Deadly Vows (Avilov Bratva #2)

34. Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Talia

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and something sweet pulled me from the warmth of sleep. I blinked against the soft sunlight and lay still for a moment, letting myself enjoy the quiet. Aleksandr’s side of the bed was empty - typical of him, always up before me, always busy. But this morning felt different. There was something in the air, a calmness that felt deliberate.

I stretched lazily, rolling onto my back. My eyes landed on the tray beside me, a full breakfast laid out with meticulous care. Fresh fruit of ripe berries, delicate slices of melon, and a peach that looked perfectly sweet rested beside a warm, flaky croissant. A small dish of bacon accompanied it, and the smell of coffee filled the room.

I smiled to myself. Aleksandr had said there would be a surprise today, but I hadn’t expected something as simple and thoughtful as breakfast in bed. Maybe that’s why it made me laugh softly. He always kept me guessing.

Just as I reached for the coffee, the door creaked open. I saw Sandy step inside, her strawberry-blonde hair catching the light as she smiled, her eyes twinkling with excitement. My sister had been with me through so much - the chaos of our childhood and the dangers that had followed us into adulthood. After everything that happened, she was here with me in Aleksandr’s home… my home.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Sandy said, her tone light and teasing. “I hope you’re hungry.”

I raised an eyebrow, suspicious but intrigued. “What’s all this?”

“Oh, just a little treat. You’ve got a big day ahead, sis.”

Her words sparked my curiosity even more. “Big day? What’s going on?”

Sandy just grinned, clearly enjoying herself far too much. “I’m under strict orders not to spoil the surprise. You’ll find out soon enough.”

I stared at her, trying to decipher what she was hiding. She gave nothing away, her smile only widening as she came closer, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Eat,” she urged. “You’ll need your energy.”

The whole situation had me on edge in the best way possible. I couldn’t help but laugh softly at how absurd it all felt. Aleksandr and Sandy working together? It was like I’d slipped into some dream where everyone conspired to keep me in the dark. But knowing Aleksandr, whatever was planned would be worth the wait.

I took a few bites of fruit, savoring the sweetness of the berries and the flakiness of the croissant, but my mind was focused on the surprise. The more Sandy smiled at me with that secretive glint in her eyes, the more I wanted to know.

When I set the coffee cup down, Sandy stood, her energy contagious. “Ready for the next part?”

“The next part?” I laughed, pushing the blankets aside and sitting up. “What are you talking about?”

Without another word, Sandy moved to the closet, throwing open the doors dramatically. The sight that greeted me made my breath catch. A white wedding dress was hanging there, illuminated by the soft morning light.

I was frozen in place, my heart hammering against my ribs as I stared at it. The dress was stunning - white lace and satin, fitted bodice, flowing skirt - like something out of a dream.

“Sandy,” I whispered, my voice catching. “What is this?”

She turned to face me, her eyes soft now, filled with love. “It’s your wedding dress. You’re getting married today.”

For a second, I couldn’t move. The room seemed to tilt slightly as the reality of her words sank in. Today. Aleksandr hadn’t just planned a surprise, he’d planned the surprise. My knees weakened, and I stumbled toward the dress, running my fingers over the delicate fabric.

“I can’t believe this,” I muttered, barely able to breathe. “Are you serious?”

Sandy nodded, grinning from ear to ear. “Dead serious. Now, hurry up. You don’t want to keep Aleksandr waiting, do you?”

I didn’t need any more prompting. I bolted from the room, the door slamming behind me as I ran through the mansion’s halls. My feet barely touched the ground as I navigated the sprawling estate, searching for him.

When I found Aleksandr standing in the library, overseeing the final touches, I didn’t even pause. I rushed toward him, throwing my arms around him before he could turn to face me. He caught me easily as if he’d been waiting for this exact moment, his arms wrapping around me, holding me tightly against his chest.

“Aleksandr!” I gasped, still breathless from running, from the enormity of what he had done. “Is this real? Are we really getting married today?”

He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Did you really think I’d let you wait any longer? You’re mine , Talia. Today, I make that official.”

Tears sprang to my eyes, the emotion of it all overwhelming me. I couldn’t stop smiling, my hands trembling as I touched his face, as if I needed to be sure he was real, and this was happening.

“I didn’t think you could surprise me this big,” I whispered, my voice shaking with happiness.

His smile deepened, and he leaned down to kiss me softly, a promise in the simple, quiet gesture. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

I was still in disbelief, but there was no time to dwell on it. Sandy appeared at my side again, along with Sasha and Maxim, who stood in wonder, dressed in their finest. Sasha wore a beautiful pink dress, her blonde hair curled and bouncing as she twirled around, clearly excited. Maxim, in a charcoal gray suit, looked every bit the proud young boy he was, his face bright with joy.

