A/N: Why does he look so good here!?

Still editing so excuse any errors.

The letter arrived punctual and early in the morning. Marietta clutched onto the page her eyes flitting over the words eagerly eating them up. A gradual smile grew on her face with each word as she read his letter.

___________________________________________

Lady M Sommers

I do hope this letter finds you well and in good spirit.

I'd like to formally invite you to the dinner party I am hosting tonight. It shall commence at six in the evening, this however is not the sole reason for me contacting you.

As Catherine's close family, I would like to speak with you on a few matters regarding the wedding.

There are a few pending decisions that have left me utterly befuddled. Your advice on the matter shall help greatly.

If possible would you be able to arrive a few hours earlier than everyone else?

Another matter that concerns me is Cathy's living arrangements for a soon to be bride.

If it is not too audacious I would be glad to have her stay at the Classico estate for the build up to the wedding.

I have the entire second floor arranged and prepared should you agree.
In my opinion it would allow her to acclimate to the estate and staff.

My intentions are pure and wholly with my future wife's best regard in mind.

If possible I'd like for her to begin her stay tonight.

This is my surprise for her and urge you to keep the party a secret from her until then.

I await your response with a sense of unnerving desperation. Hoping to meet with you soon.

My sincere thanks.

𝔏𝔬𝔯𝔡 𝔇𝔦𝔫𝔬 ℭ𝔩𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔦𝔠𝔬

___________________________________________

Marietta smiled brightly turning to immediately to get ready for a day of wedding planning.

Peering into her cousins room she found Catherine still asleep, no doubt tired from their girls night.

She left Catherine a note making an excuse of emergency work and let her live her last few hours in her cosy little château before she'd be permanently changed her residence to the Classico's.

In an hours time she found herself proudly making her way up the steps to the large and boastful Classico estate.

Albrecht lead her to Dino's study which was temporarily turned into a miniature boutique.

"Can I offer you a drink or beverage?" The butler asked obsequiously.

"Some water would be lovely." She replied with a charming smile.

The butler turned to see it done, a shy blush forming on his cheeks.

Entering the room she found him holding out a white dress with a confused frown on his intelligent face.

"I rather you not wear that one." Marietta teased in greeting, biting back her smile.

Hastily putting the hanger back down, he turned to greet Marietta.

"I thought it best if such heartfelt words were honored by a proper response in person." She said with a small bow despite her ranking.

Dino's shoulders dropped low. Relief washed his tired face now that a lady was here to help him.

"Will she be staying?" He asked hopefully, his eyes shining with an excitement that immediately made him look younger.

"Not that she's aware of yet but I agree with your reasoning." Marietta replied.

"I shall pick her up myself and then I shall tell her of this plan. It's best that way or she'd grow emotional and reluctant." Marietta added nodding sagely.

"Thank you Lady Sommers. I appreciate your cooperation." Dino replied in a sincere voice that hinted at his partiality when it came to Catherine.

"Truthfully I am quiet baffled and out of my area of expertise. I wanted to to pick the best of everything but I am having trouble with the wedding dress." He replied, getting straight to the point.

Marietta swept her gaze over the twenty odd dresses he had sprawled in his study.

"Which would she like best?" He asked.

His golden eyes dilated with a frenzied panic.

"Uhh... It's more a matter of which one you can picture her in..." Marietta responded tentatively.

"All!" He exclaimed involuntarily before clearing his throat.

"My apologies. I can picture her in all of these... Thus the root of my confusion." His cheeks deepened in colour as his voice grey shy and boyish.

The butler announced himself, bringing in a tray with two glasses of water.

Marietta handed one of them to a nervous Dino. His hand trembled faintly while grasping it.

Taking the other glass she sipped at it, thanking the butler who as good as ran out of the room, the tips of his ears a bright red.

"Let's have a look at each dress and see what shade of white, material, cut and drape would compliment Catherine best." She smiled kindly at the confused groom to be.

