Lucien’s POV

The cathedral was filled with friends and family. Soft murmurs were drifting around. I stood by the altar, my eyes locked on the door, waiting for her to step in.

My nerves were all over the place. I have faced war lords, business tycoons, and underworld gods, but nothing ever made me this nervous. I was getting married to the love of my life.

The woman I want to grow old with. My hands were a bit sweaty, and I couldn’t help but wonder, what if she doesn’t show up?

What if she says no? What if she runs from the altar? The more I thought about it, the harder it became to breathe. I didn’t want to imagine it, but the thoughts kept popping into my mind like a virus.

Braelyn was never going to do that to me, but the fear remained. If she ran, I would chase her. If she didn’t show up, I would drag her here. I didn’t want to picture a future without her, but despite everything, I would prefer it if she willingly walked up to me and said "I do."

I felt a hand on my shoulder. Joey was standing next to me as my best man, along with the rest of the groomsmen. Honestly, I was surprised they showed up. Kyle, Xander, Ivan, Benjamin, and Casper, my friends from the poker game.

They came with their respective partners, at least those who weren’t single. They were seated on the groom’s side of the family. In the past, I was scared that the day I eventually got married, my side would be empty.

It wasn’t today. Ronan was seated in front with Natasha, who was smiling softly. I had given an invitation to Olivia and her divorced husband. I hadn’t expected her to show up, but they did. Olivia was deliberately kept close by her husband. A small smile curled on my lips, seeing her frustration.

Her daughters were seated next to their father’s current wife, who was around the same age as them. I could feel the tension even from the altar, although I was certain they wouldn’t dare ruin my wedding.

Aside from the Volkovs, the Orlovs were seated on the same side. The entire Orlov family was here, Kirill, his wife, and children, Yelena, and Ivan’s wife, Bertha. Then the rest of my seats were filled with close friends. Karis and Adelina from the poker game were also present.

Joey’s grip tightened on my shoulder. "Relax, your nerves are all over the place. Your bride isn’t going to run," he chuckled next to my ear.

I smiled. "Were you this nervous too?" I asked Joey. He smiled, his mind drifting a bit.

"I was more than nervous. Genny and I had a fight that morning over something silly. I was scared she would run, but she didn’t," he explained. "Lynn loves you, and we all see it."

He patted my shoulder. I drew in a breath to calm my nerves. The signal was given, and my heart skipped a beat. The door creaked open. The organ started playing, and everyone immediately rose up and glanced at the door.

The bridal procession started. I held my breath as I watched Alora march in as the flower girl. She was beaming as she walked down the aisle. After serving as her parents’ flower girl, she had gotten pretty good at the task.

The music filled the room as they marched in, the long bridal train with blinding smiles. Braelyn even made one of her domestic staff’s sons the ring bearer.

The children were adorable, and everything was beautiful, but it didn’t compare to the woman at the end.

She finally stepped in, hand in hand with Elliot. She requested that he walk her down the aisle. Her head was bowed at first.

I could feel my heart already going off the rails, then she slowly raised her head, and our eyes met across the room. Those emerald eyes trapped me completely.

I froze like I was brain dead. I had imagined this moment countless times, but it didn’t compare to reality. She was breathtaking, like a literal goddess. I couldn’t look away from her face.

That face I fell hard for at first glance. How could someone be this beautiful? My eyes stung, but I didn’t dare cry. I was really getting married to her, my viper. A grin was plastered on my face. I was happy I never attended Raphael’s wedding.

If I did, the chance of stealing the bride would have been pretty high. A soft chuckle came from beside me, but I could barely pay Joey any mind. His voice still reached me. "You know you can still cry. She would be moved," he sneered.

I snorted, going back to ignoring him. Lynn marched with steady steps. The veil draped over her face but couldn’t hide her beauty. The dress looked like she was walking on clouds as the train swept the floor. The little diamonds in her dress caught the light, glittering as she moved.

Elliot led her to the altar. He stopped, then gave me her hand. "Take care of her, Lucien," he said with a smile, then nodded at Lynn before moving to his seat.

My hand closed around hers. I pulled her closer, then slowly walked up the steps. My voice was soft. "If I knew you would be this beautiful, I would have had a private ceremony for just the two of us," I said seriously, and she laughed. "I can’t describe your beauty with words."

"I can see you were moved almost to tears," she joked about my teary eyes. "Too bad you have to deal with a stunning wife, but I am sure I have nothing to fear," she paused as we stopped in front of the officiant.

Her voice was low. "With a husband as handsome and powerful as you, no one would dare have evil intentions," she said confidently.

"Are you ready?" the officiant said. I let go of her hand, and she gripped the flowers. We both nodded. Everyone had already taken their seats by now.

The officiant smiled at us, then raised his voice. "Dear beloved, we are gathered here to witness the union between two souls that have finally found each other. Braelyn Voss and Lucien Volkov..."

My heart started thumping hard. This was it.