The first event on their list was the memorial, and Valentina found herself back in her hometown of Valencia for the first time in five years. As she approached the church, a flood of memories washed over her. It had been a decade since she had last set foot in this place.
The church stood tall and imposing, its ancient architecture bearing witness to countless ceremonies, celebrations, and sorrows. Valentina couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and a tinge of unease as she climbed the familiar stone steps that led to its entrance. Her footsteps echoed through the courtyard, each one a reminder of her past.
The memories came rushing back — the Sundays she had spent here as a child, the warmth of her grandparents' presence, and the echoes of hymns that filled the air. But those memories were overshadowed by the decision she had made fifteen years ago to distance herself from certain people and aspects of her life.
As Valentina entered the church, she couldn't help but glance around at the faces in the pews. It was a gathering of people she had chosen to cut ties with, people she had left behind when she went off to college ten years ago. The room was filled with distant relatives, family friends, and acquaintances who had played a part in her childhood.
Her maternal grandparents had moved into a retirement home long ago, and since then, Valentina had had little reason to return to this place. It was strange to be back now, amid the same wooden pews and stained-glass windows she had known as a child.
Carlos, standing by her side, sensed her mixed emotions. He offered her a reassuring smile and a gentle squeeze of her hand.
Alex and Nicholas had arrived early, choosing to sit discreetly behind, offering Valentina a warm smile as she walked past them to greet those gathered towards the front of the church. Valentina's heart felt heavy as she approached the people she had chosen to distance herself from over the past fifteen years.
She walked up to her grandmother, uncertain of what to say. Carlos, ever the supportive presence by her side, broke the silence. "I'm sorry for your loss, Mrs. Romero," he offered, his voice filled with compassion.
"Thank you, son," Mrs. Romero replied, her gaze shifting towards Valentina. Recognition flickered in her eyes. "Valentina, is that you, darling?" she asked, her voice filled with surprise and warmth. Mrs. Romero embraced Valentina, holding her tightly. "Oh, dear child, I haven't seen you in years. Your father's feud with your mother robbed me of your entire childhood. Look at you now, all grown up. Is this your husband?"
Valentina smiled softly, "No, Grandma, this is my boyfriend, Carlos." She introduced. Mrs. Romero chuckled, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief, "Carlos, such a nice name. One very handsome man you are."
As they spoke, the awkwardness of the situation began to fade, replaced by the warmth of reconnection. After some time, Valentina and Carlos took their seats, now feeling more at ease. They sat close to Alex and Nicholas.
After the memorial service, Valentina and Carlos found themselves engaged in conversation with one of Valentina's acquaintances when a couple approached them. "Valentina," the man said. Valentina recognized him immediately, her father. "Mr. Romero," she greeted him politely.
He seemed slightly taken aback but continued the conversation. "What do you do these days?" he asked her. "I am a dentist, sir," Valentina replied formally.
"That's nice... Do I know you from somewhere?" he inquired, turning his attention to Carlos, who extended a hand with an awkward smile. "I'm Carlos Sainz, a driver for Ferrari in Formula 1. Perhaps you've heard of me, sir?"
Mr. Romero's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, that's where I know you from," he acknowledged before turning to the couple. "And are you both together?"
Carlos smiled softly, his affection for Valentina evident in his eyes. "Yes, sir, luckily we are," Carlos replied, his hand finding Valentina's as they stood together.
"Sweetheart," a voice called out, and Valentina's face lit up in recognition of her godfather. "Pa!" she exclaimed before warmly hugging him.
"Hello, son," he greeted Carlos, who had met him during a Grand Prix and greeted him with a wide smile. "Victor," Carlos replied.
Felipe, her father, was taken aback by the exchange and jokingly remarked, "I thought you were my friend, Victor. But is this what you've been doing for the last 15 years, stealing my daughter?"
"What daughter? The daughter you and Selene didn't bother to look after, to care for, to love? This is my child, Felipe. I raised her and Alex. I paid for their tuition, helped them through college, and supported them when they got into trouble. I bought her first car, and taught her how to do taxes – not you, never you. Just because you are her biological parent does not make you a father," Victor replied firmly.
Felipe, clearly offended, walked away without saying another word. "Damn, Pa, that was nice," Valentina commented.
"Always wanted to tell him," Victor admitted with a satisfied grin.
.
.
.
After the memorial, it was time for the wedding. Valentina and Carlos flew to Barcelona to attend the event. They arrived at the picturesque venue where the wedding was taking place, greeted the couple, and then took their designated seats.
Throughout the wedding ceremony, Valentina remained relatively silent, lost in her thoughts. Despite the generous efforts of her extended step-family to involve her in conversations and activities, she couldn't shake off her contemplative mood.
Carlos noticed Valentina's subdued demeanour and gently squeezed her hand, concern etched across his face. "What's the matter, Val? Are you okay?" he asked softly, his eyes filled with worry.
Valentina took a deep breath, her eyes drifting towards her mother, who appeared radiant and happy as she participated in the festivities. "It's my mom," Valentina began, her voice tinged with a mix of emotions. "She looks so happy."
Carlos glanced at Valentina's mother and then back at her, waiting for her to continue.
Valentina sighed, trying to put her feelings into words. "Happy about being the mother of the bride. a bride who's not me," she admitted, her gaze never leaving her mother. "I know I'm not supposed to be jealous of someone I don't really know, but I just can't help it. My mom is there, all happy and excited as the mother of the bride to Ava, while I sit here and contemplate the fact that I never had a mother in my life."
Carlos listened attentively, realizing the depth of Valentina's emotions. She continued, her voice quivering, "But it's not just about today. It's about the future. When I get married, there won't be a mother of the bride by my side. She'll be a mere guest who visits and leaves. I will never have her or anyone beside me, being happy for me on my wedding day."
Tears welled up in Valentina's eyes, threatening to fall. Carlos tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her closer, offering her the comfort of his presence. He understood that all he could do was be there for her.
Carlos, recognizing the need to change Valentina's mood, gently whispered in her ear, "Would you like to dance, mi amor?"
Valentina looked up at him, her eyes still slightly moist, but she managed a small smile. "Yes, let's dance."
They made their way to the dance floor as the romantic melody filled the air. Carlos held Valentina close, and their bodies swayed to the music's rhythm.
As the song played on, Carlos and Valentina remained locked in each other's embrace, swaying gently to the music. The world outside ceased to exist, leaving only the two of them and the words of the song that seemed to speak directly to their hearts.
"Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, With you between my arms, Barefoot on the grass" Carlos whispered the lyrics softly, his eyes locked onto Valentina's, their smiles reflecting the deep affection they shared.
"Listening to our favourite song," they chimed in together, their giggles bubbling up like champagne in celebration of their love.
"I have faith in what I see, Now I know I have met an angel in person, And he looks perfect," Valentina hummed softly, her voice a melodic echo in the night.
Carlos brought her head to his chest close to his heart, "Valentina," he whispered, "though you may not have your parents by your side, please know that you're surrounded by an abundance of love. And most importantly, you have me and you will possess my heart, eternally."
As Valentina finished the song, their eyes locked with an intensity that transcended words. "I don't deserve this," she sang, her voice trembling with emotion. "You look perfect tonight."
Their lips met in a tender kiss, sealing their love in the quiet intimacy of the night. Amidst the darkness, they knew they had found their perfect, imperfect love, a love that was truly, beautifully, and undeniably theirs.