Chapter 5: The Wedding They Never Expected

Three days later, the wedding was carried out exactly as Dante had ordered. Now, Valentina stood in front of a large mirror, wearing a wedding gown that fit her body perfectly. The white fabric flowed all the way to the floor, while her hair was styled elegantly, with a few strands framing her face. Her fingers had just touched the edge of her veil when a small movement behind her made Valentina turn around.

Viona stood near the door. The little girl was wearing a tiny white dress with a flared skirt that made her look like a little princess.

Valentina smiled. "Viona, you look so beautiful."

Valentina walked over and crouched slightly so she was at the little girl's eye level. She straightened the ribbon in Viona's hair, which had shifted slightly, then gently touched her cheek. "Your eyes are beautiful, too."

Viona blinked slowly. Over the past few days, the distance between them had gradually disappeared, although Viona still did not talk much. The little girl no longer moved away when Valentina approached her. In fact, she sometimes sought Valentina out herself when she wanted to eat or play.

Valentina held out her hand. "Do you want to walk with me?"

Viona stared at the hand for a moment before slipping her fingers into Valentina's grasp. "Yes."

The little girl's short answer made Valentina's smile grow wider. She held Viona's small hand and led her out of the room, while the train of her wedding gown moved with every step.

As soon as they reached the main floor, Dante was already waiting outside the mansion, standing beside the car that would take them to the church.

The man was dressed in a black suit that fit his body perfectly, making him look completely different from the simply dressed man Valentina had met at the party three days ago.

Dante's gaze immediately fell on Viona. As soon as the little girl approached, Dante bent down slightly and gently rubbed her head. "My daughter looks so beautiful today," he praised.

Viona merely lowered her head, but the corners of her lips lifted slightly. Dante then looked at Valentina. His gaze lingered for a few seconds longer than usual before he held out his hand. "You look beautiful, too."

Valentina looked at his hand before placing hers in his palm. "Thank you."

Dante held Valentina's hand with great care. "Come on. We could be late if we keep standing here."

The three of them then got into the car. Throughout the journey, Valentina glanced out the window several times, while Viona sat beside her, holding her hand.

Although this wedding was happening so quickly for Valentina, she did not mind because Viona's presence had helped her open a new chapter in her life.

When the car finally stopped, Valentina immediately saw the magnificent building towering before her. The church stood with classic architecture that made its front grounds look like a place fit only for the wedding of a noble family. Several luxury vehicles already filled the area outside, while a number of guards stood around the entrance.

Dante got out first. His gaze swept across the rows of vehicles before a small smile appeared on his face.

"Has your family already arrived?" Valentina asked as she got out of the car.

Dante nodded casually. "Looks like they didn't want to miss this."

Valentina assumed Dante was only talking about some of his relatives. She then took Viona's hand as she got out of the car.

They walked toward the church doors. As they approached, two guards immediately opened the large doors.

Valentina had only taken one step inside when her entire body suddenly stopped. Her eyes widened at the sight before her. The rows of seats inside the church were almost completely full.

"Them," Valentina murmured in disbelief.

Adrian's family was there. So were Valentina's parents, seated in one of the front rows, while Bianca stood not far from them in a dress that made her look like the bride.

Valentina slowly turned toward Dante. "Why are they here?"

Dante did not answer immediately. He simply tightened his grip on Valentina's hand slightly, as though he had already known this moment would come.

Adrian then approached when he noticed the woman. "Valentina?"

His voice drew everyone's attention inside the church toward them. Bianca, standing beside Adrian, looked just as shocked, while Valentina's parents exchanged glances.

Valentina looked at Dante again. "You knew they were coming?"

Dante finally lowered his head slightly and answered with a calmness that only made Valentina's heart beat faster. "Of course. I was the one who invited them."

Valentina frowned. "What do you mean?"

Dante gave a small grin when he saw the worried expression on Valentina's face. "You'll find out everything soon."