Chapter 10 - The White Dress
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The music swelled, a hauntingly beautiful arrangement played by a twelve-piece orchestra. The guests rose to their feet as the heavy oak doors of the mansion swung open.
Alessandro stood at the altar, the cold wind off Lake Michigan whipping the tails of his tuxedo jacket.
Genevieve stepped out onto the white runner.
She was a vision. Her dress was a masterpiece of French lace and heavy ivory silk, trailing behind her like a royal cape. Her blonde hair was pinned up, diamonds glittering at her throat and ears. She looked like a literal angel descending from heaven.
Alessandro watched her walk down the aisle, his face a mask of awe and devotion. He played the part of the lovestruck groom perfectly, completely hiding the violent, burning rage boiling in his chest.
As she reached the altar, Arthur Vance—the high-level Falcone fixer playing her uncle—kissed her cheek and placed her hand into Alessandro’s.
“Take care of her, my boy,” Vance said, his eyes crinkling with a fake, warm smile.
“I will give her exactly what she deserves,” Alessandro replied smoothly, his grip tightening just a fraction on Genevieve’s hand.
Genevieve looked up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears of joy. “You look so handsome,” she whispered.
“And you look dangerously beautiful,” he murmured back.
The priest began the ceremony. He spoke of love, trust, and unbreakable bonds. Every word felt like a razor blade sliding across Alessandro’s skin. He looked out at the audience, spotting Silas standing near the back of the tent, holding a tray of champagne, watching the ceremony with dead, shark-like eyes.
“Do you, Alessandro, take Genevieve to be your lawfully wedded wife?” the priest asked.
Alessandro looked deep into the eyes of the woman who had studied his every weakness for sixteen months. He saw the triumph hiding behind her tearful gaze. She thought she had won.
“I do,” Alessandro lied with absolute conviction.
“Do you, Genevieve, take Alessandro to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do,” she replied, her voice trembling with perfect, theatrical emotion.
May you like
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Alessandro pulled her in. He kissed her deeply, feeling the coldness of her lips beneath the warm facade. The crowd erupted into applause. The trap had officially been sprung.
