Case File 92

Case File Name:
Empty Promises.

♤Chapter Ninety-Two♤

By six that morning, Marie and the twins had rushed over to our house.

Tazmin also managed to get on a phone call with a wedding planner.

While she remained on the call, I was left explaining everything that had recently happened to Marie and the twins.

Which included everything that occurred with Gia and what she had done.

Minus the stillbirth considering that's not my information to tell.

Once they were all three caught up, we all naturally sprung into action.

There were numerous things to plan, yet I was meant to stay home with Tazmin.

Mostly because it's safer than being out in public right now.

But luckily, Marie has a stylist who can stop by with dresses—while she goes and picks out my bouquet and other details. 

The twins insisted on planning the wedding cake for after—even if it felt like there wouldn't be much of an after.

I let out a long stressful sigh, eyeing the soft white material that rippled down my body and subtly outlined my curves.

It was a halter neck with an open back—just what I envisioned wearing on the beach with Tazmin standing across from me.

"Beautiful," I heard her familiar voice say.

Which immediately made my eyes widen, "Tazmin you aren't supposed to see me in my dress yet," I said, quickly trying to cover myself with my arms.

My soon-to-be wife only smiled slightly as she approached me anyway, "I'm allowed to see your dress the day of, and technically—"

"Yeah, I know," I mumbled as she ran her arms around my waist and pulled me into her body.

I let out a deep sigh, resting my cheek against her chest as my arms naturally ran around her waist to hold her closer.

"You can always choose a different dress baby," Tazmin offered, nuzzling her face into my neck.

"It doesn't matter now," I determined, mostly because this was the only dress that I liked and honestly none of this felt like it even mattered.

None of it feels meaningful.

We should've just gotten eloped and called it a day.

"Everything matters," Tazmin said, her tone nothing but serious with me, "Your dress, the heels, even the rings—"

"Fuck," I suddenly whispered, cutting her short in realization, "The rings, Tazmin," I said, pulling back to meet her dark eyes.

Tazmin only smiled slightly, "The one I customized for our first engagement is waiting at Cartier," she explained, not alarmed whatsoever by the last-minute detail missing.

I quickly shook my head, "But your ring—I haven't picked out your ring," I forced out, backing away from her as I stressfully ran my fingers through my dark hair.

"Mil," Tazmin said, her voice so calm and cautious with me, "Technically I won't be able to wear the ring for long—"

"But that's not the point," I cut her short, my tone snappier than I wanted it to be.

And as soon as I met her dark eyes, everything around me faded, and all I could do was hug her.

Hug her like this was it—like I wouldn't get to hug her again.

"I just, I want you to wear it even if it's for a few minutes—I want to be able to keep it with me every day too," I admitted, squeezing my eyes shut when tears suddenly burned in them.

Tazmin gently pressed a kiss to my temple, "Then we'll find a ring for me baby," she assured me, earning a few nods from me.

Even if more tears burned in my eyes, spilling onto Tazmin's t-shirt that my face was buried in.

"I can't do this—I can't lose you," I whispered brokenly, drawing in a deeper breath when my throat began closing up, "This is supposed to symbolize the beginning of us and instead it feels like the end, Tazmin."

The air around us remained silent for a moment as Tazmin continued caressing her hands up and down my bare back, nuzzling into my neck as she held me for a moment.

"I'm sorry I let us down," Tazmin suddenly whispered, which only made tears burn deeper in my eyes.

"You could never let us or anyone down Tazmin," I quickly assured her, pulling back to meet her glossy dark eyes, "Gia did this okay? You did nothing but love and care for her and she chose to do this to you."

Tazmin nodded almost three times in a row, nuzzling back down into my neck as her warm tears fell onto my bare skin.

"I can't lose you either," she whispered, as I ran my hands up her back—holding her closer than before.

"I swear on everything Tazmin, I'm not going anywhere," I said, knowing I would stick by her even if it meant weekly visitations and limited phone calls, "You are the one for me and I refuse to ever let you go."

