The next morning, as the sun streamed through the windows, she lay in his arms, her head on his chest. "I love you," she whispered, the words feeling new and familiar.

Roman kissed the top of her head, his arms tight around her. "I love you too," he murmured. "More than you'll ever know." "Have you decided which wedding gown you will wear to become my wife?" Roman said as he feathered kisses on her neck.

Alyzs nodded, her eyes closed in contentment. " I'm deconstructing The sheer nude wedding gown from the wet collection," she said, her voice a low purr. "I will take down some of the volume in the skirt." "It will look amazing on that cream wedding tux you keep trying to hide from me," she said with a sly grin. "Alyzs!" "you aren't supposed to know about that, Alyzs," Roman said in a serious tone but failed to hide his smile. "I know everything about fashion," she teased. "besides, I have my sources."

Roman chuckled, his hand tracing patterns on her bare back. "You're going to make a beautiful bride," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But right now, you're mine," he murmured, rolling her onto her back and claiming her mouth in a kiss that was both possessive and loving.

The days leading up to the wedding were a whirlwind of activity. Fittings, appointments, and decisions filled every moment, but Roman and Alyzs remained constants in each other's lives. Their love was the eye of the storm, a place of peace amidst the chaos.

And then, as if the universe had decided to throw another spice into the mix, Alyzs's mother arrived from Saint Lucia. The woman was a vision of beauty, with a regal air that made it clear where Alyzs had inherited her confidence. When Roman picked her up from the jet, he couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. He had heard so much about her, and now he was about to have a one-on-one conversation in the back of the limo.

The drive to the hotel was filled with polite small talk, but Roman decided to get to the heart of the matter as they pulled away from the tarmac. "Your daughter is a remarkable woman," he began, his voice earnest. "I intend to make her happy."

Her mother's eyes bore into him as if she could see straight through to his soul. "And what makes you think you can handle her?" she asked, her voice cool and measured. "Alyzs is a force of nature, a storm that can't be tamed."

Roman swallowed hard, meeting her gaze with one of his own. "Because I love her," he said. "And I know she loves me. We're equals in this partnership, and I'll do whatever it takes to ensure she's happy."

Her mother studied him for a long moment before she finally spoke. "You better," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Because if you don't, you'll have me to answer to."

The conversation was a dance of words, each step carefully placed to avoid missteps. Yet, as they arrived at the hotel, Roman felt a sense of relief. He had passed the first test, winning over the woman who had raised the love of his life.

When Alyzs saw her mother, she was a whirlwind of motion, throwing her arms around her and covering her face with kisses. Roman watched from a distance, his heart swelling with love. This woman had created the woman who had captured his heart, and he knew he had to make a good impression.

The three of them sat in the hotel suite, surrounded by the chaos of wedding preparations. Alyzs's mother, Tawny, took in the sight of her daughter, her eyes misting with pride. "You look beautiful," she said, her voice filled with love.

Alyzs beamed, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Thank you," she said, her gaze flitting to Roman. "Roman's been so supportive through all of this."

Tawny turned to Roman, her eyes assessing. "I've heard good things about you," she said, her tone still cool. "But I want to hear it from you. Why do you love my daughter?"

Roman took a deep breath, his heart racing. "Because she's unlike anyone I've ever met," he said, his voice earnest. "She's fierce, she's smart, she's kind, and she's got a heart that's bigger than the ocean. And she's got this fire in her, this passion for life that just... it's intoxicating."

Tawny's smile grew warmer, the ice in her demeanor melting just a fraction. "That she does," she said, patting Alyzs's hand. "And she deserves to be with someone who appreciates that fire."

The rest of the week passed in a blur of meetings with wedding planners, fittings, and decisions. Tawny's presence was both calming and invigorating, a reminder of Alyzs's roots and the woman she had become. As they finalized the guest list, picked flowers, and tasted cakes, Roman couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging, as if he had been a part of Alyzs's life forever.

Elena, Roman's mother, arrived in New York two days before the wedding. She was a woman of grace and poise, with an undeniable air of authority. The moment she stepped into Alyzs's penthouse, it was as if two queens had met on a battlefield, recognizing each other's power. They sized each other up, their eyes speaking volumes about their expectations and love for their children.

Elena was dressed in a stunning black dress that accentuated her figure; her hair pulled back in a sleek chignon. Ever the fashionista, Tawny was in a vibrant red GG print pantsuit impeccably tailored to fit her tall Modelesque frame, and her cascading waist-length locs pulled to one side. The two of them were a stark contrast, yet their shared love for their children was a bond that transcended any differences.

As the evening progressed, the two mothers laughed over shared stories of their children's antics and ambitions. Elena spoke of Roman's determination and how he had built his empire from the ground up. Tawny regaled her with tales of Alyzs's creativity and her fierce independence. The conversation flowed easily, their tension dissipating like mist in the sun.

They discovered a mutual love for jazz, and soon, the penthouse was filled with the smooth melodies of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Their laughter and the music created a warmth that enveloped the room, leaving no space for doubt or fear. Roman watched from the sidelines, his heart swelling with love as he saw his mother and Alyzs's mother become fast friends. "well, you sure missed the mark in the height department, didn't you, my love?" Roman teased Alyzs as she looked up at her mother, who towered over her. "I got my brains from her," Alyzs quipped, pointing to her mother.

"Roman, I don't know if you've noticed," Tawny said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "but I've been known to turn a few heads in my day." She strode over to him, her hips swaying with the rhythm of the music. "And I've never graced a runway," she said, her voice dropping to a seductive purr. "But I've been known to make an entrance."