He looked at her as if she'd just spoken another language. Dino blinked slowly, turning around to look at the wedding gowns that stared at him hauntingly.

After twenty minutes of studying each gown they agreed on one in particular which seemed to stand out no matter how many times they looked at it.

"This is it! I know she'll make this dress look even more beautiful when she wears it! It's perfect for Cathy!" He exclaimed, eyes sparkling with rapture that he'd never shown before.

A soft sigh escaped the aristocrat who seemed dazed, almost as if he fantasied about Catherine wearing it.

Dino collected himself, straightening up as if he hadn't just blurted out those lovestruck words.

Calling a maid in, he had the room cleared and back to looking like his study again.

"What else do you need help with?" Marietta asked taking a seat opposite him at his desk.

Silently he handed her a list which she read with an amused smirk.

"Is something wrong?" He asked uncertainly.

"No not at all. I am merely impressed with the detail and order you've put into this." She replied, pouting appreciatively.

By the time noon had rolled out, Dino and Marietta had settled on the menu, cake and flowers for the venue.

"Weeping begonias would frame the dias beautifully! Cathy will love it!" Marietta fangirled, clasping her hands together.

"I'd also add in some babies breath to the bouquet. Make sure to remind your florist." Marietta added as they walked down the cobbled path out of his gardens.

"Thank you so much. You've been a great help Lady Sommers. I am truly indebted to you for the kindness you've shown us." Dino said giving her a small bow.

"Oh no! It's only an honor. As her family it's my job to help." Marietta said waving him off.

"I'd have asked Cathy myself but I wanted to surprise her. I felt like me doing all of these unconventional tasks as a groom would be a way to show my love and sincerity." Dino confided.

"Cathy sees the best in people. She'd understand regardless. I admire the effort you're putting into this." Marietta gave him a supportive smile.

"You're words are too kind. Most would doubt a monster such as myself finding an interest in these matters I've never even cared for before. But the truth is no wedding has ever mattered before the way this one does to me." Dino's voice grew soft and vulnerable.

The usually haughty vampire now spoke with a shy and wary demeanor. His fiddled with the loop that held his sword, a telltale sign of his anxiety.

"A monster never would allow themselves the love you've found with Catherine. Perhaps the pressure of society has forced you to make such decisions of the past. You did so with the loving interest of your son in mind. That is truly admirable."

For the first time in his life after meeting Catherine, had someone seen his life in such a positive light. The vampire was taken aback by her kind words.

"I am not one to boast but it certainly fits how I felt. You seem to have managed to keep the pressure of societies' demands at bay. That is truly a remarkable feat after seeing someone like me."

Lord Dino's words were meant as a compliment but it only served to remind Marietta of the reason she broke her engagement off.

To date she couldn't bare to face Dali Delico. He earnestly pursued her but she kept deflecting his attempts at talking things out.

Her heart yearned for him but fears of the past kept her resolve firm and unshakable.

Blinking her thoughts away she lifted her gaze to speak to Dino.

"I just remembered that I have a package due to be delivered at my residence. It's my gift to Catherine. If you'll excuse me, I must be on my way." She said, trying to cover the sadness in her voice.

"Even if you left now, the travel from there to Catherines would take too much time. If you would, allow me to send someone to pick it up for you." Dino offered amiably.

"That would be very helpful. My thanks." Marietta smile graciously.

She jotted down her address and took her leave with the intent of helping Catherine pack her belongings.

"By the time we get down to packing we should arrive just on time. Until then good luck with the rest of the preparation." Marietta waved through the carriage window as the vehicle carried her off.

✵✵✵

Dino sat in his study, contemplating the wording of his wedding vows when a knock at the door echoed.

"Come in." He said, discreetly putting the paper that had his penned vows back in the drawer.

"Well, well if it isn't the groom to be." The mischievous voice of Dali Delico floated into the room.

The handsome vampire sauntered in, greeting Dino with a cheeky grin.

