Deadly Obsession - Chapter 23 (Patreon)

Charlie

The day has finally arrived. The day that will put it in writing forever, that Romelo and I will be together, until death do us part. My wedding day. Even if it is false, I can’t help the feelings of nervousness as I sit in the chair, letting the stylist do my hair. My bridesmaids have all been picked out for me, but I specially requested Elise be my maid of honor. She is the only real friend that I have. So she is sitting next to me as I get my hair done.

Romelo allowed me to indulge today. He hates anything excessive on my body. Makeup, nail polish, or my hair being pinned up. But for some reason, he is letting every decision up to this point be made by me. All he did was plan the event. But he let me pick the dress, pick the hairstyle, and even get my nails done.

I feel like a princess. But at the same time I feel like a prisoner. I don’t want to let my inner emotions get in the way of how I’m feeling, but each time I look at the mirror, my face tells all.

I feel Elise’s hand over my own.

“Don’t be nervous. Today is your day,” she says softly. I look at her, and she’s smiling at me. But I can see the sadness lurking behind her gaze.

“Were you nervous your wedding day?” I ask. Luca is just as scary as Romelo. I couldn’t imagine marrying him.

“Well... yes. I was only 18, and I hadn’t known Luca when we were married. He was virtually a stranger to me.” She begins messing with the rose in her bouquet.

“But even though he is the man that he is, he made sure my night was perfect. Never once did he overstep that boundary.” She reaches out, tucking one of my curls behind my ear.

“Romelo cares for you on some level. I’m sure he’ll make this a night to remember.” She smiles. She moves aside, and I see the final look of myself in the mirror. I let out a soft gasp. I look like a totally different person. And the dress that I have on is gorgeous.

“Wow.”

* * * * *

Romelo

I never thought I’d be standing here. At the head of the alter. Waiting for the woman of my dreams to come down that aisle, and say she wants to marry me. I look around at the filled church. So many people are here. Excited to witness our marriage.

None of their excitement compares to mine.

The music of the orchestra begins playing, and down the aisle comes the bridesmaids and their groomsmen. In comes Luca with Elise on his arm, walking up the aisle. He reaches the front, giving me a smile, and patting me on the shoulder. I nod my head in respect and look up the aisle.

My heart stops. Charlie is in the doorway, with her father on her arm, her eyes are down. Like they always are. The dress she picked out looks stunning on her. It’s so delicate and intricate. And compliments her body perfectly. As soon as they begin walking, her eyes raise, and I have to focus all of my energy just to stay upright. Those beautiful blue eyes, framed by those thick lashes watch me the whole walk down. She looks nervous, like always.

From the moment we first met, she’s always been nervous. I think back to the moment I first realized she was actually a woman. In my bed that night. The beauty in her face finally shining through. That innocence. The times she depended on me. I watched her grow from a child to this woman she is today. My woman. My perfect and beautiful woman.

For the first time in a while, I smile. I can’t help it. Seeing her like this, seeing her coming towards me, I feel joy. Pure, and untainted joy. She notices my smile, and I don’t miss that rosy blush that crawls up her cheeks, staining them a pink tint. She looks away, an embarrassed smile reaching her lips. God, she’s perfect.

I know I’m a shitty person. I know I’m not a good man. I’ve stolen, I’ve killed and murdered. And I’ve hurt her more times than I can count. I don’t know what I did in my life to land someone so perfect. Perfect for me.

She finally reaches me, and her father gives her a hug. I hold my hand out to her, and she places her hand in mine. I help her up as she stands next to me. I can’t help but reach out and brush my knuckles against her cheek. I place a soft kiss against her forehead.

“You look stunning,” I murmur. And I mean it. She gives me a soft smile, looking away once again in embarrassment. All these years and she still gets nervous when I compliment her. We both face the priest and listen. Or at least she does. I can’t focus on anything other than her face. Why hadn’t I come up with this sooner? Why hadn’t I done this sooner?

I repeat my vows, and so does she.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”

Words I’ve been dying to hear since she walked up that aisle. I bring my hands up, holding onto her jaw, and running my thumb over her cheek before leaning in, and capturing her lips between mine. The applause of the crowd around us dies out as I kiss my bride.

My wife.

Charlie

Who is this man standing next to me? I’ve never seen him smile so often. Not with so much... happiness. He has my hand in his, his thumb running over my wedding ring. He’s been abnormally calm. Relaxed. Happy. I haven’t seen him like this since he killed his parents. He’s at peace.

