“How is it really? Being married?”
“It’s the hardest, most exhausting thing I’ve ever done, but it's also the best. You’ll fight and drive each other insane, but at the end of the day, you have someone who chooses you every single day. That’s worth everything.”
I nod. “I’m worried I’ll fuck it up.”
“You will. But you’ll fix it.” He pauses, his voice getting quiet. “And Alexei? She’s not your mother.”
I tense up instantly.
“I know you’re worried about ending up like your father,” Bohdan continues. “You're afraid of loving someone who doesn'tlove you back. But Zoya isn't Mariya. She’s choosing you right now.”
“My father loved my mother more than anything,” I say, “and she couldn’t wait for him to die.”
“I know, but you aren't him. Don’t let your mother’s coldness poison this. Zoya is disgustingly in love with you. If she hasn't run away from your obsessive ass yet, she isn't going to.”
I laugh despite myself. “Fair point.”
I pick up the wedding bands and hand Zoya’s ring to Bohdan. “Don’t lose this.”
“Relax. I’ve got it.” He tucks it in his pocket. “Time to tie yourself to your obsession.”
I stand at the altar in front of many guests. Each one I’ve known for years, some I’ve known only for a few months. All gathered here today to witness my marriage to my beautifulVedma. Some of them I wanted in this auditorium. Some of them I specifically uninvited, but they still decided to come. The mafia doesn’t really respect RSVPs.
I look to my left toward the front row where my mother sits. Mariya Romanov. Mother and wife to the late Yan Romanov. A good woman to the old regime, but an absolutely terrible mother to me.
My father loved her dearly. He did everything for her. She was the apple of his eye, the woman who could do no wrong. But she never loved him the way he loved her. I suspect that when my father died, she was overjoyed. She wasn’t married to him because she loved him. She was married to him because she was arranged for him. Just like I almost was with someone I didn’t want.
My father was definitely not a good man. He was brutal. Violent. A monster to most people. But he was a damn good husband and a damn good father. He loved us with everything he had.
I can’t say the same for mother dearest.
She was cold. She screamed at me. She didn’t want to be married into this household, didn’t want a son who reminded her of her prison. After father died, she moved abroad with her new husband within a month. The younger man sitting beside her probably never held a gun in his life. Good for her, I suppose. She finally got her freedom.
But she never once asked if I wanted mine.
I try not to dwell on my dark past. I have fucking mommy issues, and I’m not proud of it. But they’re there. Taking a deep breath, I steady my failing heart in anticipation of my beautifulVedma. My wife. My life.
The music starts playing. “All of Me” by John Legend bursts softly through the speakers. My breath stops as the doors open.
There she is. My world stops.
She isn't just my wife. She’s my obsession.
Beside her, holding her hand, is her father Artem, guiding her into the hall. She’s breathtaking. Her dress is perfect - white lace and silk that hugs every curve. Her hair is up in an elegant style, showing off her neck. Her smile is infectious, and all I can see is her. The crowd stands as they begin to walk forward. She gives me a knowing smirk, staring directly at my face.
Fuck, she’s not real. She can’t be real.
But she is. And she’s walking toward me. Toward our future. As they get closer, reaching me, her father stops. He takes her hand and places it in mine. I press down on it gently. She climbs the small stairs to the podium, then slowly she faces me. When I bend to kiss her forehead, she smiles up at me.
The priest clears his throat and begins. His voice carries through the silent auditorium. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Alexei Romanov and Zoya Koval in holy matrimony.”
I can’t stop staring at her. She’s looking at me with those eyes, that small smirk still playing on her lips.
The priest continues. “Marriage is a sacred bond. A commitment between two souls to love, honor, and cherish one another through all of life’s trials and joys.”
I squeeze her hand gently. She squeezes back.
“If anyone objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.”