Valentina took his arm, doing everything she could to keep her voice under control. As they walked down the nave, she studied the familiar faces from her side of the family, uncles, cousins, childhood friends. On Alexander’s side, there were far fewer people. His mother, Mrs. Carmen, who had always treated her with coldness disguised as politeness. A few relatives. A few friends. Julian and Dylan were near the altar, trying to look normal. When Dylan saw her, he dropped his gaze at once, clearly uncomfortable. At least one of them still had a conscience.
Alexander kept smiling with that excited-groom expression. What a talented actor.
When they reached the altar, Richard kissed his daughter on the forehead and placed her hand in Alexander’s.
“Take good care of her,” Richard said, looking him straight in the eye.
“Always, Mr. Richard. She is the love of my life,” Alexander replied, squeezing Valentina’s hand.
If she had not known the truth, she would have been moved. Instead, she felt only disgust.
Father Michael, who had baptized her when she was a little girl, began the ceremony. Valentina drifted through the first part of it, concentrating on organizing her thoughts, planning what she would do. The priest’s voice moved over the church in solemn waves.
“We are gathered here to celebrate the union of Valentina and Alexander. Marriage is a sacred institution based on love, respect, and mutual sincerity.”
Sincerity. What a cruel joke.
“Alexander, do you accept Valentina as your lawful wife? Do you promise to love and respect her in joy and in sorrow, in health and in sickness, in wealth and in poverty, all the days of your life?”
“I accept,” Alexander said, looking deeply into her eyes.
“Valentina, do you accept Alexander as your lawful husband? Do you promise to love and respect him in joy and in sorrow, in health and in sickness, in wealth and in poverty, all the days of your life?”
Valentina paused for a fraction of a second, feeling every eye in the church on her. Alexander tightened his grip on her hand, and she noticed the tension hidden beneath his smile.
“I accept,” she said.
She saw the relief on his face immediately.
“Before proceeding with the exchange of rings, the couple wished to make a personal declaration,” Father Michael announced.
Valentina had planned that part weeks earlier, back when she still believed in their love. Now it would serve another purpose.
Alexander went first.
“Valentina, when I met you that day at the mall, I knew my life had changed forever. You brought light, joy, and purpose to my days. I promise to be the husband you deserve, to take care of you and to build our family with all the love in my heart.”
Some of the guests were visibly moved. Valentina smiled, but inside she thought only of how naturally he lied.
Then it was her turn.
“Alexander, our relationship taught me so much about trust, about giving my heart completely to someone. Today, here in front of our family and friends, I want you to know that I know you truly. I know your dreams, your fears, your ambitions, and I promise to stand by your side no matter what challenges we face together.”
She noticed Julian and Dylan exchange a quick glance. Alexander squeezed her hand again, but this time she could feel how damp his palm had become.
“Now we will proceed to the exchange of rings,” said Father Michael.
Alexander took the ring and slid it onto her finger.
“With this ring, I wed you and promise to love you forever.”
Valentina did the same.
“With this ring, I wed you and promise to love you forever.”
The words tasted bitter on her tongue.
“By the power conferred upon me, I now declare you husband and wife. Alexander, you may kiss the bride.”
Alexander leaned in and kissed her. It was the kiss she had imagined for months, yet now it felt mechanical, empty, false. The guests applauded and cheered. The wedding march rose again, brighter and more festive than before. Valentina and Alexander walked back down the aisle beneath a shower of congratulations and rose petals.
Outside the church, the photographs began. Valentina smiled and posed, playing the happy bride flawlessly. She had to admit that Alexander was convincing too, wrapping an arm around her, touching her with practiced affection.
“You look beautiful together,” said the photographer. “It shows how much you love each other.”
“Thank you,” Valentina said. “We really do love each other very much. Right, love?”
“Too much,” Alexander agreed, kissing her forehead.
During the photos, Valentina began watching the guests more closely. Her family was glowing with happiness. Patricia, her mother, cried as she spoke with friends. Richard greeted everyone with pride pouring off him. On Alexander’s side, the atmosphere felt different. Mrs. Carmen smiled, but Valentina noticed the way she leaned in to whisper things to people, comments that seemed edged with malice.
Sophia, her twenty-year-old sister, a law student, approached during a break in the photos.
“Val, are you okay? You look a little weird.”
“I’m perfect, Sophia. Why do you say that?”
“I don’t know. You’re different. Very controlled.”
Valentina hugged her sister.
“It’s just nerves. Everything is perfect.”
But Sophia kept looking at her with that sharp, inquisitive expression she had developed at the university.
After the photos, everyone moved to the ballroom of the Hacienda Royale Hotel, the most elegant venue in Aspen. Valentina had dreamed of that reception for months, planning every detail with the most renowned event organizer in the region. The hall was decorated with white roses and green foliage. Golden lights created a magical atmosphere. Two hundred and fifty guests settled at round tables draped in imported linen.
During the cocktail hour, Valentina moved among the guests, accepting congratulations and embraces. She kept smiling and answering questions about their honeymoon and future children, but inside she was tracking Alexander’s every move. He was chatting animatedly with her brothers-in-law, trying to impress them with his knowledge of the family businesses. He talked about expanding the coffee shops, modernizing the gas stations, as if he were already part of the future Richard had built.
“Valentina, dear, what a beautiful wedding,” said Mrs. Louisa, one of Patricia’s childhood friends. “Alexander is such a special young man. You will be very happy.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Louisa. He really is special.”
Special was certainly one way to describe a man who married for money.
Patricia approached her next, eyes still wet with tears.
“My daughter, I am so happy. I’ve never seen you so fulfilled.”
