Emma's POV

It was Mr Lucca who held my hand to walk me down the aisle. Of course, I was nervous when the whole crowd stood up. I didn't dare to look at the end of the aisle but when I did I was a little taken aback to find Cristiano all relaxed and smiling. And, for a moment I blinked. Believing it was all too real.

I only realized I stopped walking when Mr Lucca whispered, "Emma?" I inhaled sharply and started walking again. The dress was beautifully crafted. It hugged my body perfectly and had full sleeves with a neck that showed a little of my cleavage. A long trail was supported on my shoulder. And, it was good meters long. The whole passage was carpeted white and spotless. There were five little girls in pink dresses who were leaving a trail of petals for me.

I looked at a few faces who were standing and looking at me. Or maybe it was my hold over Matteo's arm that got fast because I found him whispering, "It's fine. Don't look at them. I don't care if you mess it up. Just know we would want your comfort over anything." And, I don't know why but his words gave me a little courage.

I did follow his advice and stayed focused on Cristiano. The man who had been nothing but a source of comfort for me. The man I could follow anywhere. The man I was going to marry somehow.

And, I swear I would never let any name attach to me ever again. I would rather be called his ex-wife than anyone's wife. I always knew he meant a lot to me. And, today I was going to pledge my loyalty to him in front of God. I know I had always been great at pretending. But here today, I don't think I could pretend when I say I will always be faithful to him. I will always be his. I knew I was not deserving of any place in his life but...

My heart skipped a beat when he came forward to extend his hand. I bit my mouth before I accepted his offer. And, no matter how I prepare myself I could never be ready for the sensation Cristiano's hold could give me. It was the same as that day. Warm and firm. A hold I could die without. I think I never forgot how his hands feel against my skin.

"You got such a young and beautiful bride, lad. I will start the moment you are ready." The pastor spoke and seemed friendly but I exhaled when Cristiano's hold got fast on my hand.

"I have never been more ready," Cristiano spoke and I could hear one of his best men say. "You were right. She is such a surprise. Seems young though. Is she even of age?" That guy laughed at the end and I wonder if my age was the source of embarrassment for him.

"My age is the last thing you should worry about. But how...I have your friend wrapped around my finger can take one?" All of them laughed and I smiled looking at Cristiano but bit my mouth harder when his grip on my hand got deadly. He didn't look at me and only lowered to my ear to whisper. "Stai zitto,"

I didn't know much Italian but I knew it meant to shut up. I don't know but even the thought I was annoying him was enough to fill my eyes. It was a relief that the veil in front of my face could cover me. "To my beautiful ladies and gentlemen. We are here to witness the union between two young and beautiful hearts madly in love..." I don't know what Pastor talked about further because I looked up and noticed Cristiano, who had undivided attention on the pastor. His hold wasn't strong anymore but the moment I heard Cristiano's name I got my focus back on the Pastor. "...as your lawful husband?"

Cristiano de Lucca? My husband?

I heard Matteo clearing his throat and drew a long breath before I whispered, "I do,"

I looked at Cristiano. I didn't even dream of this day. The day Cristiano would have my hand in his. I fisted my other hand when the pastor asked if he wanted Emma Princeton as his wife. I wonder if this name doesn't mean a thing to him. If he really didn't remember me.

"Of course, I do..." He smiled and accepted a hug from one of the men who came forward to share a side hug with him. "We are going to dance this night away..." I heard his friend laughing.

"Not really," Cristiano replied with a smile but I could sense the agitation in his hold. We walked ahead to sign on customized papers. Matteo came ahead to stand beside me and turn the papers for me. I didn't know I was required to sign six different papers. While Cristiano seemed to be finished in a moment.

Two cameramen were there capturing every moment and I tried my best to keep my smile intact. I noticed Grace walking toward Cristiano but I didn't get a chance to look at her.

"So, do you have any special vows and promises for each other?" The pastor asked and I gulped. Realizing how unprepared I was for this part.

"Emma?" I wonder if Pastor didn't know that I am not the real bride. Because there was no way he could be this cruel. "Sure..." I turn to look at Cristiano but don't know why I had my heart low when he looked into my eyes as if he was looking right through them. Matteo and Grace took their feet away leaving us as the centre of attention again.

