MADELINE

Charlotte's broadened eyes lingered on my cheek as she placed the veil on me. I could still feel a ringing in my ear due to my father's swing.

When Charlotte tried to grab some makeup for me, it was already time for me to walk down the aisle. Charlotte looked like she needed to cry as she and my mother made their way to their seats, leaving me and my father all alone.

My father forced my hand to his side where he tucked it between his arm. It took a lot of strength for me not to whack him and run away, but I had better judgment than that. Riccardo would catch me immediately, and I was too frightful of the punishment.

"It's time," some man with a headset on told my father. Forming a big smile as if he didn't just slap me a few minutes ago, my father began to walk, forcing me to stroll beside him.

"Smile. Now. You better start acting like you want to be here," my father's threatening tone screamed.

I was positive no one could see my face through the veil, but my father wanted to be an asshole. It was his nature to try and control everything-including my life.

"Fuck you," I said to my father, smiling as we began to walk.

The guests all turned to me, excitement dripping from their stare while I headed to the long aisle. Their eyes were attached to me like glue. I could feel my gown tagging behind me as I stepped onto the aisle, trying my best not to fall.

"You should be glad we are in front of so many people, Madeline," my father whispered into my ear, his smile never faltering, but I could hear his warnings laced in his every word.

I resisted rolling my eyes, focusing on the soft music and the path in front of me. I didn't want to look at Riccardo's face to see the victory in his eyes.

I was ashamed of myself for constantly allowing men to treat me however the hell they wanted to.

Freedom would only become a dream as soon as he said the words 'I do', which sounded just like 'guilty' coming from a judge. Once the wedding band was on my finger, the verdict would be in, and I would be charged with life without parole. Riccardo would then kiss me just like the guards who would strap their prisoner in with handcuffs. My life would be over-forever.

My steps were slow and careful as if I wanted to cherish each step forever-I didn't. The delighted eyes of the guests were on me as if I was so excited to be marrying the love of my life-I wasn't.

I was walking straight to hell, making a deal with the devil as my father led the way.

I never hated my life so much until my wedding day. It was mocking everything I tried so hard to fight against. I should've been allowed to marry who I wanted, not who would grant the most power and money.

The closer I got to the groom, the more I started to shake. I only hoped my father wouldn't notice it. My father didn't deserve to know how much everything effected me-neither did Riccardo.

Glancing up, I sucked in a breath. It wasn't Riccardo waiting for me, it was the beautiful man I had seen at the ball. His black hair was sleek back, and strong jaw completely shaved. He was wearing a black tuxedo just like the night I first met him, and he made it look so damn good.

Sneaking a glimpse of my father, I could see the pure shock on his face.

My brows pulled together as I continued to walk up to the beautiful man, wondering what the hell was happening. My father grabbed my hand that was still tucked in-between his elbow and slipped it into the beautiful stranger's hand. I had to ignore the tingles and shocks as he helped me up the step so I was directly in front of him.

His eyes were peering into my own. I was sure my confusion was as clear as day on my features, but he didn't bother to comment.

"I don't understand. I'm marrying Riccardo," I said, my brows coming together.

"No." He chuckled darkly. I froze as his hand came to my veil where he slowly peeled the fabric back. His eyes darkened when he took in the sight of my neck before wandering up to my cheek.

"You are going to be my wife," he stated. "Where I will always protect you."

"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Ángel Siciliano and Madeline Amelia Lionetti in marriage," the priest began. I looked into the crowd, wondering if this were some sick joke.

"No other human ties are more tender, and no other vows more important, than those you are about to take. Both of you come to this day with the deep realization that the contract of marriage is sacred and binding, as are all of its obligations and responsibilities. You will leave here embracing one of the greatest human bonds that life has to offer. May your shared life be adorned with the blossoms of love, and your days together be many and rewarding..." the priest said.

I looked over at Ángel to see he was still staring at me intensely. This was actually happening.

"Do you Ángel Siciliano, take Madeline Amelia Lionetti to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?" He asked, looking at Ángel.

"I do," he answered.

Holy shit.

"Do you Madeline Amelia Lionetti, take Ángel Siciliano to be your lawfully wedded husband, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?" He asked.

I could feel everyone's eyes burning into me. I licked my lips nervously, glancing at the crowd. I even found myself looking at my father who looked just as lost as me.

All I knew was that I couldn't go back to Riccardo for another day. He was already so hurtful, I could only imagine how much worse he would get after naming me his wife.

Even though he was nothing but a stranger, a small part of me trusted Ángel. As I looked into his eyes, I could see a happily ever after that I never saw with Riccardo.

"I do."

"Time for the ring exchange," the officiant prompted Ángel.

"I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you, for as long as I live," he said, pulling the ring that was already on my finger from Riccardo off and discarding it somewhere. He then grabbed a ring from his pocket, and slid it onto my finger. There were beautiful diamonds all surrounding a ruby. I gasped as I stared at it.

Suddenly, Charlotte ran up to me and handed me a ring. I never went out of my way to buy it or anything, but I was grateful that I had something to give.

"I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you, for as long as I live," I said breathlessly, sliding the silver band onto his finger.

My heart was hammering in my chest, and I didn't understand why.

"And now, by the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife." My heart dropped. "You may kiss your bride."

Ángel palmed my cheek that was probably swelling underneath his touch. He slowly leaned down before capturing my lips with his. It was an electrifying explosion that sent my body in a wave of shivers. His arm circled around my waist, pulling me closer as his lips danced with my own.

I could kiss him forever, but he reluctantly pulled away. Cheers and shouts finally began to enter my ears.

He was my first kiss.

He was also my husband.

"Later, Mrs. Siciliano." Ángel chuckled darkly. He grabbed my hand and tucked it in-between his arms as we walked down the aisle with people throwing flowers and confetti at us.

I looked at him, the man who glistened in the light. I saw him at the ball and wanted him. He was the first boy I ever desired and now I was married to him.

All I could think was-Riccardo and my father were definitely going to kill me...

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I need to know your thoughts about this chapter! What do we think of Ángel? What do we think of Madeline? I'm dying to know!

Also, I am loving this story so much. I feel like it has so much potential to be one of the best books I've ever written. Fingers crossed that it stays that way. I always end up hating my work when I'm done with it lmao. I think I'm just insecure...

Anyways, thank you all so so much for reading! I know this book isn't one of my popular ones, but I'm so thankful to the ones that stick around and read every update. You guys are the absolute best.

Love you all! See you next update!
- A. Marie

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