I sat calmly in the dressing room as my mother kept wiping her tears with tissues, the tissue box seemed to be firmly attached to her as she fussed around me.

Five months have passed since Efren was arrested by us and two months since he was murdered inside prison, like I predicted. Powerful people that hired Efren to do their dirty work were unhappy about how all his information was seized by the government to process and ultimately, one of them hired someone to get rid of him for revenge. Thanks to the information that Cadence brought out with her on Efren's partnerships and dealings, there were many more people now in prison, including some officials that were high places.

My mother made a full recovery and decided to retire with my father. As for my father, he was going through therapy for his legs, though he mostly had been sitting in the wheelchair. His legs were still not strong enough. Mr. and Mrs. Blades have continued doing what they always did, though they have mentioned retiring soon as well seeing how my parents have already.

Phoenix is still currently keeping an eye on Cadence, though, it is just once in while and more for her and Nolan's safety reasons. Nolan had started school again and wore a much happier expression on his face compared to a few months ago. Since Cadence was already listed dead months ago, she decided to live under another identity since it was safer that way. Though our friendship will most likely never return to the way it was, the burned bridge had mended a lot over the past few months.

"My little girl is all grown up." My mother hiccups out as wipes her tears once more.

I smiled at her as she pulled out another tissue from the tissue box. "Mom, please calm down."

"You all owe me fifty bucks! I told you they would end up together, like ten years ago." Sandy, one of my friends from high school yelled as she looked around at everyone.

My very close friends from high school and university have gathered in my dressing room to see me before they make their way to their seats. Including Cadence.

Cadence's eyes met mine and she sent me a soft smile, one that I returned without hesitation.

"I can't believe you still remember that." Violet rolled her eyes.

"You look so pretty." My emotional friend Aria, from university, sniffled as her eyes teared up and my mother handed her a tissue.

"Are you nervous?" Violet grinned as she looked at me. "Cold feet? If you need to run away, I can totally help you disappear." She joked and I chuckled softly as I understood the reference she made to her job.

"I'm good."

We all chatted for a while until my mother made her way over towards me with my veil in her hands.

"That's our cue, see you in a few minutes." Sandy winked as she shooed everyone out.

I stood still as my mother placed the veil on my head and handed me the modest bouquet. My dress was on and my light make up was done. We kept the ceremony as simple as possible, with no bridesmaids or groomsmen, Alexander will be standing at the alter waiting for me while my father walks down the aisle with me. Family and friends will be sitting on the chairs already set up.

She looked at me and sniffled once again.

"Mom, please don't cry. If anyone saw you, they'd think you don't want to marry me off," I teased her as I patted away her tears with the back of my fingers.

"Of course, I want to marry you off. I'm trying to stop crying, but when did you grow up so fast?"

The door to my dressing room opened and I saw Mrs. Blades walk inside. She took a peek at me and her eyes teared up and I winced.

"Not you too."

Mrs. Blades walked towards me and held both of my hands in hers. "You look so beautiful."

"Thank you." I smiled back softly feeling the heat rise to my cheeks, not used to compliments.

"Everything is ready." Mrs. Blades lightly dabbed away at her eyes with the tissue my mother handed her.

With my mother and Mrs. Blades' help I slowly walked out of my dressing room to meet my dad, who will walk me down the aisle today. Well, he will be sitting in his wheelchair and we will be going down the aisle together until we reach Alexander, then he will go to his seat.

I stood in front of the door that will soon open and start the ceremony. Everyone was seated inside and Alexander would be waiting at the end of the road.

My father was already waiting in front of the door and he grinned at me when he saw me and reached for my hands.

"You look beautiful, Vita."

"Thanks dad." I chuckled.

As I was about to walk behind his wheelchair, he shook his head. I stopped and looked at him in confusion.

My father gripped the armrests and slowly stood up, then held his right forearm out towards me while standing without help on his own two legs.

"Dad..." I gasped in shock as I felt the tears well up in my eyes.

"Don't cry, sweet child." He smiled and I tried to blink back my tears.

My father pulled me into a tight hug.

"You should have told me." I frowned as I pulled away to look at him standing.

"I wanted it to be a surprise. Good, isn't it?"

"The best." I nodded and Mrs. Blades rushed over.

"We're going to open the doors soon, you guys ready?" She asked.

My father held up his forearm once more and I looped my left arm around his right.

"Ready." I looked over at Mrs. Blades.

The doors opened and I looked forwards at my future. Everyone around faded away as I stared at Alexander, looking handsome in a suit and facing me from the end of the aisle, standing straight and tall.

My father and I walked down the aisle towards him. Alexander reached for me as we got close enough. My father nodded at him as I let go of my father's arm and he nodded back as he grasped my hand in his large ones.

Alexander's eyes brightened as they met mine and I knew we both held the same content expression and excitement on both of our faces. He laced our fingers together as he tugged me to stand close by his side as we faced the wedding officiant.

"Angel, you look beautiful as always," he whispered and I looked up at him, accidentally forgetting the officiant for a second.

Alexander looked down and met my gaze. There was a small, sneaky smile on his face and I couldn't help but smile back. We gazed at each other for few seconds before the officiant coughed loudly and we looked back at him.

I squeezed his hand. "You look handsome too, Red."

We faced each other as we said our vows and he lifted my veil. He gazed at me with adoration and happiness and my heart melted at his unclouded display of emotion for all others to see.

"You may kiss the groom, Angel," Alexander quietly whispered so only I could hear him.

I grinned at him and let out a soft chuckle. "Then close your eyes and lean lower towards me, Red."

There was a glint of amusement in Alexander's eyes as he leaned lower whilst tilting his head slightly to the side and closing his eyes. I met him halfway and pressed my lips against his, still smiling.

He married me before dating me, we confessed we loved each other after our marriage and had our wedding ceremony long after we signed our legal papers.

I looked at Alexander as we walked together down the aisle with our fingers laced together. He must have felt my gaze as he looked down at me with a smile, his dark grays brightening with happiness.

"I'm stealing you next life time, too," I mumbled to myself, but he must have heard what I said since he let out a laugh.

Alexander lifted me up and I widened my eyes in surprise, quickly wrapping my arms around his neck and shoulders to stabilize myself.

"I'll be waiting," he answered back.

I laughed and buried my face into the crook of his neck in embarrassment.

I admit, we did things at an odd sequence, but that's okay.

It's the ending that matters most.

Our temporary alliance turned out to be not so temporary after all, but I look forward to spending the rest of my life with him as husband and wife.

****

You have officially reached the end of Temporary Alliance!

Thank you to all those who have read the entire story and voted along the way. And much thank you to all those who've sent warm feedback and encouraged me to continue updating. I plan on writing more, so stick around :D

I hope you all enjoyed this journey with Vita and Alexander!

Until next time,

InvincibleBunny

P.S.! For those who still want more of Vita and Alexander, I may write short extras *wink wink*.