Tazmin nodded, sniffling a few times as she ran her arms back around my waist.

"We just have to make this work baby—even if it's really fucking hard," I whispered, letting out a deep sigh as more tears fell from my eyes, now resting my forehead against her shoulder.

"Yeah," Tazmin forced out, hugging me even tighter, "We'll make it work—we always do."

I forced a hum, "We always do," I repeated back with emphasis.

And for a few unmeasured minutes, we stood still in silence among the world of chaos spinning around us.

Until eventually the stylist came back to confirm my choice as I got dressed in my original clothes—and Tazmin's parents also arrived.

Elena and Pierre Moretti looked visibly concerned as they walked into our house—immediately engulfing Tazmin in a hug that they held her in for a long moment.

Long enough for me to slip out to the back patio and give them some space to talk to Tazmin.

The beach looked calm in the distance—and somehow watching the large waves glide in and out made me feel small.

It made all of my very big problems feel minuscule.

And my god was that fucking relieving.

I matched my breathing with each wave, slowly but surely relaxing against the glass balcony as I overlooked the beach.

I need to focus on the things I can control and stop worrying about the things I can't like the FBI or losing Tazmin after this is all said and done.

I'll regret not living in this moment otherwise.

But I swear once today's over and I actually have the time I'm hunting Gia the fuck down and making her fix this.

"Bee?"

I immediately turned around at her familiar soft voice, meeting my niece's dark eyes.

"Honey," I whispered with a smile, immediately leaning down to pull her into the biggest hug.

Which was slightly hard with her dark hair already in curlers.

"I can't believe you and Tazi are getting married!" Nadia said in clear excitement, hugging me even tighter, "I always knew you were meant to be."

I smiled wider, "Me too," I whispered to her, already feeling so uplifted by her presence.

"I call hair and makeup!" I heard my older sister call out—who was walking side by side with Zane.

I forced a laugh, "Well you're in luck because the position is already free," I said, pulling back from Nadia to pull my sister in a hug.

Along with Zane who joined in, wrapping his arms around us both.

I let out a long sigh as I relaxed in their arms, inhaling their familiar scents that only reminded me of home.

At least when I don't have the person I see as my home—they'll still be here for me.

"So I know this is all uh last minute," I went to say, knowing I should probably give some explanation.

It probably would've been easier not involving them, but there was no chance in hell that I would be getting married without them all here.

"We already know something's up Mel," Morana quickly assured me.

Which naturally made my brows furrow, "You do?" I whispered, pulling back from them to meet both their stares.

"How do you think I know Taz through poker?" Zane asked me with a raised brow, naturally making me blink a few times in realization, "I mean it was never illegal or anything but I always knew Taz's business dealings."

Morana nodded a few times, "And we're here to support you today with whatever you need," she assured me.

I nodded a few times, drawing in a deep breath as I glanced over to Nadia who was easily occupied by her Nintendo Switch.

"What does she know?" I whispered to them.

Morana smiled, "That you're madly in love and need to get married this instant," she said, reaching up and gently squeezing my arm.

"Which isn't a lie," Zane added with a growing smile.

Which naturally made my chest burn with a deep warmth.

"Yeah... I really do love her," I whispered, glancing down when tears burned in my eyes.

Which naturally made Morana's face soften, pulling me in for a deeper hug.

"Whatever is going on we'll figure it all out together, Mel," she said, running her hands up and down my back in reassurance, "She'll be a part of the family after today and you know we don't quit on family."

I nodded a few times with a deep sigh, "We don't," I whispered in acknowledgment.

"Hey Nadi—let's go find a snack, I think Elena brought your favorite chips," Zane said, clearly trying to give us a moment alone.

"Barbecue chips?" Nadia asked in clarification.

"Yes, if not I'll go buy some for you," Zane assured her as they walked back toward the back doors.

"You also need to get me Trolli's too then," I heard Nadia mumble to him, easily making a weak smile grow on my face.

"At least Nadi's feeling good," I whispered, slowly pulling back from Morana to meet her green eyes that mirrored mine.

