by Dani René
“What the fuck are you doing? You will lose the company.” Ignoring her, I continued.
“Life has been full of ups and downs, and I never expected I would actually say these words. But because of this extraordinary girl, I am saying them now.” I make my way off the podium, I strode straight to Cassie, everyone formed a circle around us. I dropped to my knee. “Cassandra Winters, you’re my love, my life, and my lumiére, the light in my future that can never be dulled. No matter who tries. Fate brought you to me, a long time ago. Destiny brought you back now. So, in saying that. I need you to spend the rest of your life with me.” I pulled the little black box from my pocket and snapped it open. Her expression was priceless, just like I knew it would be. “Will you be my forever, Cassie?” My heart was hammering so hard, threatening to burst through my chest. I peered up into those mocha eyes and she nodded, with tears spilling down her face. I slipped the ring on her finger and rose. Pulling her into an embrace. With applause all around us. I couldn’t help but grin.
When the commotion alerted people to turn around, I stepped backward and looked at Claudia and Isabel being ushered out by the police. People gasped watching the spectacle unfold behind them. I lifted the mic and finished my speech. “Each of you will receive an email once I finish my speech to explain what has happened with Claudia Verán, who will be stripped of the Verán name. She is no longer part of this family. Now, after all that drama, let’s enjoy the evening.” I placed the mic back on the podium, to applause all around. The DJ started the music then. Taking my baby in my arms, we swayed to the music.
“So soon-to-be Mrs Verán, when would you like to marry me?” She giggled, a melody that was music to my ears. My lumiére.
“Well, Mr. Verán. I guess we should have our wedding in June, in Hawaii.” It will be our one-year anniversary. It was perfect. Cassie was perfect. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Thank you, dad. You’ve given me a gift I could never have known I wanted. Now I have it. I will never let it go.
Epilogue
Cassandra
“Cassie come on, you're going to be late!” I whirl around to see Kenna and my mother, they’re both dressed in exquisite knee-length dresses. Kenna’s soft blush pink, strapless satin dress, fit her perfectly. The black chiffon bow ties in the front and she’s barefoot. Since we decided to get married on the beach, I requested that no one wear shoes. My mom looked incredible. Her dress was longer, stopping just below the knee in an incredible ivory color, with a cap sleeve and intricate beaded detail.
I didn’t believe when Luke told me she was just an older version of me, but she is. Since the night of the ball, we’ve spent so much time together, and she’s been a support throughout the wedding planning too. She loves Luke accepting him as her son, well, he pretty much is now.
“Yes, I am just about ready. Do I look okay?” I turn to face them and they both stare at me. “What?” I am freaking out. My heart is racing and my palms are sweaty.
“You look amazing, super hot!” Kenna, forever the one to speak her mind. I can’t help the laugh that echoes through the modest room.
“Kenna, please help me with my necklace?” It was the diamond choker that Lucien gave me the night of the ball. The pendant hung in the center, on a small white gold ring. Collared. Owned. His. A blush spread across my cheeks at the thought of what that means.
“Cassie, darling, you are so beautiful. Lucien will not know what hit him.” I smiled. Giving my mom a hug. I couldn’t cry now. My makeup would be ruined. So I stepped back and looked at both the ladies in my life that loved me more than life. “We’re going to be outside. You have ten minutes.” I nod and offer a smile.
“I will be right there, Kenna. Is Jayce ready?”
“Yes, darling, everything is ready. Don’t be too late.” She offers me a small wink and they close the door behind them.
When I am alone, I glance at the mirror. My white dress is long, the train at the back is soft chiffon and the silk of the dress hugs my curves. The plunging neckline stops just below my breasts. It's sleeveless with a high back. I sit on the small stool and open the letter Lucien gave me last year. The one from my mother. Today is my wedding day, and it couldn’t be more perfect. With people I love most in the world, I never felt happier. I pull out the folded page and take a deep breath.
Dear Cassandra,
If you’re reading this, that means you’ve found the love of your life. The one who makes your heart soar. I had to leave you at an awfully young age. My life is filled with past mistakes, and regrets, but you were the only thing that was perfect in every way. I hope one day to meet you, to know the extraordinary woman you are.
I had you when I was sixteen that didn’t bode well with my parents. So the most difficult thing I did was giving you up for adoption. It ripped my heart out and I had never felt a worse pain. I cried every night, knowing I couldn’t be with you, as you grew up to be the beautiful woman you are today. The family you stayed with kept one promise for me, to give you your proper name Winters. They were good people, and I knew they would look after you, give you the love you deserved.
When you’re older, I will come back and I will find you. Your forgiveness for leaving is all I will ever want. I hope you understand that my love for you has lifted me through the bleakest moments in my life. You have a guardian angel, in the form of Claude Verán, my first and only love. We could never be together, but I pray that you and your love will be.