Roman's eyes widened as he took in her beauty. He had always known Alyzs had gotten her looks from her mother, but seeing them together, the resemblance was uncanny. Tawny's height, elegance, sharp wit, and fiery spirit made her a force to be reckoned with. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of man would have been worthy of her.

"Mom," Alyzs said, rolling her eyes. "You're not helping."

Tawny just winked at her daughter. "Why don't you go show Roman your dress again?" she suggested, her voice full of innuendo.

Alyzs's cheeks flushed, but she took Roman's hand and led him to the bedroom. She pulled out the ebony nude, sheer, and Swarovski crystal wedding gown.

"I think it's daring and romantic," she said, her voice excited. I love it."

Roman's eyes widened as he took in the gown. It was a masterpiece, a reflection of Alyzs's unique style and shared love for the avant-garde. He couldn't wait to see her in it, walking down the aisle towards him.

"It's... incredible," he breathed, reaching out to trace the delicate beadwork with his fingertips. "You're going to blow everyone away."

Her eyes lit up at his words, and she stepped closer, her hand on his chest. "And what about you?" she asked, her voice a whisper. "What will you wear?"

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I've got a surprise for you," he said, refusing to elaborate.

The wedding day dawned, with the sun rising over the city like a fiery crown. Alyzs was a vision in her gown, her skin glowing against the delicate fabric. Roman was equally stunning in his tailored cream tuxedo. With a luxurious ascot tie, he looked every inch CEO fashion mogul and groom. He was flawless.

They exchanged vows in a small, intimate ceremony, surrounded by their closest friends and family. Aliyah was Alyzs's only bridesmaid, looking elegant in a custom dress designed by her dad. It hugged her curves in all the right places. Henri was the best man; Kahinds' camera captured every moment with an artist's eye.

"Alyzs," Roman began, "you are my best friend and confidante, my partner in all things, and the love of my life. I promise to always cherish and honor our friendship, be your rock and shelter in times of need, and stand by your side through all of life's joys and challenges.

I vow to create a loving and nurturing home for us to share, filled with laughter, peace, and endless love," Roman smirked. There was a hint of Desire in Roman's eyes as he said those words. Alyzs knows very well what Roman means by "endless love" she has a sly grin playing on her lips. "I promise to always protect and care for you, to support you in your dreams and aspirations, and to be the backbone you can lean on in times of uncertainty."

"Roman, my love," Alyzs began. "Who would have thought that the girl taking notes and being at your beck and call six days a week would one day be penning her wedding vows to you? The guests broke out into a fit of hushed giggles. "I'm serious! This man worked me like a part-time job." 'Roman threw his head back and roared a throaty laugh." But here we are, and I've never been more certain of anything. Your wit and humor have filled my days with joy, your thoughtfulness has warmed my heart, and your chivalrous nature has made me feel cherished in a way I always dreamed of." "When shadows of self-doubt crept over me, your belief in me was unwavering. You see the best in me, even when I fail to see it myself. Baby, you have pushed me to be the best version of myself by being my constant encouragement and toughest challenger. In honoring the man, you are, with all the endearing qualities that make you uniquely you — even those adorably quirky ones meant just for us to smile over. Alyzs purred with a wink, "I pledge to cherish every part of you, both publicly acclaimed and privately adored. You, Roman, are my light, my love, and my life. Today, in the eyes of the highest, I will give you my heart, my loyalty, and my commitment forever.

As they kissed, the room erupted in applause and cheers, the flashes from the paparazzi outside lighting up the windows like a thousand stars.

The reception was a fashion extravaganza, with celebrities and industry moguls vying for a glimpse of the power couple. The venue was a swanky art gallery in the heart of Manhattan, the walls adorned with Kahind's latest works, which did not include the erotic photographs from their past.

The dance floor was crowded with bodies moving in time to the pulse of the music, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and cologne. The models from the fashion show had turned out in full force, their lithe forms moving with the grace of gazelles. Alyzs could feel the envy of every woman in the room, but she didn't care. This was her moment, her wedding to the love of her life.

Their first dance was a slow, sultry Kizomba dance, the rhythm of their bodies moving in perfect harmony as they whispered sweet nothings into each other's ears. "I can't wait to consummate our marriage," Roman whispered to Alyzs. She giggled and rolled her hips against his like her life was dependent upon it. Shouts and whistles from the onlookers knew things were getting hot between them. She felt like she was floating, her heart pounding with love and joy. As they twirled around the dance floor, she caught sight of Aliyah and Henri, their smiles wide as they watched their friends find their happy ending.

The evening was filled with laughter and tears, with toasts that painted a picture of their love story that had grown from the pages of a fashion magazine to the real world. Kahind had set up a particular area, displaying candid photos of Roman and Alyzs, now framed and hung like works of art. Each picture told a story of their love, fashionable and unfiltered, and the guests couldn't help but feel a part of their journey.

The party continued until the early morning hours, with the sound of champagne corks popping and the clink of glasses filling the air. Roman's hand never left Alyzs's waist, his eyes never straying from hers, as if he was afraid she would vanish if he took his eyes off her for too long.

As the night wound down and the guests began to leave, Roman led Alyzs out to the rooftop terrace. The New York skyline twinkled before them, a backdrop to their own fairy tale. He leaned in, his breath warm against her neck. "I have one more surprise for you," he murmured.

Her heart skipped a beat. "What is it?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement. He took her hand and led her to the edge of the terrace. There, a helicopter waited, its blades slicing through the air. "Our honeymoon," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "We're going to Italy."

Alyzs gasped, her eyes wide. "But... but we have to go to my show tomorrow!"

Roman chuckled. "I've got it covered," he assured her. "You just need to pack a bag."