, I shake Gabo’s hand and offer him a nervous smile. The reality of the situation is hitting me like a thousand bricks.
“I’m Isabella, Gabo’s girlfriend. But you can call me, Isa. So nice to meet you. You look stunning.”
I offer her my hand for a handshake, but she pulls me into a hug instead.
“I’m a hugger. Plus, we’re family now.”
I thank her and try to smile, but my nerves are getting the best of me.
I’m so deep in my thoughts, that I miss when Owen and his wife join our little circle.
“We’re so sorry we are late. Thank heavens we didn’t miss the ceremony,” Owen rushes to say as Gemma smiles.
I feel Ava move behind me, and I step aside so everyone can see her. “This is Ava, my daughter.”
She peeks out from behind my leg, and gives them a little wave.
Vicente kneels in front of her, and in his nicest tone, asks, “Are you ready, duckling?”
She nods before stepping forward to hug him. He hugs her back tightly and then scoops her up into his arms.
The three of us enter the Town Hall, and I see beautiful floral arrangements all over the place.
“Did you do this?” I ask with wonder.
He shakes his head, but the sexy smirk on his lips tells a different story. “I did pay someone to do it, though.” He shrugs, and I push him, but he just chuckles.
“It’s not every day that I get to marry the most amazing woman on earth,” He says against my shoulder, and I shudder.
“Mr. Godoy. Ms. Flores. Are you ready?” Someone greets us before we can enter the room.
We both nod, and Vicente releases Ava, who runs over to Mrs. Evans. She’s standing next to Gabo and Isa, with Owen and Gemma right behind them.
The room is also beautifully decorated, with endless bouquets of flowers just like the one I had waiting for me in the car.
Vicente and I walk together a few steps before we’re in front of the registrar who is looking down at the documents on his desk.
“Welcome to the marriage ceremony between Vicente Gonzalo Godoy and Camila María Flores. Do we have the witnesses?”
Vicente nods, and Gabo and Isa come to stand next to us.
“Very well, after considering all the documents presented to me on April 20th, including the notice of intention, I’m ready to begin this wedding ceremony.”
I hold onto Vicente like a lifeline, and he wraps my hand in his, comforting me.
We repeat the vows as the registrar recites them, and after exchanging rings, he declares us husband and wife.
I look at Vicente, and we’re both excited but nervous. As I place my hands on his chest, I can feel his heart beating wildly.
Slowly, he leans down to kiss me, and my lips part of their own volition.
This kiss is sweet and tender—nothing like the kisses he gives me at night before he heads to his place. I guess tonight won’t happen since Ava and I are moving in with him.
The sound of clapping brings me back to this moment. When I look around, I see everyone smiling at us.
I smile back, and Ava comes rushing toward us. “Mummy and Boss Man are married now,” she sing-songs, and everyone chuckles.
Gabo congratulates both of us as Isa signs where the clerk indicates. Then she comes to hug us, and Gabo signs the documents.
There’s a commotion by the door, as if someone is trying to come in.
I frown as I look up at Vicente, who looks just as confused as I am.
The moment the door opens, his expression goes from confusion to shock.
Instinctively, I grab Ava and hold her in my arms.
“Mother? Father? What are you doing here?” Vicente asks, incredulous.
If his dad’s face is any indication of his feelings about our wedding, I’d say we’re in for a big confrontation.
“Why did I have to learn from Owen that you were getting married? Vicente, I don’t recognize you,” his dad says, his tone dripping with anger.
Vicente and I look at Owen, who has a slimy smile on his face.
With a casual shrug, he says, “I just wanted you to have your entire family here. I wanted them to know the kind of woman you’re marrying and the big mistake you’re making. I only wish they’d arrived before the papers were signed.”
Vicente lunges for Owen, but his brother steps in, gripping his arm. He leans in and murmurs something to Vicente, who nods reluctantly.
“That’s enough, Vicente. What’s done is done. Let’s get out of here. We need to talk.”
His father’s booming voice fills the small room. The registrar clears his throat awkwardly.
Ava clings to me tightly, and when Vicente looks at us, his expression softens. He comes our way, gently takes Ava from my arms, and holds my hand.
“Mother, Father. You are welcome to come to our house and join our celebration if you would like,” he says to his parents.
His mum tries to smile, but she’s visibly upset by the confrontation. His dad simply nods.
“Owen,” Vicente says, voice low and murderous. “I never want to see you again in my life. You’re not a friend—you’re a sneaky bastard.”
