Chapter Four - wedding bells

Emiliana pov

Luciano Martello, he is the owner of the car I had slipped into, of course he was right there at the right time.

He dropped me off at the hospital and I ran out of the car as fast as my legs could carry me without so much as a thank you, he didn’t deserve it.

I walk into my father’s hospital room after fixing myself in the hospital rest room, I plaster a smile on my face as I walk down the hospital corridor, saying hello to the nurses and doctors.

“ Hey Dad you’re looking good today” I say making my way towards the couch to sit, while waiting for the nurse to finish attending to him, so I could move closer. He smiles and winces in pain, making me shoot up from my chair, towards him. “Daddy are you alright?” I ask with concern laced in my voice. “ I just want my daughter really close to me” he laughs again, I also laugh along with him forgetting my worries for a minute.

I immediately wipe the smile off my face, looking extremely serious and sad. This expression on my face also wipes the smile of my father’s face as well. He looks at me with so much guilt in his eyes as he speaks. “ I have failed you again, Emiliana, but give me another chance to prove that I can be a better father please.”

I immediately ignore his plea, wiping off the tears on my face, as well as his. “ Daddy I have decided to get married to Luciano martello” I say avoiding eye contact with my father.

“Emiliana you don’t have to do this please, I know you believe in love, you don’t need to marry a random stranger, to settle our debts, once I am out of the hospital, I will pay off all my debts, and we can return to how we have always been and even better “ he says. With tears in my eyes I withdraw my hands from his hold.

“Daddy I am here to inform you about my decision, not to seek your consent or advice as I have already made up my mind. Furthermore I don’t need you to walk me down the isle, I already have that covered “ I say pecking him on the cheek, after which I make my way towards the door to leave.

With a broken voice my father say “ I love you very much don’t ever forget that.” I pass him a sad smile, as i step out of the room, closing the door on my way out.

I let out a harsh breath, finally accepting the decision I just made as the best shot at keeping my father, as well as myself safe.

I make my way towards my house, entering the bathroom immediately to take a bath, which makes me feel better. After showering, I pick up my purse, to retrieve my phone, I notice a business card, with the name Luciano Martello written on it, I try to recall how it got into my purse, but I can’t remember. Sighing dejectedly, I retrieve my phone and store the number, after which I send a text saying “ I agree to marry you but on my conditions.”

Immediately my phone dings, I swipe up and I see a message from Luciano.” I knew you would come around darling , however there would be no conditions coming from you, nevertheless I will let you know about the conditions on our wedding night.” , I ignore it , when he sends another one “ we will be meeting with the wedding planner tomorrow I hope you don’t mind?”

“ I don’t mind meeting with the wedding planner tomorrow, however everything is going to be according to my taste and preference, so be ready to spend money Mr. Luciano” I type, clicking send.

I see the lines turn blue indicating my message has been received and seen. I scroll through other messages preparing to go to bed when another text from him comes in. “ dream about me baby” , in fury, I immediately turn my phone off and sleep.

This week has really been a tough one, being the only female present in both families, I have been under a lot of stress. Luciano and his uncle Luke Martello surprisingly, help out as well, however the bulk of the work is being done by me and the wedding planner.

Finally done preparing for the wedding, I can relax now, However, my moment of bliss is interrupted, as my phone rings, displaying Luciano’s name on the screen, picking up, his annoying voice comes through the phone “ Hey wifey, we need to take pictures for our new house, meet me at Everest studio in five minutes.” He say as he ends the call, without waiting for my response.

I immediately move out of my comfortable position, making my way towards the studio. We finally take the pictures, and I tried giving a real smile, through out the shoot session.

Today is finally the day, I walk down the aisle. I sit in front of the full length mirror, staring down at my beautiful beaded white dress, with tears in my eyes, deep in thought. My mind wonders to my dead mother and how she would have been very happy seeing me get married. Hearing a knock at the door, I immediately wipe my tears in haste, instructing the person at the door to enter the room.

I turn my face towards the door to see Luke Martello dressed in a black tuxedo, ready to walk me down the aisle. “ Emiliana darling, you look beautiful, it’s time, but if you need some alone time I will be waiting for you outside, by the door” he says. “ no need we can get going “ I reply, feeling a lot better.

I stand at the back of the garden, clutching my bouquet of white roses. My eyes were fixed on the long, white carpet stretched out before me, leading to the altar Luciano waited. The warm sunlight filtering through the trees cast a golden glow over the entire garden, with the air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. As we made our way through the gathering, I couldn't help but notice the stunning decorations that adorned the garden. Delicate white and cream- colored flowers were woven together to create exquisite garlands, which draped elegantly over the backs of chairs and along the edges of the aisle.

The orchestra starts playing here comes the bride While I move towards the altar, with uncle Luke's help, as I feel very nervous, being stared at by unknown individuals. I felt a hundred eyes upon me, the weight of unkown faces watching every move. It was a strange, vulnerable feeling, like I was laying my heart bare for all to see.