Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 396

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.

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