CHAPTER 1

LILIANA POV

Every step I make walking to him goes with my heartbeat full of love and happiness. I could see him from a distance, he was wearing a simple white suit. His smile captivates my heart, he was handsome as always. The weather today was pleasant, we were surrounded by a lot of flowers. With more than 300 blooming species of flowers, Da Lat Flower garden is the perfect place for our wedding. 

Today, I will marry the man who saved me, the man who loved me more than his life. Xavier was the man for me, I am sure of that. He had manly, peppered stubble. I like those stubbles. His smile sparkled with mirth as his blue eyes were a-fire with passion. They could resemble two liquid-blue pools of flashing fire, and I always blush when he looks at me. He had defined cheekbones and the lineaments of his face including his nose were in perfect proportion to each other. He might be taller than me, but I still want to reach for his lips and kiss him over and over again. His features were similar to that of an Arab man, maybe because his father's side came from the Middle East. It was funny, but I've been fantasizing about Xavier in silence. He was my lover and like a best friend to me. Walking on this path of petals and flowers, I can say that I am the luckiest woman in this world right now.

I tightened my grip on my bouquet, I feel a little bit nervous. Maybe, I'm just excited to marry him. I am closer to him now. Beside him is his brother, Steven. I just met Steven lately. He is a businessman too, but most of his businesses are in the Philippines. Mr. Richard Blaze, their dad didn't make it today, Steven said, their dad was too busy this week. He was also a business tycoon in the Philippines. I know Mr. Blaze didn't want his son to marry me. He was against our relationship, and Xavier told me about that. Xavier was just so hard-headed that he still insisted on this wedding. With the priest, Steven, and Xavier my groom, I think their presence was enough. 

I finally stood in front of my man. He reached for my hand and I can see happiness in his eyes. 

"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen love," he said.

"Thank you, Xavier" I replied.

The ceremony started as the priest welcomed us. I don't pay attention much to the priest. All I can see is Xavier. I could remember those days when I suffered much, after that tragic accident three years ago. I wished to die and end my life. It was difficult at that time to live in darkness. But he never left me, he stayed by my side. He gave me strength and inspiration while in the hospital. In my darkness, he served as my light. It took me two years before I was able to see again. It was his handsome face I saw.

"I've spent almost two years, living in darkness. My life is hell. The day I once saw the light, it was your face that came into view. 

You never left me in times of my suffering. You helped me get back on my feet. To believe that I can live a normal life again. Xavier, 

I thought that the car accident ruined my life. But you came and saved me from that hell. You became my strength. Thank you. I love you. 

I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"In the name of God, I, Liliana Lan, take you, Xavier Blaze, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, 

for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

My voice almost trembles as I tell him my vow. I've prepared for it for days. I don't remember anything until now. I am still suffering from amnesia. All I could see in my memory was Xavier and his love for me. He was my savior and my protector. For the past years, he tried to hide me from my brother. He revealed to me, a few months ago that my brother wants to kill me. My parents are dead and my brother wants to claim all our wealth. 

"Liliana, the first time I saw you, I knew in my heart that you were the woman for me. I will do everything just to keep you safe. 

I will protect our relationship from people who wants to destroy us. I will never allow anyone to come between us. You are for me and I am yours. 

Our soul and body will be as one. Even death could never hinder me and you from being together. Stay beside me forever Lily, don't leave me."

" I love you until forever is through and beyond death.

I, Xavier, take you, Liliana Lan Reed, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, 

for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, that even death can't tear us apart. This is my promise, this is my vow."

His words were like arrows hitting my heart. I am loving him every moment of my life. And from now until forever, I would love him more and more. 

The wedding ceremony went well and the priest finally declared us husband and wife.

"You may now kiss the bride," the priest said.

We kissed each other. Feeling his soft lips, I felt electricity all over my body. Fairy tales do come true. To marry my prince charming and now my King is a happily ever after. He touched my face, is it as if he wanted to cry right at this moment?

I laughed, looking at him this way, it was just so cute and lovely.

I heard his brother also laughing while looking at us. I hugged him tight, I just wanted him to feel how happy I was today.

"Congratulations and best wishes to both of you!" Steven spoke.

We turned to look at him with great joy. 

"Thanks, bro. Thank you for attending our special day," Xavier approached his brother to give him a hug.

Steven patted his brother on his shoulder and turned to give me a hug too. 

"Please take good care of my brother, Lily," he told me.

"Yes, Steven." That is my duty from now on as Xavier's wife. I will love him and will take good care of him.

"For sure my brother is so excited about the honeymoon, aren't you X?" he teased Xavier.

They both laughed and patted each other. Steven was like a best friend to his brother Xavier. He helped us and hide me from my enemies who always plan to take my life.

Xavier took my hand and pulled me into his car. We were on our way now to his mansion. Da Lat City is our new home. We just came to this place a few months ago and started our business, the Epiphyllum resort. The resort was open to all visitors who came from other countries except the Philippines. Xavier doesn't want anyone from my country to come to our resort. This is his way to protect me, especially since my life is still in danger.

Steven's car was right behind us. It took us a few minutes before we reached home. Xavier prepared a small celebration for the three of us.

From the huge balcony of my husband's mansion, I can see the beauty of the sea and of course, our resort. We ate some food and drank wine. Steven gave us a toss and more wishes for our married life as a couple. 

It took us two to three hours of talking, drinking, and laughing at Steven's jokes. He was a little drunk now, he drank too much today. Xavier was just fine. He can handle it, he was just laughing seeing his brother's state. I just drank a little wine, and I'm enjoying watching them.

"Lily, I have an important thing to tell you. You listen," Steven sat in front of me. Xavier turned to look at me and gave me a wink.

"My brother is crazy in love with you.” Steven began as he looked at his brother and then at me.

 “Do not break his heart, or else he would kill you," Steven continued.

His words struck me.