“I love the dress, Charlie. You picked out the perfect one.” His voice comes out of the silence. I keep my eyes trained down.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

We continue walking down the hall, heading to the reception hall. Everyone is already inside, but we being the bride and the groom had to take pictures. And Romelo was so kind and well behaved. I keep reminding myself not to get too caught up in this facade. He’s just acting. But this time seems so different. There’s no hidden warning behind his movements. There’s no threatening glare.

The doors open, and the massive crowd of people erupt into applause.

“And now, announcing the arrival, for the first time, Mr. & Mrs. Romelo Vitiello!” We step into the room, and my grip automatically tightens on Romelo. I’m nervous. I don’t do well around people, but Romelo loosens his grip, places his arm around my waist, and pulls me closer to him. He smiles and waves, and I walk next to him, terrified. He pulls me to the center of the dance floor, and the lights dim. That’s when I realize we’re about to dance.

Romelo pulls me around so that I am facing him, and places one hand around my waist. The music begins, and so does our first dance. Romelo’s gaze doesn’t waver as we begin swaying to the music. He tilts his head ever so slightly and gives me a playful grin.

“You look nervous,” he says. I try and look away, but something in his face tells me not to.

“Don’t focus on them. Focus on me.”

He pulls me in tighter against his body, and I can feel his warmth mingling with mine. It’s as if in this moment, the whole world melts away. I feel myself relaxing as Romelo becomes the center of my attention. My world.

Why in the hell I love this man, I don’t know.

“I know that I am not a good man, Charlie. Not even a decent human being. But believe me when I say I am the happiest man in the world right now. I don’t deserve you.” He laughs a little.

“But if everyone got what they deserved, what kind of world would we live in?”

I have to stop the smile that threatens my lips from his words.

“I don’t deserve you.”

I don’t know who he is tonight. I don’t know if he’s just being like this for show, or if he’s dead serious. But the look in his eyes tells me he is.

“Romelo.. Thank you,” I say. His eyes widen slightly.

“What for?” I lay my head on his chest.

“For this,” I say. I listen to his always steady heartbeat. Out of all these years, never has it changed. Not when he’s excited or feeling anxious, or even angry. It’s always the same rhythm.

The rest of the song plays, and we just sway with each other, enjoying the warmth each of us gives off tonight. The world around us doesn’t exist. I wish that it could be like this forever. Just me and him. I wish so badly that it could be like this forever. But I know Romelo. I know him like the back of my hand. It won’t. Maybe he’s just caught up in the euphoria of the moment. That I am officially his, and the world knows it.

But I know this happiness, this joy, this kindness he has and is showing. It won’t last past the night.

* * * * *

The night passes, and as it gets later and later, I get more and more tired. At one point I begin dozing off on Romelo’s shoulder. He immediately notices, and it becomes time for us to leave the reception.

The crowd gathers around us, throwing rice and shouting their congratulations. Romelo holds on tight to my hand. We finally reach the end of everyone, and my father waits on one side, and Luca on the other. Romelo lets go of my hands and goes to speak to Luca, and my father pulls me into an embrace.

“I’m proud of you, sweetheart. Your mother would be proud,” he whispers.

“I love you Dad,” I say. He squeezes me back.

“I love you too Charlie.” He pulls away from me and looks as though he wants to say something else.

“What?” I ask. He gives me a grim smile.

“No matter what, I do love you, Charlie. You are my blood,” he says. I stare at him in confusion. Before I can ask him what he means, Romelo is behind me.

I turn away from him, and Romelo is waiting with an outstretched hand. I place my hand in his, and he pulls me along until I’m standing in front of the infamous Luca Pasquino. Those gray eyes, even accompanied with a smile are unnerving.

“Congratulations. I know I’ve never seen him this happy,” he jokes.

“Thank you,” I murmur, immediately looking away. Romelo looks away for a moment.

“I’m going to pull the car around,” he says.

He lets go of my hand, walking away leaving me in the presence of his scary boss. Luca stares me down, and his whole demeanor changes. I sense the threat before he even opens his mouth.

“Don’t pull anything like that little stunt again,” he growls out. His gaze wanders over my shoulder, and he smiles.

“Your ride is here.”

I nod my head with wide eyes, and before I can leave, Elise comes around her husband, pulling me in an embrace.

“Sorry, I had to speak with the sitter. Congratulations, Charlie. And Good luck,” she whispers in my ear. I hug her back with all my might. I may have known her for a short while, but Elise is the only friend I have.