Chapter 14 - The Wedding of the Century
Two months later, the grand cathedral overlooking the harbor was filled to capacity.
Over five hundred guests were in attendance—foreign dignitaries, shipping magnates, union dockworkers in their finest suits, and the entire medical staff from the rehabilitation center who had helped Bennett and Tessa save my life.
The rumors across the city had been wild for weeks. The media had speculated about how the legendary Vincent Corvino would arrive—would he use a motorized chair? Would he walk with a cane?
When the heavy cathedral brass doors opened, the massive orchestra swelled with triumphant music.
The aisle was lined with white roses and soft candlelight.
I stood at the altar, dressed in a sharp, custom midnight-blue tuxedo, standing tall, proud, and entirely unassisted on my own two feet.
At the end of the aisle, Clara—healthy, vibrant, and smiling with pure joy—walked as the maid of honor, scattering petals.
And then, Tessa appeared.
A collective gasp swept through the cathedral.
She was breathtaking.
Her gown was an ethereal masterpiece of hand-embroidered French lace and silk, trailing behind her like seafoam. Her dark hair was styled in elegant waves, crowned with delicate pearl pins. Her almond eyes were shining with tears of absolute happiness as she locked her gaze onto mine.
She didn't look at the cameras.
She didn't look at the millionaires or the politicians filling the pews.
She walked straight toward me, her hand holding a bouquet of white lilies and blue hydrangeas.
When she reached the altar, I took both of her hands in mine.
The priest began the ceremony, but when the time came for the vows, I turned to Tessa and spoke from the depths of my soul.
“I was dead,” I said, my voice carrying across the silent cathedral. “And you gave me life. I was abandoned, and you stayed. Every step I take for the rest of my days, I take because you believed I was worth saving. My empire, my name, and my heart belong to you, forever.”
Tessa’s voice was clear, sweet, and unwavering as she squeezed my fingers.
“I didn't see an empire when I walked into your room, Vincent. I saw a man who had forgotten his own fire. Loving you wasn't a choice—it was the easiest thing I have ever done. I will stand with you through every storm, on every shore, until my last breath.”
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“By the power vested in me,” the priest proclaimed with a broad smile, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Vincent, you may kiss your bride.”
I wrapped my arms around Tessa’s waist, lifted her slightly into the air, and kissed her as the entire cathedral erupted into thunderous, standing applause.