I can’t give you advice on love, since I could never be with the one person who made me whole. What I can tell you though, is that when you find him, don’t ever walk away. We’re all on this earth, twin flames, soul mates, and when you find the one who fits you completely, you will know. That sacred bond between two people is unrelenting, you will find each other throughout your lifetime, but you will only find forever with each other when the time is right.
In this envelope is a ring, a wedding band you will place on your soul mate’s finger, when you say your vows. Take care of him, I know he will do the same for you.
Cassie, darling, I love you, and I will never leave you again, my sweet baby.
All my love,
Mom
I fold up the letter and pack it back into the suitcase. There’s a knock at the door, smoothing my dress, I turn and call out. “Come in, Jayce.”
It swings open and Jayce walks in, tentatively. He looks incredible, dressed in a white pair of slacks and blue shirt. The sleeves rolled up to his elbows and the first four buttons undone. “Princess, now isn’t that a fitting name? You're perfect, exactly like one.” He gives me a cheeky wink and I can’t help giggling.
“Thank you for doing this Jayce.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Pulling me into a tight embrace, he plants a chaste kiss on my head. “Come on, you can’t keep my best friend waiting.” We make our way out to the beach. My mom and Kenna walk down the aisle. The set up is perfect. There are white rose petals everywhere. Two pillars with beautiful white drapery on either side of the entrance to the aisle draped with pink roses. Luke catches my eyes and my breath hitches.
“Wow.” I gasp. He is dressed in a white shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, the top buttons undone, against his tanned skin, it looks incredible. He’s also wearing white slacks, and his spiky hair is standing in every direction. Those green eyes that had me hypnotized since the first day I saw them glint in the sunshine. “Don’t let me fall, Jayce.” I glance up into eyes the color of the sky.
“Never. Come on Mrs. Verán, let’s do this.” No sooner had the words left his mouth, when the song I chose for this day started playing. Ella Henderson sings Yours as I make my way down the aisle. Lucien’s gaze rakes over me and I see the love in his eyes. I blink back the tears and I take a deep breath. “Just breathe, you’ll be fine.” Jayce whispers and gives my hand a squeeze.
Lucien
Fuck me, my girl is perfect. She looks like a princess. I can’t take my eyes off her as she walks do
wn the aisle towards me. My heart is racing. Robert grips my shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze. He’s been a rock since my father passed away, and I am proud that he is here. When Cassie reaches me, Jayce steps back and gives me a nod.
I offer her my hand, a smirk and I am rewarded with a radiant smile, her eyes are glistening with tears. I hope to God they’re happy tears! “You look incredible, Mrs. Verán,” I whisper in her ear. Her body trembles and I have to grin. She’s always so responsive.
“Thank you, Mr. Verán.” Her whisper sends a jolt of desire to my crotch. Is she trying to kill me already? We haven’t said I do yet. I chuckle and we turn towards the officiate.
“Ladies and gentleman, we are gathered here today, to celebrate the coming together of Mr. Lucien Verán and Ms. Cassandra Winters. If anyone here who disagrees that these two people shouldn’t be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.” The crowd is silent, and he gives a small nod. “Well, let’s get this union under way.
My thoughts wander as he rambles on, explaining the importance of love, support, being there for each other through good and bad. We wrote our own vows and I hope I don’t fuck this up by forgetting mine. My palms are sweaty. Is it normal to be so nervous? Shit, she’s beautiful. I sneak glances at my bride, I am like the luckiest bastard alive. She’s amazing, and I can’t imagine my life without her.
A year ago, I never pictured myself standing at an altar, with a woman about to say I do. She’s wearing her necklace and I can’t get my mind out of the gutter. I want you in just that choker and a pair of heels, baby. Kneeling for me. I let out a small groan and Cassie’s gaze flits to me. She narrows her eyes and I can only shrug.
A naughty smile curls her lips and she knows what is in my thoughts. “Do you have the rings?” I am pulled back to the present and nod. Turning to Robert and Jayce standing to my right. Jayce steps forward and hands me the platinum wedding band.
We turn to face each other. This is it Verán! “Cassie, there was never a time in my life I believed I was capable of marriage. You know that my life hasn’t always been perfect. With all your beauty and love, radiating from your eyes, you brought me to a place of happiness. I knew that you completed me the moment we touched. You’ve taken my broken soul and mended it, with your light. We have overcome obstacles that no couple should face, but we’re still here. Stronger. I promise you, from this day forward I will support, love, and cherish you with everything I am. You are my lumiére and I never want that light to fade. I love you. With all of me. Forever.” I lean in a whisper in her ear. “Mine.” When the ring is on her finger, I see the tears spill on her soft pink cheeks. With the pads of my thumbs, I wipe away her tears. Jesus, Verán, you’ve really gone soft. Fuck off! I love her.
“Your turn Ms. Winters.”