"She's so excited about this," Morana said with an amused smile, "She claims she predicted the future and that you guys wouldn't be together without her."

I pursed my lips together for a moment, ironically recalling the deal Tazmin and I made in the first place so Nadia could attend Claremont.

"Well, you know..." I trailed off with a growing smile, "I think she rightfully deserves to claim that."

None of this would be possible without Nadia.

And even if it's been a rocky road and it still is—I wouldn't change any of it if it meant not having Tazmin.

"I think it's time we start on hair and makeup," Morana suddenly offered with an excited smile, "I also brought a bottle of champagne for us to drink," she subtly added.

And I didn't hesitate to nod, knowing champagne was exactly what I needed right now.

One sip of the bubbly liquid was enough to make my frenzied nerves slowly fade away—leaving me more relaxed as Morana focused on helping me get ready.

Because it's already a little past one and the wedding is set to begin at four.

Luckily, Marie was also able to pick up the custom ring Tazmin had waiting at Cartier.

She was also able to FaceTime me to pick out a ring from Cartier as well so I could match Tazmin's brand choice.

I ended up going with a gold shiny band, adorned with one single diamond embedded in the band.

It was surprisingly the ring I envisioned for Tazmin—aside from being in a rush and all.

"You got it?" Morana said as I carefully slid my heels on.

I nodded a few times, slipping on the other Dior stiletto.

Until I suddenly realized something.

"I don't need these," I suddenly determined, sliding the heels back off, "This is a beach wedding," I reminded my sister.

Who immediately nodded, "Right—you're totally right," she said, picking the heels up to put them back in the box, "It's fine—barefoot is much more fun anyway."

I nodded a few times, deciding to forget about the heels as I smoothed my hands down the soft white dress.

The same one Tazmin had seen on me earlier.

Except now my dark hair is down and styled and I'm wearing a matte makeup look that emphasizes all my best features.

I wore simple silver bracelets—leaving my neck free of any necklaces considering the halter neckline.

I also kept my fingers bare of any rings considering I was about to receive the most important one.

"Lena," I heard Marie suddenly call out, rushing into the guest bedroom.

And instead of her casual outfit from earlier, she was now wearing a light blue dress just like my sister.

Luckily the planner Tazmin hired at least communicated themes to everyone while we still had a little bit of time.

"Nadi's all set with the rings, Mav and Vic are ready, and Taz said she's good to go," Marie told me, and I could easily hear the soft chatter from the main floor directly beneath us.

"I guess we're really doing this?" I whispered, suddenly feeling really nervous.

Marie gently grabbed my hands, "I'm so happy for you," she whispered to me, gently squeezing my hands in hers, "And we'll get through all this bullshit currently going on—you have so many people supporting you guys."

I nodded a few times, drawing in a deep breath as I tried to push away my sudden emotions.

"Thank you, Marie," I whispered, letting go of her hands to pull her into a hug.

"You deserve to be happy Lena," My best friend whispered, gently squeezing me in the hug before we promptly pulled away.

I smiled even wider at her kind words, nervously smoothing down my dress again, "I think I'm ready now," I said, taking a step forward.

"Wait, I almost forgot," I heard Morana say, suddenly walking over to her purse and grabbing a black velvet jewelry box.

I furrowed my brows as I eyed the gold bangle lined with numerous diamonds.

"Ummi wore this on her wedding day," Morana whispered, approaching me with the bracelet, "And I wore it on mine," she explained, gently grabbing my hand.

And sliding the piece of jewelry onto my wrist where it stuck out among the silver bangles.

Which in a weird way made me feel like she was here with me.

Like both of my parents were here with me.

"Now you're ready," Morana determined, smiling as she glanced up from my wrist to meet my stare.

I nodded a few times, "Now I really am," I whispered in confirmation, grabbing both of their hands so we could head downstairs together.

Everyone was already gathered in the living area.

Zane, Pierre, and the twins wore matching crisp black tuxes.

Nadia wore a fluffy light blue dress and Elena wore a silky one in a similar shade of blue.

