Page 151 of Beneath the Shadows

My tears fall freely now. “I love you, Antonio. More than words can ever say,” I whisper. "You’ve given me a life and love I never dreamed possible."

I grip his hand tightly, knowing that the next time I see him, it will be as I walk down the aisle to become his wife.

There’s a click from Cecilia’s camera as she snaps a few pictures, capturing this perfect moment. The connection we share, even through the door, is so powerful it takes my breath away.

“Okay, you two. Time’s up,” Cecilia announces.

I let out a shaky laugh, squeezing Antonio’s hand one last time, not quite ready to sever our connection, before reluctantly letting go.

“See you soon,tesoro,” Antonio murmurs, his voice full of promise.

“Soon,” I whisper back.

Alessia

Our wedding ceremony is being held on Francisco’s property, a breathtaking stretch of land perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. The crisp air of early fall wraps around me as I step outside. It’s a perfect evening, with just a hint of a breeze carrying the scent of saltwater and fresh earth.

The light has softened, more intimate now as daytime gives way to evening. As the sun begins its slow descent, it paints the horizon in rich shades of orange and violet, streaked with pink and gold. The waves below shimmer like liquid gold as they crash against the rocks.

A handful of our closest family and friends are gathered, seated in rustic wooden chairs facing the sea. The intimacy of the group makes the moment feel even more special. It’s peaceful, serene—the kind of beauty that feels almost surreal. The backdrop couldn’t be more perfect.

I couldn’t have imagined any of this—the love, the freedom I feel now. For so long, I lived in a cage, trapped by fear, my life dictated by others. But then Antonio came into my life and unlocked the door. With him, everything changed. He didn’t just free me from my past—he showed me what it means to be loved without limits. To feel safe in a way I never thought possible.

As I stand here, about to marry the man who transformed my world, I realize I’m not just free—I’m whole. His love is my anchor, my compass, and my wings all at once. He’s given me the life I never believed I deserved.

Today, as I prepare to walk toward him, I feel his love wrapping around me, steady and unshakable.

The soft, melodic sound of music drifts on the breeze. In the distance, the breathtaking arch comes into view. Francisco handcrafted it from driftwood, adorning it with wildflowers, olive branches, and vibrant autumn leaves. The deep oranges, reds, and creams glow in the last rays of the setting sun. It feels timeless, as if nature itself is blessing our union.

Cecilia gives me a quick, reassuring hug before walking gracefully down the aisle, a simple path lined with candles swaying gently in the breeze. Her radiant smile lights the way as she takes her place beside Antonio and Dante, who stand beneath the arch alongside Father Bill. Everything about this moment feels perfect.

And then it’s my turn.

Each step is slow, deliberate, as though time itself has paused, allowing me to fully embrace this moment. My dress brushes lightly against the ground, the lace flowing with each movement.

My eyes find Antonio and everything else fades away. The way he looks at me—like I’m the only thing in the world that matters, makes my heart skip a beat. The distance between us feels both infinite and yet too short all at once.

As I get closer, the faintest smile tugs at his lips, his eyes brimming with emotion that matches mine. My breath catches, and I have to remind myself to keep walking. Every step brings me closer to the man who has shown me a love so deep it feels like it’s always been a part of me.

When I finally reach him, my hand trembles as he takes it in his, his grip steady and sure. For a moment, time seems to stop. The world falls away, leaving just the two of us standing here, connected by something more profound than words. I know with absolute certainty—this is where I belong. Where I’ve always been meant to be.

Father Bill clears his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “We gather here this evening,” he begins, “to witness and celebrate the union of Antonio and Alessia, who have chosen to walk life’s path together. In this sacred place, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the love of those closest to them, they will pledge their love and support for each other, not just for today, but for all the days to follow.”

The waves below create a soothing rhythm, a backdrop to Father Bill’s words. “Antonio and Alessia have chosen to write their own vows,” he continues, a soft smile on his lips. “These are their personal promises to one another, spoken from the heart. Antonio, would you like to begin?”

Antonio squeezes my hand gently, his eyes never leaving mine. His gaze is filled with so much love and emotion that for a moment, I forget to breathe.

“Alessia,” he begins, his words tender. “I never knew love like this existed until you came into my life. You changed everything. You brought light into all my dark places, healing wounds I didn’t even know I had. With every moment, you’ve shown me what it means to be truly seen. But I also never knew real fear until I faced the possibility of losing you. In those moments, I realized just how much of my heart belongs to you.”

Tears slip down my cheeks. Antonio reaches up, gently wiping them away with his thumbs, his touch tender and full of love.

“You’ve taught me that true strength isn’t about fighting battles. It’s about opening yourself up completely and being vulnerable. You are my heart, my soul,” he continues. “Today, I vow to stand by you, to protect you, and to cherish you. I will honor the family we’re building, and I promise to love you with everything I am for all the days we have ahead.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my voice as I begin my vows. “Antonio, you’ve shown me a love I never thought I deserved. A love I didn’t even know could exist.” My voice wavers, but I press on. “You’ve been my strength when I had none, my anchor in the storm. But more than anything, you’ve been my freedom. With you, I’ve found a life I never dared to dream of and a love that fills every part of me.”

My grip on his hand tightens as the words flow from my heart. “I promise to stand by you through everything—every joy, every challenge, every moment we’ll share. I love you with all that I am and without hesitation. I promise to build a life with you that’s full of joy, hope, and the kind of love that grows deeper with each new day.”

A tear slips down my cheek. “I will forever be grateful for you, for us, and for the family we’re about to become. I vow to love you, honor you, and cherish you for all the days we have ahead.”

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