Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 181

Chapter 181: Chapter 181 Ring of Legacy

Ivy’s POV

The day had been a whirlwind of preparations for our blood oath ceremony, but every moment felt absolutely perfect. My sisters in the syndicate had proven themselves to be incredible organizers. In a short time, we had secured everything needed for the sacred ritual - black roses for the altar, trusted catering from our territory, a string quartet loyal to the family, ceremonial daggers blessed by Father Murray, the guest list of allied families, a traditional wedding cake, and most importantly, my dress. Since I wanted something intimate rather than a massive display of power, the planning moved quickly while still capturing exactly what I envisioned for a mafia queen’s wedding.

We had also coordinated with the priest that Jude recommended, and met with Father Murray about performing the ceremony. Initially, he hesitated to conduct the blessing since Caleb and I hadn’t completed the traditional family counseling that most syndicate marriages required. However, Zoe worked her persuasive magic and convinced him to meet with us the following morning for an abbreviated session. After that discussion, he agreed to provide the religious blessing we wanted, knowing full well the dangerous world we inhabited.

Gemma and Lila had designed gorgeous digital invitations with our family crest and scheduled them to go out during dinner time, ensuring our enemies wouldn’t discover our plans prematurely. They had volunteered to handle all the RSVP responses the next day, screening each guest for potential security threats.

Zoe had completely taken over the next day’s schedule with military precision. The day would include the pre-marriage counseling session, which she had already informed Jude to communicate to Caleb, followed by a full spa treatment, hair salon appointment, and final dress fittings for both myself and my bridesmaids. I had specifically chosen to let each of them select their own dresses and colors. I wanted them to feel confident and beautiful in whatever they chose, rather than forcing them into something that might make them uncomfortable just to satisfy some bridal vision. I wasn’t the type of future don’s wife who worried about being overshadowed - after all, I would be the one standing at the altar taking the blood oath in white.

My sisters were all so different from each other, with varying body types and personal styles. What looked stunning on one might not flatter another. I wanted each of them to feel radiant standing beside me as we entered this dangerous new Chapter. That’s why they each chose their own dress in their preferred color, and I absolutely loved their selections - beautiful, vibrant hues that were all different from each other. It would be perfect, like being surrounded by loyal soldiers in a garden of deadly flowers.

Before heading home to prepare for the family dinner, Lila asked me to send her my wedding vows so she could have them engraved on the ceremonial blades.

"Lila, I’m not writing personal vows," I explained.

"What do you mean? Every modern syndicate wedding includes personalized blood oaths written by the couple," Lila responded, as if I was completely out of touch with mafia traditions.

"That might be the current trend, Lila, but I want ours to be traditional. The classic and sacred ’I swear by blood and honor to be faithful to you, through prosperity and war, in power and in exile, in wealth and in poverty, loving you and protecting you, all the days of our lives, until death claims us both.’ It’s absolutely perfect! Nothing could be more meaningful than promising loyalty, faithfulness, and protection through good times and deadly times, for our entire lives."

"Oh, Ivy, you’re such a hopeless romantic," Zoe laughed.

"Besides, those vows sealed the union for Caleb’s parents and grandparents, so we’re continuing the family legacy," I said with a smile.

"You’re going to be the boss’s wife, so you make the rules!" Gemma agreed.

When I arrived home to our fortified compound, I found Caleb looking somewhat irritated. He informed me that Zoe had mandated he spend the following nights at Xavier’s safe house and couldn’t see me again until our wedding day. The men would use this opportunity to have their own gathering, like a war council mixed with celebration. Dominic had promised to organize a bachelor party that would involve weapons training and strategic planning. I warned Caleb that this bachelor party better not involve any female entertainment from rival families, which made him laugh heartily.

After finishing my preparations, I ran my hand over my dress while examining myself in the mirror. I wore a midnight blue dress that hugged my waist before flaring into a midi-length skirt. The front was modest, but the back featured an elegant low-cut design that revealed the small Thorne family crest tattooed between my shoulder blades. A thin fabric belt in matching material was sewn into the waist, creating a beautiful bow at the back. I left my hair flowing loose over my shoulders and completed the look with subtle makeup and nude heels with a matching clutch.

I walked into the living room where Caleb was waiting. He looked incredibly dangerous, as always, wearing a dark gray suit with no tie and a crisp white shirt. When he saw me, he approached with his eyes absolutely burning with possessiveness.

"You look absolutely breathtaking!" He smiled and gave me a possessive kiss. "I’m going to marry the most beautiful queen in the entire underworld!"

"You’re being dramatic!" I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Where is everyone else?"

"They already left. Your parents took Max with them. They went with the armored car and armed guards."

"Well, then we should go too."

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