Chapter 14 - THE SECOND WEDDING
On their third anniversary, Edmund surprised Vivien.
He took her to a small chapel outside Chicago.
No five-hundred-person guest list.
No criminal alliances.
No political speeches.
Just a few friends.
A priest.
And flowers.
Vivien stared at him.
“What is this?”
Edmund smiled.
“Our wedding.”
She blinked.
“We're already married.”
“I know.”
“Then why?”
He took her hand.
“Because the first time, neither of us had a choice.”
Vivien's eyes filled.
He continued.
“You were forced into that marriage. I agreed because I thought it would strengthen my organization.”
He swallowed.
“But somewhere along the way, you became the best part of my life.”
Vivien began crying.
Edmund smiled.
“So I'm asking again.”
He knelt.
“Vivien Costa, will you marry me because you want to?”
She laughed through her tears.
“Yes.”
He stood.
She threw her arms around him.
And beneath the chapel's stained-glass windows, they exchanged vows again.
This time, there were no hidden guns.
No threats.
No debts.
May you like
No bargains.
Only love.