"I see you're doing rather well. Lovely glow too." Dali prodded.

"Contrary to you. Getting any sleep?" Dino tossed back in repartee.

"You called me earlier than everyone else. Do you need my help with something?" Dali asked, folding his hands while giving him a questioning look.

"As a matter of fact I do. If you would be so kind." Dino began with a grin that seemed foreign on his usually stoic face.

"What is it?" Dali asked with an uncertain frown.

"Could you go to this address and pick up a package for me?" Dino held a card between his index and middle finger.

"I'd be happy to assist but why me?" Dali asked, stepping forward.

"Because I find that you of all people would gain maximum benefit from visiting said address." Dino cryptically answered handing Dali the card.

Taking it from Dino he immediately recognized the handwriting, his heart sped up in his chest.

Sommers Main Estate, Florence place.

Dali lifted a surprised gaze to meet Dino's which twinkled with merriment.

"Perhaps you'll find some answers. Take it as a thank you for housing Catherine and Marietta all those weeks ago." Dino said with a small smile.

Turning on his heel, Dali rushed out of the Classico Estate and made his way to Marietta's residence with haste.

In record time he reached the quiet estate, the large august building standing tall and sturdy despite the age of it.

He entered the place and met the house steward who immediately allowed him further access to the house.

"I came to pick up a package for Lady Marietta." Dali said holding out the card. Identifying the Lady of the houses' handwriting, the man directed Dali to her private rooms.

"You'll find the box in there Sir." The house steward said in a polite tone.

Dali studied the architecture and detail of the old styled Estate. Marietta had probably moved here after the Sommers clan leader passes and shared his wealth out with her and Catherine.

The butler directed him to two large white doors. He pulled the shiny brass door knob and entered the room, her scent immediately hitting him.

Spotting the delivered package Dali had the butler move it to his carriage.

Now alone in her room he wandered around studying every detail, looking for a trace of something that would help him.

He opened another door that led to her boudoir, there he found a large portrait of his face hanging next to her desk where she could look up and gaze at him easily.

Shock wasn't a strong enough word to describe the feelings that ran through him. Dali stepped forward suddenly feeling numb.

It was a portrait of himself that he sat for shortly after they were officially engaged.

The bright smile and liveliness in his eyes never appeared again since she left.

Moving to her desk he found a much smaller photo frame that held a picture of them from the day of their engagement.

They had their arms wrapped around each other's shoulders, while flashing the new shiny rings on their other hand.

The happiness in the picture caused a heavy wave of nostalgia to knock into him. A sad smile curved his mouth. He ghosted his fingers over the picture.

"Oh Fae..." He whispered.

Unknowingly a tear dropped down his face, swiping angrily at it his straightened himself.

With a new, firmer resolve he began pulling at the drawers, messily sifting through the contents.

Almost giving up his finger felt a lever for a secret compartment. Pressing the lever and pulling the draw open fully he found an envelope along with the bracelet he'd gifted her for her birthday.

It was the last thing he'd gifted her before she left him.

Opening the letter his eyes ran through the content, anger bubbling in his veins.

Pocketing the page he exited the room vowing that he'd make her his and for good this time.

Swiftly exiting her residence, Dali entered the carriage, bidding the staff goodbye with an enchanting smile that hid anything unseemingly about him.

On his way back Dali felt his mood heating up with a rage he hadn't felt in years.

His eyes burned with unshed tears, fists trembled wanting so badly to punch someone. He felt duped, deceived.

'All this time she suffered alone for my sake...' A tear slipped free.

This time he weeped for all the years of suffering his love endured alone. He cried for all the years they had lost together and for the sacrifices she made out of love in solitude.

Dali was quiet throughout the remainder of the evening. It took a great of effort to not single out Marietta and demand an explanation.

Watching her from across the table while engaging in polite chitchat with the others was trying.

