Chapter 9 - The Vow of Iron and Roses
The ceremony took place in the central rose garden of the estate.
Over four hundred guests were seated beneath golden archways—delegates from across the country, high-society figures, international partners, and every member of the Viscari family who had fought to protect us.
Soft violin music drifted through the warm afternoon breeze as the heavy iron gates opened.
I stepped onto the grass pathway, my veil fluttering gently behind me.
At the end of the aisle stood Adrien Viscari.
He looked magnificently handsome in a dark midnight-blue suit, his tall, powerful frame commanding the attention of everyone present. But as his grey eyes met mine, all his sternness melted away into an expression of raw, unadulterated love and awe.
When I reached his side, Adrien took my hand, his fingers warm and reassuring.
The priest began the traditional vows, his voice echoing over the peaceful garden.
"Do you, Adrien Viscari, take Elena Moretti to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in victory and in trial, until death do you part?"
Adrien looked straight into my eyes, his grip tightening gently on my hand.
"I do," Adrien declared, his deep voice carrying through the entire estate with absolute conviction. "I swear to protect her, to honor her, and to love her with every breath in my body until the stars burn out."
"And do you, Elena Moretti, take Adrien Viscari to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," I answered softly, tears of joy sparkling in my eyes. "I give you my heart, my loyalty, and my life, forever."
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest smiled broadly. "You may kiss the bride!"
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Adrien didn't waste a single second. He pulled me into his broad arms, lifting me slightly off the ground, and pressed his lips to mine in a passionate, burning kiss that sealed our destinies together for eternity.
The entire garden erupted into thunderous applause, cheers, and shower of white rose petals falling like snow around us.