“Can you believe it?” Sasha squealed, running over to hug me tightly.

Maxim followed suit, hugging me around my waist as he looked up at me. “We’re a real family now.”

Wrapping my arms around them, I hugged them back, my heart swelling with so much love I thought it might burst. “Yes, we’re a family now.”

I pulled away, my heart racing, as Sandy and I hurried back to my room to get dressed. After my makeup was done, she helped me into the gown, carefully zipping up the back and arranging the veil, she couldn’t stop smiling. I caught her reflection in the mirror, and for a moment, it felt like we were kids again, playing dress-up. But this was real. I was about to marry the man I loved, surrounded by the people I cared about most.

When I was ready, I glanced in the mirror and was in disbelief at the woman staring back at me. The dress fit like a dream, the lace and satin hugging my body in all the right places while hiding my baby bump. My hair was pinned up elegantly, soft tendrils framing my face, and the veil cascaded down my back, light and delicate.

Sandy stood behind me, her eyes shining with tears. “You look perfect.”

I turned to her, my heart full. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you. You’ve always been my rock.”

She hugged me tightly, and for a few minutes, we stood there, wrapped in the silent understanding only sisters can share.

When we made our way to the greenhouse, I was ready. The sun shone through the glass ceiling, blanketing everything in a warm, golden light. The entire space had been transformed into something magical. White roses, orchids, and peonies surrounded us, their scent filling the air. Vines of wisteria hung from the archway, and the floor was covered in soft white petals.

Aleksandr stood at the end of the aisle, waiting for me. His blue eyes, always so intense, softened as they met mine. He looked devastatingly handsome in his tailored black suit, his presence commanding the space in a way only he could.

As I walked toward him, with Sasha and Maxim holding each of my hands, I felt like I was floating. This was it. This was everything I’d ever wanted and more.

When I reached him, Aleksandr took my hand, his thumb brushing over my skin, grounding me in the moment.

The ceremony was simple and beautiful, with Sasha and Maxim beside us. Aleksandr’s family members and close contacts filled the greenhouse, their presence a reminder of the life we were stepping into but also a testament to the new one we were building together.

The vows came easily, words I didn’t even have to consider. I promised Aleksandr my heart, life, and loyalty, just as he promised me. And when we kissed - when his lips met mine for the first time as my husband - I knew this was only the beginning. We were a family now, bound together by love, trust, and the future we would create for Sasha, Maxim, our baby, and ourselves.

But the magic didn’t stop there. After the ceremony, we moved to the mansion’s east wing for brunch, where the reception took my breath away again.

The entire area had been transformed into a lavish, luxurious wonderland. The long tables near the pool were dressed in white linens and covered with exquisite floral arrangements of peonies and roses. Crystal chandeliers had been set up in the open air, hanging over the tables, catching the sunlight and sending sparkling reflections across the water. Everything shimmered - glassware, silverware, even the pale pink champagne flutes waiting to be filled.

The aroma of sweet pastries and roasted coffee mingled with the fragrance of the flowers. Large silver platters held delicacies I could hardly name - miniature quiches, buttery croissants, smoked salmon topped with caviar, and the softest cheeses.

There was a station for fresh crepes and waffles, where a chef stood ready to prepare them to order. Baskets of berries, bowls of whipped cream, and sauces of honey and dark chocolate adorned the table, inviting guests to indulge.

I looked around at the people gathered. Aleksandr’s family, close friends, and a few business associates had somehow been woven into the fabric of my life. They were all perfectly dressed, mingling with an ease that surprised me. In the corner, Sasha and Maxim played with their cousins, laughing and running around the pool, their joy infectious.

Sandy appeared beside me, handing me a flute filled with sparkling water. “Look at all this, sis. It’s like something out of a fairy tale.”

I took the glass, my fingers trembling slightly, and looked over the scene. It felt like a dream I never thought I’d be living. Aleksandr’s world was full of danger, but here, in this moment, surrounded by beauty and love, I felt nothing but happiness.

Aleksandr came up behind me, slipping his arm around my waist and pulling me close. He kissed my forehead before whispering, “Are you happy, my love?”

I tilted my head back to meet his eyes, my heart swelling. “More than I ever thought possible.”

We spent the rest of the afternoon eating, laughing, and celebrating the life we were starting together. I watched as Sasha and Maxim danced with the other children by the pool.

As I stood in Aleksandr’s arms, looking out at the family we had become, I knew one thing - this was only the beginning. Our future was bright, and we would face it together no matter what lay ahead.