Chapter 9 - The Crimson Wedding
The chapel of St. Michael’s sat high on a snow-covered cliff overlooking the frozen ocean. It was a private, fortified sanctuary that had belonged to the Westbrook family for generations.
Today, there were no press reporters. There were no corrupt politicians or high-society fakes.
Inside the candlelit stone chapel, only a handful of trusted people were present. Thomas stood near the altar as the best man. Little Archie sat in the front pew, wearing a tiny black tuxedo with a red bow tie, grinning from ear to ear. And sitting in a wheelchair near the altar, wrapped in a warm white wool blanket, was Margaret Bennett, weeping tears of pure joy.
The organ began to play a soft, beautiful melody.
The heavy double doors of the chapel opened, and Nell walked down the aisle.
She was breathless. She wore a stunning ivory lace wedding gown with long illusion sleeves and a flowing cathedral veil. She carried a simple bouquet of white roses and winter pine. As she walked, her eyes never left the man standing at the end of the aisle.
Dorian stood by the altar in a sharp black dinner jacket. His usual cold, unreadable expression was entirely gone, replaced by a look of profound, unshielded adoration as he watched his bride approach.
When Nell reached the altar, Dorian stepped forward, taking her hand gently into his.
The old priest smiled, opening his leather-bound Bible. “Dearly beloved... we are gathered here today in the sight of God to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”
The service moved quietly, peacefully, filled with the warmth of genuine love.
When it came time for the vows, Dorian held both of Nell’s hands. He looked straight into her eyes, ignoring the written cards the priest held out.
“Nell,” Dorian said, his deep voice resounding softly off the ancient stone walls. “I spent my whole life surrounded by enemies, swimming in blood and deceit. I thought power was the only thing that could keep me and my son safe. But you showed me that true strength is found in grace, in mercy, and in love. I promise to protect you with my life. I promise to honor you, to stand by you, and to give you everything I am, until my last breath.”
Nell’s eyes overflowed with happy tears. “Dorian... I came into your home with nothing but broken hands and fear. But you saw me when no one else did. You protected my mother, you gave your son to my heart, and you gave me a home. I give you my life, my heart, and my unconditional love, forever.”
“By the power vested in me,” the priest announced with a warm smile, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Dorian reached out, gently lifting Nell’s lace veil over her head. He framed her soft cheeks with his hands, leaning down to press his lips against hers in a passionate, deep kiss that sealed their fates together forever.
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Archie cheered loudly from the pew, throwing his hands in the air, causing Thomas and Margaret to burst into warm laughter.
As Dorian pulled back, looking down at his new wife with a radiant smile, Nell wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling truly safe for the very first time in her life.