"...I can't thank you enough to choose me,...I promise I will always be there for you, Mr Lucca..." But then I bit my mouth realizing I wasn't supposed to call him Mr Lucca. "...Cristiano...I know it's not much but I will always be loyal to you. I promise to never break this trust. Thank you for loving me the way you do. I never thought I will say this to anyone but...I belong to you now."

The guest and the crowd roared and seemed full of smiles. "And, Cristiano?...do you have..." And, before Pastor could complete he lift my veil up and got his hand behind my neck. I jolted the moment he sucked my mouth. The crowd roared for a moment but it all tone down for me the moment I felt the sparks in my body. I heaved before I shivered. He was deepening the kiss all the while pulling our bodies closer. I got my hands on his shoulder. And, felt his sculptured suit against my body. And, nothing ever made sense.

Our tongues slid together before he bit my lower lip and I fisted his collar. I groaned in his mouth and my eyes filled in an instant. "Fine...I should leave." I heard the Pastor say but gasped when he let go of me. There was a smile on his mouth when he looked at the crowd. But then, he looked at me. As if I was here for him finally.

He bowed a little to my left and I blinked getting my hand on his chest when he picked me in his arms all bridal style. He nodded to a few guests on the way with a smile but I didn't dare to remove my eyes from him. I knew we were the centre of attention but looking at him I couldn't care about a thing.

My heart was swelling and my jaw was trembling. I was still trying to process the fact that Cristiano kissed me. I know we literally took the vows but it didn't seem a thing since his mouth pressed to mine. And, it was not just a smooch but a kiss. A kiss from the man who was the very definition of safety for me. A kiss that stirred my very soul. And, I swear I could do anything for him. There had not been a day when I didn't think about him. And, now when fate got us together I didn't need any time to think when it came to him. I literally jumped in an instant for him. To do anything he required me for. Even if it meant helping him to pull a fake wedding.

If not before now I was convinced I could do anything for him. I, Emma Princeton, love Cristiano de Lucca. And, I hadn't loved a thing more than him.

I noticed when his walk turned into stomps. I could tell we were inside the home. "Benjie! I want a plane ready, now!" I blinked and hardly managed not to fall when he literally dropped me as if I was a weight for him. I instantly left his shoulder that I caught to get my balance and let him walk past me.

"I am sorry but all of the private planes in the city are rented by your father for the guests who have to leave right in an hour or two...Mr. Lucca, it won't be a great idea to share the planes with your guests..."

"One!... Get me fucking one!...or get me a commercial one if..."

"There are no commercial flights to the USA now. In fact, there are no flights from Venice in the next thirty hours..."

"Fuck!..." I only looked at his back when he slowly walked to Benjie. His body seemed fuming. And, I fear he would hit him. "...I...won't listen to the word no, now!" The whole space rumbled with his voice and I looked at the door fearing someone would hear him. Though the venue was beside the lake. Benjie passed me telling someone they have to arrange a plane in Italian. And, I instantly looked at Cristiano to find him walking to his wing.

I looked at his back and fisted my hands. You don't mean a thing for him, Emma. He doesn't love you. He...is not yours, to begin with.

I felt my breathing ragged and took a few steps back. He disappeared and was nowhere to be seen. You want him happy, right? Then, you will never follow him. You are not someone he wants. If there is anything. You should stay away and let him get the woman he so wants.

I took the heavy steps back to my room. And, the moment I looked at my bridal dress in the mirror. I couldn't help but recall how it felt kissing him. I shut my eyes and let the hot tears escape. "Why can't it be...me? Why...?"

I heaved and lowered my knees onto the floor. I let my hands feel the embroidered fabric of my gown. Even this dress was Camilla's. Nothing here is mine. But then why did all of this come to me? I never asked for it. I fisted my hands on my dress and blinked. I wonder why there was an urge to hold onto what had come my way.

Don't...don't do this, Emma. You can't be selfish. You can't hurt the person who saved your life.

I jolted when the door opened and I hurriedly got up spotting Grace de Lucca. "I..."

"How could you agree to this? Why you, Emma?" And, my mouth instantly got dry.

Remember this story has one-sided love in the tags. So, you better not complain about the one-sided feelings.