Chapter 10 - Sweet Forever
One year later.
The summer sun beamed down on the sprawling green lawns of the Bellini Estate in Lake Forest. White floral arches lined the garden path, floating bubbles filled the warm breeze, and the melody of a grand piano drifted through the air.
It was the day of their official, public renewal of vows.
Over two hundred guests filled the white wooden chairs—not mafia bosses or corrupt politicians this time, but real friends, local business owners, hospital staff, and neighborhood families from West Oak Street.
At the front of the altar stood Nonna Rosa, wearing an exquisite lavender silk dress, holding a leather-bound family Bible with a proud, beaming smile. Beside her stood Marco, looking sharp in a tailored charcoal suit, acting as Luca’s best man.
At the end of the aisle, Luca stood waiting.
He was dressed in a classic black tuxedo, looking impossibly handsome, his dark eyes locked entirely on the entrance of the garden path.
The music shifted to a gentle, romantic symphony.
Sophie stepped onto the white carpet.
She took everyone's breath away. She wore a simple, breathtaking ivory lace gown that flowed around her like liquid sunlight. In her hands, she held a bouquet of white roses and sweet-smelling strawberry blossoms. Her dark hair was pinned back with diamond clips, and resting against her neck was Nonna Rosa’s red ruby necklace.
As she walked down the aisle toward him, Luca felt his eyes burn with tears of pure, unadulterated happiness.
When she reached the altar, Luca stepped forward and took her hands in his.
Nonna Rosa adjusted her glasses and looked at the couple standing before her.
"One year ago," Nonna Rosa spoke warmly to the gathered crowd, "my grandson brought this woman into my home. He told me she was his fiancée. I knew it was a trick."
The crowd laughed softly.
"I knew," Nonna Rosa continued, looking into Sophie’s eyes, "because my grandson was too foolish to realize what God had placed right in front of him. But love is not something you can control with contracts, money, or power. Love is a gift that breaks down every wall."
Nonna Rosa turned to Luca. "Do you, Luca Bellini, take Sophie Bennett to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love her, honor her, and protect her, in sweetness and in sorrow, for as long as you both shall live?"
Luca looked down at Sophie, his voice deep, firm, and filled with infinite devotion.
"I do," Luca said. "With all my heart, all my life, and all my soul."
Nonna Rosa turned to Sophie. "And do you, Sophie Bennett, take Luca Bellini to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Sophie smiled, her eyes shining with tears of absolute joy. "I do. Even if he still thinks he owns my refrigerator."
The crowd erupted into laughter and applause.
"Then by the authority of love and family," Nonna Rosa declared loudly, "I pronounce you husband and wife! Luca, kiss your bride!"
Luca didn't hesitate. He pulled Sophie into his arms, lifting her lightly off her feet, and brought his lips down onto hers in a deep, passionate kiss that sealed their destiny forever.
Cheering echoed across the sunny estate. Confetti showered over them like golden rain.
Later that evening, as the sun began to set over Lake Michigan, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, Luca and Sophie walked together toward the garden pavilion where a grand dessert table was set up.
Sitting in the center of the table was a massive, five-tier wedding cake decorated with sugar roses and fresh strawberries.
Sophie picked up a small silver knife, looking up at her husband with a playful sparkle in her eye.
"You know," Sophie murmured, leaning close to his ear, "you still haven't paid me the second fifty thousand dollars from our original contract."
Luca wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, looking out at their laughing family and friends.
"Is that so, Mrs. Bellini?" he chuckled softly, his warm breath tickling her neck. "And what would you like as payment?"
Sophie turned in his arms, wrapping her hands around his neck, looking into his dark, loving eyes.
"Just a strawberry cupcake," she whispered. "And you, forever."
May you like
Luca smiled, leaning down to kiss her once again under the twilight sky.
"Done," he murmured against her lips. "Forever is a deal."