Everyone looked incredible.

But she looked perfect.

Especially as she stood in loose white dress pants with a matching blazer that was held together by one single button.

Her sharp face was covered with the perfect amount of makeup and her blonde hair which I love running my fingers through remained down, cascading across her shoulders.

"You look perfect," I whispered as I approached Tazmin with a giddy smile growing on my lips.

Tazmin reciprocated my smile, "Thank you Mil," she murmured, running her hands past my waist as soon as I stopped in front of her, "You look beautiful—like the only thing I could ever need."

My smile widened as I leaned up to her for a brief kiss that she reciprocated—softly kissing my cheek before pulling back.

"Everyone ready?" Elena suddenly spoke over the soft chatter.

I nodded before Tazmin had a chance to, "More than ready," I emphasized, leaning even deeper into Tazmin's warm body.

"Okay a quick few pictures first," Elena said, motioning one of the hired photographers over.

At least I would get to look back at all these pictures and recall a semi-good memory.

I made sure to smile brightly for each picture we took—there were group pictures, some pictures with me and Nadia or Morana.

And then also me with my family—and Tazmin with hers.

Elena and Pierre also took their solo pictures with both me and Tazmin.

And of course, Nadia had to get a picture in with Tazmin as well.

We also took some with the twins and Marie before we all headed down to the beach.

Which was decorated so perfectly for us.

There were clear plexiglass chairs, a white cloth aisle, and a white archway crawling with flowers and hanging with a small chandelier.

It was beautiful.

And I think this is all I ever wanted compared to a large grand wedding.

Everyone who needed to be here was present and all the themes and decorations turned out just as I imagined.

The officiant was very to the point—probably caught up on our time-sensitive situation beforehand by Tazmin.

We're also a little behind considering all the pictures we took.

It's five now and we're not even at our vows yet.

Which was something I had decided to say from my heart—but I wasn't quite sure if I would get the chance considering the lack of time.

This all can't be for nothing.

We have to at least get married.

"We need to skip this," I whispered to Tazmin, hating that we couldn't do the full ceremony, "Let's just move on to the rings."

Tazmin gently grabbed my hands, "Are you sure baby?" she asked me in clarification.

I immediately nodded, "There's not enough time," I said, glancing over to Nadia who sat waiting for her time.

And almost as soon as my eyes locked with her, a wide grin grew on her face—nearly hopping up from her chair to bring us the rings.

"Thank you Nads," Tazmin said to my niece who happily nodded, handing me the gold band I picked out for Tazmin.

"Onto the rings," the officiant said as Nadia got seated back in her seat.

I drew in a deep breath, suddenly pinpointing a group of people walking down the beach towards us.

They were in black—wearing the bold yellow letters FBI.

Roman's face was the only recognizable one, and I could tell by his faraway expression that this was it.

"Tazmin," I whispered, motioning behind her.

But she didn't bother to turn around, she only motioned at the man to hurry up and skip through his speech.

"Tazmin, do you take Milena Azhari to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day—"

"I do," Tazmin quickly cut him short, gently sliding the ring onto my ring finger.

The man immediately glanced over to me, "Milena, do you take Tazmin Moretti to be your lawfully wedded wife—"

"I do," I cut him short, sliding the gold band onto Tazmin's ring finger.

"By the power vested in me by the state of Florida, I now pronounce you married," the man said, immediately earning claps and cheers from our close family and friends.

Especially as Tazmin promptly pulled me in for a deep kiss—dipping me down as I kissed her back, smiling against her soft lips as camera flashes went off around us.

It caused a warmth that I knew would be ripped from me as soon as the FBI made it over to us. 

"I love you," I whispered against her lips.

"I love you too baby," she murmured, slowly lifting me back up and pulling away from our kiss—just as the different FBI agents approached us.

Which only left one person confused.

Nadia.

Everyone else expected this aside from her.

"Let's not do this here," Roman spoke first, briefly glancing over to Nadia.

And I immediately nodded, not agreeing with anything more.