She nods and takes a deep breath. “Luca,” her use of my childhood nickname sends me reeling, tears threaten in my eyes. “You’re a formidable force, since you’ve walked into my life, I have found myself again. The person that I had hidden away. Even though I didn’t think I could love, you broke down my walls and shattered my defenses. You took my broken soul and with your constant love, fixed me in a way that I thought was lost forever. You’ve taken me from the torn woman I was and made me whole. You’re my missing puzzle piece. I promise, to support you, love you and cherish you with everything I am. I love you. With all of me. Forever.”
She leans up on her tiptoes and whispers in my ear. “Yours.”
As soon as the band slips on my ring finger, we stare at each other for what feels like hours.
“And now I pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” I cup her face in my hands and seal her mouth with mine. “I present to you, Mr. & Mrs. Verán.” The guests whoop and applaud, but nothing can tear me away from kissing my wife.
THE END
Playlist
Angel – The Weeknd
Laurel – Blue Blood
Jay Sean - War
Thirty Seconds to Mars – Hurricane
Metallica – Nothing Else Matters
Marc Anthony – She Mends Me
Ella Henderson – Yours
Jon McLaughlin – Before You
Thomas Rhett – Die A Happy Man
Fall Out Boy – Fourth of July
Full playlist HERE
Acknowledgments
Why is this the most difficult part to write? This second novel was a labor of love, pain, sweat, tears, and nights of agony (seriously!). Many late nights, too much coffee, and a few sneaky glasses of wine, went into this. It’s been an incredible journey, an eye opening road that I am so happy to have traveled, and continue to wander on. When I got to the end of this, my word count was 171000 words, a lot of hard work, but I am very proud of this story. I hope you will love Lucien as much as I do. There might be a book for Jayce, we will have to see how popular those blue eyes are with you.
First and foremost, I need to thank someone special. Even though I am a complete pain in the ass, he puts up with me disappearing into my cave for months on end to write. My best friend and partner. He who shall not be named, but is an unwavering support to me through my craziness. (And he buys me wine when I need it!). Thank you! Love always.
Miriam, where do I even start? My stories wouldn’t be readable without you. Your meticulous attention to detail is incredible. I know you’ve been busy with your own goals while I wrote this, but you still took time out of your schedule to sit down and proof for me. That means the world to me. You are the other half of me. Your support, love, and encouragement, have brought me through times where I wanted to give up. Thank you a million times over!! You are special sweetheart. I love you twinnie!
I want to thank my incredible “Research Team”, without you there wouldn’t be a book fit for reading. Dee and Kaz, you both really have no idea how much you mean to me. I can’t thank you enough. There were times that I doubted this and your continued support, love, and understanding have kicked my ass through until I finally hit the ‘Publish’ button. And for that, I will be eternally grateful. The laughs we shared and to those hilarious comments about exploding underwear, I know you gave me grief for that, but I know you loved every moment.
A special shout out to two special friends I met through Instagram - Emma (Emmbooks) and Simmy (booksareverything), you’ve both been incredible. Making me laugh at all the abuse I receive from you both. Thank you for Beta reading this and for the feedback. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you both, and a MASSIVE thank you for blogging, posting and reviewing for me. And for those awesome edits! Your support is definitely appreciated more than you can imagine.
To the awesome lady (also on Instagram) that I got to know while in the process of writing this story, Selin (uncoloredthoughts) you are incredibly beautiful, inside and out. You never fail to make me laugh. Thank you for your continued support. So glad I met you darling!
A MASSIVE THANK YOU, to the team I review alongside at the Alpha Book Club!! You’ve all been incredible and so supportive! Also special shout out to Jaime and Mel for running the madness and giving me the opportunity to have my blog tour with the incredible force that is Alpha Book Club.
To all the amazing authors on Instagram, who support by sharing my pics, cover reveals, teasers, thank you a million times over. I am so proud to have met all of you incredible ladies. Thank you! <3
The readers, I don’t even know where to start, thank you for buying the books. Thank you for supporting my dream, if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be here, doing something I love. I hope that you enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. Find me on social media, leave reviews, message me, connect! I love hearing from each and every one of you. This is much my book as it is yours. Please leave a review, on Goodreads and Amazon, it really makes a huge difference!
Much Love! xo
About the Author
Dani is a fan of dark romance that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. It's from this passion that her writing has evolved from
sweet and romantic, to dark and delicious. It's in this world she's found her calling, growing from strength to strength and hitting her stride.
On a daily basis she has a few hundred characters, storylines, and ideas floating around in her head. From the feisty heroines she delivers, to the dark, dominant alphas that grace the pages of her books, she's promises light in a world filled with danger and darkness.
She has a healthy addiction to reading, TV series, music, tattoos, chocolate, and ice cream.
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Also by Dani René
Stand Alones
Ace of Harts
Love Beyond Words
