Even in Death not to Part [18+]

Chapter 41 - Even in Death

"Time to get your dress on my darling" my mother places her hand on my shoulder as I sit at the dressing table, I look at her in the mirror and her face is beaming with happiness.

My hair is down with a hollywood style wave, my makeup has been done beautifully by my cousin Claudia. She has covered any bruising perfectly, you can't even see that anything happened, bar the small cut on my lip which she has done her best to cover with red lipstick.

My aunts and cousins one by one kiss my cheek and say goodbye as they head to the venue.

My mother stays behind and helps me into my dress. It fits perfectly luckily it didn't need any last minute alterations. The dress is beautiful, its two thin straps fit to my shoulders perfectly without slipping, it is made of white satin, the front has a cowl neckline which just shows the tops of my breasts, the back scoops low to halfway down my back. It hugs tightly to my curves and flairs out slightly at the bottom. I try desperately not to cry, not wanting to ruin my make-up.

"Emilia" my mother's voice comes from behind me as I look at myself in the full length mirror "you look bellissimo my darling"

I turn to face her "I have something for you" she says as she turns to the bed and opens a white box that's been sitting on it since she arrived, from it she pulls out the most beautiful white lace veil.

"This was mine when I married your father and now I give it to you" she holds it out to me with a tear in her eye.

"It is beautiful Mumma, thank you. I hope that we will be as happy as you and Papa" I say with a lump in my throat

"Oh but my darling you already are. -" she smiles and helps me place the veil in my hair at the back of my head, so my face is still visible  "-your's and Lorenzo's love is as clear and as true as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. This love you have for one another is intense, it is passionate, it is all consuming and it is dangerous. A love like yours may lead to either of you or both you to do unspeakable things in the name of love for the other. A love like this will make you both strong but it will also be your biggest weakness. Be cautious and careful my darling and try your best to rule with both head and heart, especially with issues closer to the heart. "  she kissed my cheek and raised her hand to the mirror, bidding me to take a look at myself with the veil on.

I have a moment to look at myself in the mirror and think about what she had just said to me, my mother is a wise woman, she sees so much and knows even more. Before I can think too long there is a knock at the door

"Miss Emilia, it's Marco may I come in?"

"Yes" I call through the door.

He walks through the door and his mouth falls open, he quickly realises and smiles at me, he looks like a proud father.

"I will give you a moment Bella, I shall be downstairs" My mother heads towards the door, before she leaves he places an affectionate hand on Marco's arm, he nods to her and she walks out of the door.

"Emilia.. You look amazing, Lorenzo is a very lucky man" he says smiling

"Thank you Marco, make sure you remind him how lucky he is when I have driven him mad" I laugh.

"I will Emilia, I promise you I will"

"Is Lorenzo still her?" I ask, part of me wants him to still be here so I know he is close even if he is out of reach. He hasn't been any further than down the corridor from me since last night, but the other part of me senses an emptiness in the house, like his presence is not here.

"He just left, your father has arrived and is waiting downstairs the car is ready for you when you are"

"Thank you Marco-" I quickly scan the room to see if I am missing anything but I seem to be ready "I believe I am ready."