He wanted to call her out on her secret and discuss the entire matter in detail. It didn't help that Serina and Catherine kept shooting the both of them looks of pity and sadness.

Dali decided to leave her be for the time being.

'She's helping with her cousins wedding. I can't stress her out further. After the wedding I'll talk to her.' He decided, as he left the Classico Estate that evening.

He patted the letter he ducked inside his coat for reassurance.

'The wedding is two days away. Until then, I'll do a little research of my own.'

✵✵✵

Catherine barely had time to feel emotional or sad. Her cousin whirled back in like a tornado announcing that she'd be staying with Dino for the build-up of the wedding.

"I think it's safest Cathy and Dino has an entire floor set aside for you. He's being absolutely hospitable." Marietta reasoned.

"How do you know this?" Catherine frowned suspiciously. Marietta laughed nervously before turning her attention to packing her luggage.

"Never you mind that. Lord Dino asked me to bring you there. If you don't agree it's alright, it's just to turn that poor dear soul down..." She swiped at a fake tear, wanting her cousin to live with Dino more than anything.

"Alright, alright." Catherine relented and began packing her important belongings.

"I think it's a good opportunity to get to know the house." Marietta impressed, making poor work of being discreet.

"I wonder what's really going on..." Catherine narrowed her eyes at her cousin but went along with the plan.

Now late into the night she stood in her gown from the surprise dinner party, staring out through the large glass windows in her room.

A soft knock made her turn, curiously. The door opened a crack, revealing Dino Classico at the entryway.

He had divested himself of his coat and vest and stood casually with his shirt slightly crumpled.

A few of the top buttons were undone, revealing a fair amount of his chest. Dino had his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, a combination that had Catherine swooning and fanning her hot face.

"Are the rooms to your liking?" He asked in a low, confidential tone.

All she concentrated on was the deep rumble of his voice. His masculine tone had her eyes straying over to his neck.

She swallowed thickly, staring at the long column of his neck, the source of such a sinful voice.

"Catherine?" He prompted.

"Yes?" She asked distractedly in a breathy whisper, a wistful smile curving her pale pink lips.

He closed in on her, stepping into the room and shutting the door behind him.

Enveloped by his scent and the dark intimacy of the room, Catherine felt her heart flutter and mind wonder to more carnal pleasures.

"Do you like your room?" He asked again, a teasing smile on his lips.

"Y-Yes very much." She answered, her chest heaving as her breathing grew more laboured.

He stepped even closer until she held a palm out to stop him. Her smooth skin lay flat against his hard muscular chest.

"Dino..." She whispered, her eyes pleading for him to touch her.

"Cathy..." He whispered in a hoarse voice.

Enraptured by the delicious, revealing sight in front of her, she let her wayward hands trail up his chest to link around his shoulders.

Pulling herself closer to him she watched as the distance between them grew smaller until his lips tickled against hers.

"I am so glad you're finally with me." He said under his breath, his voice barely audible.

In response she pressed her lips to his softly, slowly sliding them against his in a carnal duel. His jaw relaxed, allowing his mouth to fully capture her lips in an erotic tango.

Throwing all caution out, Dino invested everything he felt for her in his kiss. She sagged against him feeling safe and treasured.

Dino kept his hold strictly and possessively on her hips while entangling his tongue teasingly around hers. A low groan escaped his lips making her flush and flutter all over.

"Dino..." She mumbled against his lips just as he nipped her bottom lip.

"Cathy..." He moaned, the deep sound washing over her in wanton waves.

Pulling away before it led to a premature bedding he cupped her face in his hands.

"Two more days." He said in a promise that felt very hard to keep at the moment.

Pressing his forehead against hers he held her in an embrace until their breaths evened out to the same pattern.

"I love you." They both said at the same time.

___________________________________________

A/n: Hey guys, getting closer to the wedding.

Tell me what you think of Dali and Marietta so far.

I found this on pinterest and I've never related more to a meme fr 😩