The grand cathedral stood as a testament to power, wealth, and tradition. Every detail, from the crimson roses entwined with gold ribbons to the towering chandeliers that bathed the hall in a warm, majestic glow, spoke of the legacy of the DeLeon family. This wasn’t just a wedding—it was an event, one that even the most hardened mafia bosses wouldn’t dare to miss.

Asher Kingston, notorious and charming in equal measure, stood at the altar, radiating an air of confidence. He was dressed in a black tuxedo tailored so perfectly it seemed like a second skin. But for all his bravado, his nerves simmered just beneath the surface. Nate, his right-hand man and best man for the day, leaned in, lowering his voice.

“You look like you’re about to faint, boss.”

Asher shot him a quick grin. “If I pass out, catch me. But let me fall dramatically first—I’ve got a reputation to maintain.”

Before Nate could respond, the soft strains of the string quartet shifted, signaling the bride’s arrival. The massive double doors of the cathedral creaked open, and every head turned in unison.

There she was.

Alissa Iris DeLeon stood at the entrance, a vision of unparalleled beauty and power. Her gown was a masterpiece of lace and silk, hugging her figure before flaring out into a dramatic train. Tiny crystals on her veil sparkled under the light, giving her an almost otherworldly glow. But it wasn’t the dress or the veil that captivated the crowd—it was her. Alissa walked with the confidence that commanded the room, each step calculated and unwavering.

Asher Kingston stood frozen, completely unprepared for the wave of emotion that hit him.

He’d always known Alissa was stunning, but seeing her like this—with her lace and silk gown flowing like a cascade of water, the veil framing her face and the confident, commanding stride that screamed power—took his breath away. His throat tightened, his usual smirk faltering. His vision blurred slightly, and for a fleeting moment, he realized he was dangerously close to crying.

“Asher,” Nate’s voice was a low murmur beside him, laced with concern. “You good?”

Asher cleared his throat, barely managing a nod. “I’m fine,” he muttered, his voice rougher than usual. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides as he fought to suppress the overwhelming rush of emotion.

Nate smirked knowingly, leaning in just enough to whisper without being overheard. “Your eyes are glistening, boss. Should I grab a tissue?”

Asher shot him a sharp glare, though it lacked its usual bite. “Shut the f*ck up, Nate.”

But Nate wasn’t wrong. Asher blinked rapidly, willing the moisture in his eyes to disappear. He couldn’t let anyone see—not Alexandro, not Aries or Aiden, and definitely not the crowd. His image depended on his unshakable confidence, his cocky demeanor. But in that moment, as he watched the love of his life glide toward him like she owned the world, none of it mattered.

“She’s perfect,” he murmured under his breath, more to himself than to Nate.

Nate heard him anyway. "I only pray that these coming years I stay alive," he said.

On either side of Alissa were her two brothers, Aries and Aiden, both of whom matched her stride with a protective intensity. Aries, the younger brother, exuded quiet strength, his jaw set and his gaze scanning the room as though daring anyone to misstep. Aiden, the older but no less intimidating, mirrored his brother’s demeanor. And walking alongside them, holding Alissa’s hand, was Alexandro DeLeon himself.

The patriarch of the DeLeon family and also the former Don of the Italian mafia looked torn between pride and reluctance. His usually stern face softened slightly as he glanced at his daughter, but his protective instincts remained visible in his every step.

Asher, who was trying to hide his emotional self, smirked at the sight of the four of them marching down the aisle together, sank in. He leaned slightly toward Nate.

“Well, that’s not intimidating at all. Just my fiancée flanked by three walking death threats. No big deal.”

Nate chuckled quietly. “You brought this on yourself, boss.”

Asher muttered under his breath, “Yeah, but did they have to look like they were escorting her to war?”

When Alissa reached the altar, her brothers and father hesitated for a moment. Alexandro turned to her, his voice low but carrying the weight of his emotions. “You’ll always be my daughter, il mio piccolo diavolo . No matter what happens, remember that.”

Alissa’s lips quirked into a small, reassuring smile. “Always, Dad.”

Then Alexandro, clearly reluctant, placed her hand in Asher’s.

Asher, unable to resist, smirked at Alexandro. “Don’t worry, Alex. I’ll take good care of her. I’ve already cleared a room for your Sunday visits—soundproof, of course. Can’t have you yelling at me in front of the neighbors. Or we will be the one visiting you on Sundays. ”

Alexandro’s glare was icy enough to freeze lava. “Don’t push your luck.”

Asher raised his hands in mock surrender. “Just trying to lighten the mood, old man.”

Alissa shot him a warning look, but there was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes.

Asher turned all his attention back to her, his grin softening into something more genuine. “Hi,” he whispered, his thumb brushing over her gloved hand.

“Hi,” she replied, her voice barely audible beneath the veil.

The priest cleared his throat, and the ceremony began.

The words exchanged were traditional, but the emotions behind them were anything but. Asher, the man known for his sarcasm and wit, spoke his vows with a sincerity that surprised even himself.