"Just a moment guys," I said to our friends and family, gently grabbing my wife's hand as I forced a smile.

Mostly for Nadia who still seemed confused.

"Where are you guys going?" Nadia asked before we could get a chance to walk away.

And before anyone could say anything Roman took a step forward—earning Nadia's attention immediately.

"Taz here is a really good friend of ours... And who would we be not to throw her a surprise party?" Roman said to Nadia, and I could easily see the family side in him that Tazmin talked about.

Thank god that he's actually a good person.

Nadia immediately smiled at Roman, "Good, she deserves it," she said, glancing over to Tazmin with nothing but sincerity.

Which made Tazmin draw in a visible breath, taking a few steps toward Nadia before she inevitably pulled her into a hug.

"I love you Nads," Tazmin whispered to my niece.

"I love you too Tazi," Nadia said happily, hugging her back even tighter.

"You remember what we said about her?" Tazmin asked her, which naturally made my brows furrow.

Nadia nodded once, "Yes, I took care of her just like you asked last time," she told her, which immediately made me realize they were talking about me.

Now I realize why Nadia had said what she said the day I finally cried in front of her.

She knew how to take care of me because of Tazmin.

Nadia's brows suddenly furrowed together, "Are you going to Italy again?" she asked in confusion.

Tazmin let out a deep sigh as she pulled back from their hug, "I am," she whispered, gently tucking the dark hairs away from her face, "I'll miss you very much though."

Nadia's lips pursed into a noticeable frown, "I'll miss you too—"

"I hate to interrupt but we really have to go," Roman said, motioning her along.

Which earned a nod from Tazmin—who briefly kissed Nadia's forehead before standing entirely.

But before we could fully leave—Elena and Pierre both gave Tazmin one last hug, briefly whispering some things to her.

I could hear Pierre say he would figure this out for her, but I wasn't quite sure what Elena had said.

A deep nervous sigh fell from my lips as I walked hand in hand with Tazmin down the beach with the FBI agents in front of us and behind us.

Until eventually we made it to the parking lot where I had to stand in the grass to avoid the hot pavement against my bare feet.

"I love you so much, Tazmin," I whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her lips that she didn't hesitate to reciprocate.

"I love you too baby," Tazmin said as Roman began handcuffing her hands behind her back, "You're going to be good—everything is going to be okay," she assured me, watching tears burn in my eyes that she couldn't physically wipe away.

I nodded almost wordlessly, mostly because it didn't feel like I would be good—or that any of this would be okay. 

I drew in a shaky breath when Roman guided her away from me, feeling more tears naturally burn in my eyes as I watched another agent walk her over to one of the numerous FBI vans.

Tears naturally fell from my heavy eyes as I watched my wife slide in with them all—before the van doors were promptly shut.

"Look I'll try to keep her in our custody for as long as I can," Roman told me as everyone else began getting into the different vans, "But after twenty-four hours they'll request that we send her off to the state penitentiary."

I nodded almost wordlessly, "Twenty-four hours Roman—please I'll take that," I whispered to him.

Roman immediately nodded, "I'm on it," he didn't hesitate to assure me, "I'll keep you posted on everything."

I quickly wiped my stray tears away, "Yeah, please do that," I forced out, feeling even more tears burn in my eyes.

"I'll reach out through a secure line," Roman said, lowering his voice even more as he backed away towards the nearby van.

Which I watched him slide into—even if my vision was blurry and I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

But the moment they began driving out of the parking lot and out of my view sight—that was it.

My tears were uncontrollable and my soft sobs echoed in my ears.

"Lena-Lena, hey I got you," I heard Vic's familiar voice echo around me as he quickly approached me where I stood stuck in the grass.

"They took her," I forced out as he wrapped his arms around me, "She's gone, Vic."

Vic only held me tighter, "We'll get her back—we'll find a way," he tried to assure me.

But it only sounded like an empty promise.

Because we both know the odds of getting her back are too low to bet on.

But Roman said we have twenty-four hours.

So now we find Gia.