Beautiful Betrayal

The Wedding

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"All of the struggles in love are worth a single moment of being in somebody's arms and knowing this is where you belong."

~Mark Anthony

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V I C T O R I A
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"Are you ready, sweetheart?" My father's voice pulled me back to reality, and I turned to see him with a smile on my face. He returned the gesture, but our moment was interrupted when someone called him outside for a minute due to an important matter.

Alone in the room for a brief moment, I turned back to the mirror and caught my reflection. A girl with big, bright blue eyes stared back at me, dressed in a beautiful white wedding gown. The floor-length silk fabric draped elegantly around me, and my blonde hair was styled in a sophisticated low bun. A natural glow adorned my face, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness.

And why wouldn't I be happy? After all, today I'm marrying the love of my life.

I was deep in my own thoughts when my father's voice interrupted, bringing me back to the present moment.

"Victoria, you look absolutely gorgeous," he said with a smile. "It's incredible to see how quickly my little girl has transformed into such a beautiful, strong, and independent woman. I'm so proud of you, sweetheart."

His words touched my heart, and a tear escaped from my eye. My father gently wiped it away, and I realized that I had been overcome with emotion.

"Let's go," my father said, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead as I looped my arm through his.

The wedding ceremony unfolded in the serene atmosphere of a church, with only our closest family members and a handful of dear friends in attendance. As I made my way down the aisle, my eyes remained fixed on the ground, unable to shake the unsettled feeling in my heart. Doubts and uncertainties clouded my mind, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion.

Suddenly, my father's touch brought me back to the present moment as he placed my hand in Dominic's. Looking into his eyes, I felt a surge of emotions.

With a solemn expression, my father addressed Dominic, "Take care of my daughter, young man," my father's words echoed in the church, filled with both pride and love.

"I will, uncle," Dominic replied, his voice warm and sincere as he met my father's gaze with a confident smile.

Caught up in the moment, I glanced around and caught sight of our mothers beaming with happiness. Their joy was contagious, filling me with warmth and reassurance.

Lost in the sea of emotions, I didn't notice Dominic drawing closer until his hot breath touched my ear. "Focus on me, Victoria," he whispered, his voice low and husky. With a gulp, I nodded in response, turning my attention to him then back to the priest as the ceremony continued.

And that's exactly how, twenty minutes later, I found myself standing before my family, no longer Victoria Smith but Victoria Russo.

Dominic couldn't resist stealing kisses whenever he had the chance, his hand resting comfortably on my lower back.

"Have I mentioned how stunning you look wearing my ring and last name?" he whispered, his words sending butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I gulped nervously, shaking my head in response.

"Speak up, darling," he urged gently.

"No," I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You are looking ravishingly gorgeous, Victoria," Dominic remarked, his voice filled with admiration. "And do you know how you're smelling?"