Asher Kingston, standing tall at the altar, took both of Alissa’s hands, his smirk replaced by an intensity that sent a shiver through the room. His voice was calm but carried a lethal undertone, every word a declaration not just to her but to anyone daring to challenge them.

“Alissa,” he began, his gaze locking onto hers with unwavering focus. “From the moment I met you, I knew you were different. Not just powerful—but untouchable. You’re not just my equal; you’re my partner in every sense of the word. Together, we’ve faced enemies, destroyed empires, and rewritten the rules of this world. And I vow, here and now, that we’ll do it again—on an even greater scale.”

The crowd seemed to hold their breath as he continued. “I promise to always have your back in the crossfire, to walk through fire with you, and to build an empire so vast and unshakable that no one will dare speak against us. To our enemies,” he added, his smirk returning, “consider this your warning: this isn’t just a marriage—it’s an alliance. And together, we’re unstoppable.”

Alissa’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile as she tightened her grip on his hand. When she spoke, her voice was steady, commanding, and laced with the same deadly edge that had earned her the fear of the underworld.

“Asher, you’re reckless, arrogant, and maddening,” she began, earning a few low chuckles from the crowd. But her expression turned sharp, her tone dropping an octave. “But you’re also relentless, fearless, and the only person capable of standing beside me as an equal. We’ve built something they can’t touch—something they’ll never understand. And today, I vow to protect it with everything I have.”

Her eyes swept the crowd before landing back on Asher, her voice rising in strength. “I promise to be your partner in war, in chaos, and in conquest. Together, we’ll leave a legacy that no one can destroy. And to anyone foolish enough to challenge us…” She tilted her head, a dangerous glint in her eye. “I suggest you think twice. Because the moment you come for one of us, you’ll face both of us. And you won’t win.”

The tension in the room was palpable as the two locked eyes, their vows sending an unmistakable message to everyone present. This wasn’t just a union of love—it was the creation of a force the world wouldn’t dare to oppose.

Asher leaned in slightly, his smirk now a full-blown grin. “Well, if that doesn’t scare them off, nothing will,” he said, loud enough for the crowd to hear, earning a ripple of nervous laughter.

Alissa smirked back. “Good. Let them be afraid.”

The priest, looking slightly unnerved but professional, continued with the ceremony. He declared them as husband and wife. Asher wasted no time lifting her veil. For a moment, he just stared at her as though trying to commit every detail of her face to memory. Then, with a grin that was pure Asher, he pulled her into a kiss that was equal parts passionate and triumphant.

The applause that followed was deafening, though Alexandro’s clapping was noticeably slower and more reserved.

As they turned to face the crowd, hands clasped and gazes locked, the room erupted in applause. But there was an underlying unease, a shared understanding among the guests. This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a coronation. A power couple had been born, and the world would never be the same.

At the reception, held in the sprawling DeLeon estate, Asher’s humor was on full display. During his speech, he raised his glass and grinned at Alexandro.

“To my new father-in-law, Alexandro DeLeon, the former Don of the Italian mafia. Thank you for trusting me with your daughter. I know it wasn’t easy—for either of us.” He paused for effect. “But look at it this way: now you’ve got a son-in-law who is more charming than you.”

The room erupted into laughter, though Alexandro’s glare remained as sharp as ever, making those near him stop laughing.

Throughout the night, Alissa and Asher shared stolen moments together, their chemistry undeniable. During their first dance, Asher leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“Two years, Alissa. Do you realize how long I’ve been waiting for this?”

She smirked, her hands resting on his shoulders. “Was it worth it?”

He pulled her closer, his grin softening into something more genuine. “Every second.”

As the night wore on, Asher couldn’t resist one last jab at Alexandro. As he and Alissa prepared to leave for their honeymoon, he turned back to the older man.

“Don’t worry, Alex. I’ll take good care of her. And I promise to send postcards. Maybe even pictures, if I’m feeling generous.”

Alexandro crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “Just remember, Kingston. I know where you live.”

Asher smirked, pulling Alissa closer. “So do I. But don’t worry, I’ll keep her safe. Even from you.”

"Thank you, Mr DeLeon, for this wonderful daughter-in-law, we will take out leave first," Asher’s Dad said, then after a nod from Alexandro, he left with his wife.

"We also should get going. We have to go to our home first in Russia before going to our honeymoon," Asher told Alissa.

"Give me a few minutes," she said and turned to look at her brothers and father, who were unwilling to part with her.

"What's with the long faces you two? It's not like you will never see me. I will obviously visit you guys." She said to her brothers.

"We will miss you," Aries said.

"I will miss you guys, too." she gave them a brief hug, then turned to her father.

"Anche a me mancherai papà e sono abbastanza sicuro che mi vedrai la maggior parte delle volte visto che ora ho delle aziende e una mafia da gestire dopo che me le hai date tu" she said.

T: I will miss you too, dad, and I am pretty sure you will see me most of the time since now I have businesses and a mafia to run, after you gave them to me.

"Anche tu mi mancherai, mio piccolo diavolo." He said and gave her a long tight hug.

"Let's go," Asher said.

Alissa looked at her family one last time and then left with Asher.

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