Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 396: Chapter 180 Seaside Wedding Vows

Gemma’s POV

The morning had been an emotional battlefield with my father, and after lunch, it was finally time to transform into a mafia bride. Nadia had expertly converted one of the many rooms in the heavily fortified Thorne compound into a bridal preparation suite where the makeup artist and hairdresser worked their magic on me and the girls.

Standing before the full-length mirror, I caught my breath at my reflection. My dress was everything I’d dreamed of – delicate embroidered tulle that resembled intricate lace, fitted perfectly to mid-thigh before gracefully flaring into a subtle mermaid silhouette. The V-neckline complemented the thin straps and open back that dipped to the middle of my spine. The nude lining beneath gave the gown a soft off-white appearance rather than stark white.

My hair was styled in an artfully disheveled low bun with loose curls framing one side of my face, adorned with white orchids that looked as though they were naturally growing there. On my feet were elegant white sandals with translucent crystals that caught the light with every movement.

Though everything else was understated elegance, I had insisted on carrying a bouquet of vibrant red roses – Dominic’s signature gift to me throughout our turbulent courtship in this dangerous world.

The door opened, and my mother and Ryder entered, both visibly fighting tears. The sight of them – my two loving parents standing there, proud of the woman I’d become despite the blood-soaked path that brought us together – stirred something profound within me. My mother enveloped me in a long, emotional embrace, offering her final maternal advice before I transitioned from her daughter to the wife of a Thorne family Capo.

”Don’t be a stubborn child!” she whispered earnestly.

I couldn’t help laughing. Of all the wisdom she could impart on my wedding day in this world of violence and loyalty, she chose to address the one character flaw I’d maintained since childhood. I privately admitted to myself that my stubborn streak had indeed saved my life more than once in Dominic’s dangerous territory, even if I’d never acknowledge it publicly.

When my mother stepped back, Ryder approached with a small velvet box. Inside was a gold chain with a heart-shaped locket. As I opened it, tears welled in my eyes at the engraved date and words: ”God doesn’t bring two people together without a purpose.” The sentiment captured everything – a divine reminder that meeting Dominic wasn’t mere coincidence, but perhaps fate intervening in the brutal chess game of our underworld. Ryder clasped it around my neck, and we embraced with a love that transcended the years we’d lost and the blood we’d survived.

My mother dabbed at her tears while the makeup artist quickly retouched my face. After a few photographs, she kissed me once more and departed to join the other family members in the secured perimeter.

”Now, I’ll take you to your groom,” Ryder said, his hands resting proudly on my shoulders. ”You look stunning!”

”Thank you, dad!” The words flowed naturally, and his eyes immediately moistened.

”Don’t cry...” I touched his cheek gently.

”When your child calls you mom for the first time, you’ll understand this feeling,” he said. ”This joy mixed with pride and overflowing with love – that’s what I’ve felt ever since you called me dad this morning.” He kissed my hands reverently.

I was moved once again, finally understanding the gift of being a cherished, wanted, and anticipated daughter. This bond with Ryder was precious, and I silently vowed to nurture it carefully through whatever storms our family might face in this treacherous world.

A soft knock interrupted us as one of Dominic’s security detail announced it was time. Ryder offered his arm, chest swelling with pride, and escorted me toward the private beach where our guests awaited under the watchful eyes of armed sentries positioned discretely throughout the property.

We traversed the perfectly manicured lawn where the reception would later take place under heavy security, and arrived at the shoreline. A white walkway stretched across the sand, flanked by delicate baby’s breath in low vases and columns aligned with the chair backs. The white chairs with matching cushions created an ethereal scene that appeared plucked from a fairy tale, though I knew sharpshooters were positioned in the surrounding dunes.

The altar stood against the backdrop of the ocean, positioned perfectly to capture the sunset during our vows. A white-clothed table held two tall vases overflowing with baby’s breath, while behind it, a pergola adorned with the same simple blooms completed the enchanted setting. The beauty masked the deadly serious nature of this union between two souls forged in fire and blood.

Dominic waited at the altar, impossibly handsome with his hair tousled by the ocean breeze. His light beige suit and pants complemented his crisp white shirt, and a single red rose adorned his lapel – our shared symbol of love that had survived assassination attempts and family betrayals. The moment I appeared at the aisle entrance, our eyes connected, and his perfect smile ignited something within me. The musical ensemble began playing ”Love’s Greeting” by Gerard Ellis, my chosen entrance piece.

From that moment, everyone else disappeared. There was only Dominic and me, with Ryder proudly guiding me toward my future. When we reached the altar, Dominic greeted my father, who kissed my forehead before placing my hand in Dominic’s. My groom lifted my hand to his lips, sealing our reunion with a gentle kiss before we turned toward the altar where the sun and sea provided a breathtaking natural backdrop to our blood oath.

When the priest asked for the rings, Dominic squeezed my hand and gave me a mischievous smile that hinted at a surprise. The musicians shifted into ”From This Moment On” by Stacy Farrell.

”Look behind you, Songbird,” Dominic whispered, his expression boyish and excited.

I turned slowly to see my grandmother approaching, carrying a small boat adorned with baby’s breath. Inside lay a cushion bearing our gleaming rings. This unexpected moment – seeing my beloved grandmother bringing forth the rings she had gifted us, walking fearlessly through this gathering of dangerous men – filled me with indescribable emotion.

”Gemma, Dominic, with these rings you’ll become one,” my grandmother said, her voice steady and sure. ”This is the beginning of your life together, and I ask God to grant you the blessing of a happy marriage because you already have my blessing.”

Dominic received the little boat, kissing her cheek gratefully, before she embraced me tightly and took her seat beside Ryder.

I looked at Dominic, silently thanking him for this perfect, meaningful surprise.

There on that piece of paradise, surrounded by those who truly loved us and would kill to protect us, we said yes to our future together. We pledged to support each other, to love unconditionally, to forgive freely, to embrace our differences, to overcome challenges, and to fight relentlessly for our household, our home, and our love – joining our separate paths into one shared journey through this dangerous but devoted life.