Owen’s smirk makes me feel sick to my stomach.
I’m grateful Vicente is holding Ava, because if he weren’t, I’m sure he would have hit Owen already. Not that he doesn’t deserve it, but I don’t want Vicente to get in trouble for someone like him.
Gemma, meanwhile, still seems to be in shock, as if she had no clue her husband was planning to cause a scene at our wedding.
The ceremony was beautiful and passed quickly, but all I can think about now is that Vicente’s parents are here—and they’re clearly unhappy about our marriage.
What was I expecting? They weren’t invited to their oldest son's wedding. Of course, they aren’t happy. And I’m sure their discontent will only deepen when they learn the real reason we’re rushing the wedding.
Vicente, Ava, and I head outside, everyone else trailing behind us. I spot a photographer waiting for us.
I look at Vicente to see if he also arranged this, but all I get from him is a sexy smile.
It gives me a smidge of peace, and I shake off thoughts of the conversation we’re about to have with his parents.
I smile as we take some family photos, followed by a couple with everyone—excluding his parents, who wait off to the side—and finally some of just the two of us.
“Boss Man, are you in trouble with your parents?” Ava asks, placing her hands on Vicente’s cheeks.
He swallows hard before replying, “No, duckling. It’s adult stuff you don’t need to worry about.”
She doesn’t seem too convinced but nods her head anyway.
“How about we go get lunch? Does that sound like a good plan?” he asks, trying to lighten the mood.
Ava nods excitedly. “Oh yes, I’m starving to death,” she says, rubbing her belly.
A collective laugh explodes in our group, and Ava seems unfazed, which makes me laugh harder.
We head toward the two cars waiting for us—the white Rolls-Royce that dropped me off earlier and another identical one in black.
“Do you want to ride with Mummy and me? Or with Mrs. Evans and my brother?” Vicente asks Ava.
She points at him, then at me. “With you two!” she says confidently, flashing a wide grin.
“Let’s go, then,” Vicente says, helping her into the car first.
I love how he considers Ava’s opinion. It makes my mum's heart soar with happiness.
Vicente helps me inside, and he sits beside me, our legs pressing against each other.
“How are you feeling?” he asks once the car starts moving.
“Terrified. I don’t know what to expect from the conversation we’re about to have with your parents,” I answer honestly.
“You don’t need to worry about that, wife. I’ll handle my father,” he says in his powerful CEO voice, his jaw tight.
“Vicente,” I say, waiting for him to look at me.
“What? I mean it. That conversation has to be between him and me. No one else.”
I hold his hand and thread my fingers with his. “You don’t have to do this alone. We’re married now.” I raise our hands and place a kiss on his wedding band.
He releases a deep breath through his nose as he lays his head on the car’s headrest.
“Today is supposed to be a happy day. I won’t let him or anyone else take it away from us,” he says between clenched teeth.
I squeeze his hand. I wish he could relax and enjoy the day, but I’m sure he must have a million things on his mind.
“So, my parents’ situation aside, how are you feeling?” He effectively changes the topic, and I’m grateful for the respite.
“Excited and nervous, I think in equal measure,” I say with a chuckle.
A frown appears on his handsome face. “Why nervous? Am I such a bad person that you’re nervous about being married to me?”
Is he being insecure? That’s something I never expected from him.
“No, of course not. It’s just that you don’t get married every day, let alone to a billionaire who also happens to be your boss.”
He releases a deep breath and closes his eyes. Guilt tugs at my chest. I hate that I am making him feel this way, but he asked for the truth.
“You’re not a bad person. I wouldn’t have agreed to marry you if I thought that. But everything has happened at lightning speed, and I have someone else to worry about if things don’t work out.”
I gesture toward Ava with a slight tilt of my head. She’s glued to the window, watching the city pass by.
“I know. I know,” he says against my hair. “I’ll try my best every single day to be the best husband and father I can be. I promise,” he whispers in my ear.
I rest my head on his shoulder, my fingers tightening around his. “That’s all I ask for. Thank you. And I promise to be the best wife I can be,” I whisper back.
His head rests against mine, and we stay like this until we get to his mansion—our new home.
As soon as we pull up, everyone piles out of the cars and heads directly to the house. His parents arrive a moment later in another vehicle.
I square my shoulders as I take a deep breath, I don’t want any confrontations today, but I will not allow Ava to see Vicente’s parents insult me—or him—in front of her.
This should be interesting.