(Renata Pellegrini: One Month Later:)
Today is my wedding day, to find out that everyone but him knew who I really was. Filippo's mother received me very well, she explained to me how the house worked and the hierarchy of women here.
Lais and I get along very well, he is a very sweet and gentle person, I feel sad that she has not been able to bear her own children, and when Filippo explained to me the fate of the little baby in Lais' arms, I felt even worse. Matteo allowed her to continue with the baby, but said that she would never be his daughter and would never have the last name Valentini. This was harsh, but at least he didn't snatch the child from her arms and give it to some subordinate to raise.
"I wish you were here, Mom, I wish Dad could walk me down the aisle." - I think as I look in the mirror.
I still can't forgive Dominic, even now I understand better the reason for his choices, I still can't stay close to him. Demetrius and I get closer, he will be the one to lead me to Filippo at the altar.
I touch my belly and smooth it out, I am twelve weeks pregnant, my belly is still quite small.
Unfortunately, Amanda couldn't come to my wedding, she still hasn't recovered from the beating that twisted both her feet, and she said it would be too much trouble to ride in a wheelchair in a house where she didn't know anyone in another country. I honestly thought she had hurt herself more, but the fact that she stayed there in my house, away from her father, reassured me. I told her she could continue to live there, but she said she would not abandon the only family she had.
I respect her for that. But I hate Dad, and I fear for Amanda's life very much, and as soon as Filippo and I are married, I will ask him for help with Amanda.
I can't leave her in that situation...
“It's time to go,” Demetrius enters the room where I am.
The wedding is taking place in the backyard of Filippo's brother's mansion, after the wedding is over, he and I will move into our own house.
“Let's go,” I say, getting up.
I hold Demetrius' arm and together we walk to the backyard. We follow the red carpet path, the guests are quite few, just family and a few friends. The stretcher begins to play and with slow steps we approach the altar, my eyes fix on Filippo and I begin to cry. I am really getting married! My second dream is coming true.
“You'd better take very good care of my niece,” Demetrius tells Filippo.
“I will give my life for her,” Filippo answers and takes my hand. “You look beautiful, ragazza.” He whispers and kisses my forehead.
“We are here today to unite these two young people.” The priest begins to speak.
***
“Congratulations!” Everyone starts coming to congratulate us. First Filippo's mother, then Matteo and Lais, Sophie and her husband also congratulate us.
Caio couldn't come either, he is following his girlfriend's treatment, but thank God, his girlfriend will have the surgery next week and I have faith that she will beat the cancer.
“Rê!” I feel my shoulder being nudged and quickly turn around as I hear the voice behind me.
“Amanda?” I ask with wide eyes.
I look at her and she looks beautiful, her face is no longer swollen or purple, she's wearing simple makeup, a water-green dress with a long sleeve, even though she's walking on crutches, my best friend looks beautiful.
I can't control it. I took her in my arms and started crying with happiness on her shoulder. I was so sad that she couldn't come to my wedding, but now she is right here.
“Why didn't you tell me you were here? I was going to come and get you!” I speak without undoing the hug.
“I wanted to surprise her.” She says, hugging me tightly.
After some more time, we broke the embrace.
“Congratulations my friend, you are finally fulfilling your dreams, you have found your prince charming, you are expecting your first child, you got married and now you are building your dream family. I wish all the happiness in the world for you my friend, you deserve it!” Amanda says smiling.
“Thank you so much, my friend!”
“Time to throw the bouquet!” Filippo's mother speaks up.
The single women - Amanda and Filippo's cousins - gather in the center, I turn around and count to three, throw the bouquet up and turn around. Amanda tries to catch the bouquet but breaks down. I start to move to help her, but Vicenzo is faster, he holds her and also catches the bouquet, they stare at each other for several seconds, but soon Vicenzo hands the bouquet to her and walks away.
“Hmmm.” All women do, and it makes Amanda redder than a bell bell pepper.
I walk to her.
“Soon you too will have your Prince Charming,” I whisper in her ear.
Filippo holds my hand and we start walking outside. We won't stay for the party, we'll get our things from the new house and go on a honeymoon trip.
End.