Sixty-five.

I dont know how many times I have told myself that marrying Aydem today is crazy.

Impulsive.

But, when I think back to the photos of the stunning lady all over him. Jealousy invades my body like a plague. It's cruel, tormenting and almost body crippling. It's a feeling that I wouldn't want to wish upon my greatest enemy. Truth is, I love Aydem. I want to be his wife, his lifetime companion and I know he feels the same about me.

He refers to me as his askim, now, I'm not entirely sure what it means, but what I do know, is that it gives me butterflies. And it's for that reason why I've never asked him what it means. He has become my glorious, saviour, who is hell-bent on haunting my nightmares back and keeping my cries of torments at bay.

Together I know we can be unstoppable.

We can conquer the impossible and build an indestructible empire.

Together. As. One.

I have old wounds that have been opened, exposed, forcing me to face my insecurities as they lure cruel enemies into our lives from the shadows of hell. We slipped through each other's fingers, only to find our way back to one another.

It's like we are fated to be together.

And yet, here I stand looking down at my saviour from the top of the stairs, my love and a soon-to-be husband who looks beside himself as he waits for me to walk down the aisle that is decorated with white and red rose pedals.

It's a wonderful evening for an outdoor wedding, warm with a light and pleasant breeze. The early evening sun peeks out occasionally. The leaves rustle on the tree branches, cooling the guests in their seats under the gazebo in the backyard garden to the mansion. Sweet strains of classical music drift through the small intimate crowd that is made up of people I've never met before.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Sedar asks me. "I have a driver outside that is ready to take you where ever you want to go. Just say the word and I'll take you there now." His voice is soft but it holds a note of seriousness to it.

I look up at him, "I truly want to marry him." I state firmly. "I love him and I am so grateful to you too and your family for pulling this all together with short notice." Tears of gratitude swim in my eyes. "And, thank you for giving me away."

After mine and Nerimans little spar this morning, Mercedes approached us as we sat on the grass in exhaustion. She had asked me if eloping with Aydem was what I wanted and I had expressed myself to her by telling her I didn't really care at the end of the day. With everything thats going on, it's hard to even try to imagine myself walking down the aisle with a smile on my face. Mercedes stood towering over me with the sun shining brightly behind her. She looked like an angel, a very unhappy angel as she suddenly spun around and walked off while she began to shake her head and mutter to herself.

Fast forward a few hours later and everything looks lovely.

Perfect.

The smell of freshly mowed grass and cut flowers fill the air.

"I am honoured," Sedar says with a smile, bringing me back to the present as he wipes the lone tear sliding down my face with the pad of his thumb. "Today our family grows, tomorrow we will be at war and after that, it is up to you and Aydem to choose what the future holds for you and your little family." He covers my face with the two-tier veil with a matching crystal headpiece.

I look down at myself.

The gown is strapless with embroidery on my bodice. Rhinestones and pearl beads have been sewn on the gown and in my hand. I hold a bouquet of french silk roses with Sedar holding my left arm.

The music stops and my breath hitches when everyone turns towards the stairs. The opening of the bridal chorus begins to play and my heart begins to frantically beat in my chest when our guests rise to their feet.

This is it.

These are my final moments of being Miss Starkk as I walk down the aisle to Aydem. Excitement courses through my veins along with the wild sensation of nausea. Silly thoughts start reeling in my head. What if I slip down the stairs, trip over my gown and land flat on my face or worse. I forget how to speak when it is time to say our vows.

"One step at a time and you'll be fine," Sedar mutters as if he can sense what I'm freaking out over. "My wife has impeccable taste, doesn't she?"

"She does and I am in her debt."

[No,] "Hayir, she was excited to pull her old dress out of the closet. It gives her an excuse to buy another when we renew our vows." He chuckles and we slowly start to descend the staircase. "It's time to put my cousin out of his misery."

As we reach the bottom of the stairs, we begin to walk down the aisle to where Aydem awaits, standing next to the pastor in a black, single-breasted, satin tuxedo with a white-wing collar shirt.

He looks devilishly handsome and even more stunning when our gazes collide and a panty soaking smile spreads across his face. Sedar lifts my hand to his mouth and plants a kiss on the back of it before he places my hand in Aydems. A look of respect and admiration flares in Aydems eyes. He curtly bows his head with a silent 'Thank-you' wafting through the air between the two of them.

The music fades, and the clergyman steps up to the microphone, Bible in hand. He smiles at the small assembly.

"Beloved family members and honoured guests, I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming out this evening on such short notice and making sure everything was set up perfectly." He begins.

The pastor places the bible down before him. "Let us begin by bowing our heads and offering thanks to the Lord for this beautiful and magical evening."

We bow our heads as he begins to pray.

After the prayer ends, the preacher leads us through our vows. We never got the chance to compose our intimate vows with an abrupt wedding.

It's now time for the rings and when I look to my side, my heart melts as Neriman walks up to us with Sandro in her arms, he is dressed in a matching tuxedo with Aydems. Our wedding rings peek out of his breast pocket.

Aydem takes one of the rings. He looks into my eyes as he slides the gold band down my finger. The paster smiles and faces me, repeating the same questions and I give him the same reply as Aydems. Neriman shifts a little as she holds Sandro up to me and I take the remaining ring from his pocket and slide the gold band down Aydems finger.

"By the power invested unto me, I now,  pronounce you husband and wife."

Our small gathering of family members stand up and cheer for us.

"'You may now kiss your bride!"

Aydem lifts my veil, cups my face and crushes his lips against mine as he steals my breath away.

Our little crowd of witnesses stand, applauding and cheering louder as they whistle and scream.

Aydem steps back, his hands still clutching my face and his face stained with a victorious smile. "I love you, Mrs Burak." He says breathlessly.

I smile with my heart imploding with so much love for this man, "I love you more, Mr Burak." I whisper as I lick my lips tasting our first kiss as husband and wife all over again.