How To Love Your Wife – Final

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND 2

HOW TO LOVE YOUR WIFE

How To Love Your Wife – Chapter 43&44

[𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔 & 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 ]

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

 

[𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 – 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭- 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 ]

Rias stood dead center in the bridal suite, sunlight streaming through arched windows overlooking the sea, turning her into a vision.

Lin fussed one last time over her hair, twisting a final pearl-tipped pin into the elegant updo—loose curls framing her face soft, rest swept high in a low bun dripping with diamond ornaments.

Lin stepped back slow, hands on her hips, eyeing her work.

“Ughh, I’m a genius,” Lin boasted, grinning proud.

“You look so beautiful, bestie.” Sasha grabbed her hand tight, squeezing warm.

Rias turned to the full-length mirror, breath catching at her own glow. The wedding dress hugged her like a dream—off-shoulder silk chiffon in blush ivory, fitted bodice sparkling with hand-sewn diamonds and Swarovski crystals cascading down the skirt like a waterfall.

Delicate Bulgari emerald necklace rested at her throat, matching earrings swaying light.

In her hands, a white bouquet burst with garden roses, peonies.

“Don’t get all emotional now,” Nancy teased, dabbing her own eyes quick with a tissue.

Lin, Sasha, and Nancy shimmered in matching blush pink gowns—sleeveless chiffon with high slits and crystal belts, hair in loose waves, looking like goddesses.

The door swung open. Hinata rushed in with Annie and Ariana trailing, Ariana in a tiny pink dress clutching a flower basket. They all froze, gasping loud.

“Look at you,” Annie palmed her mouth, stepping closer with tears welling, hands reaching out.

“Mom,” Rias whispered, voice thick.

“You look so pretty, dear. Gorgeous doesn’t even cover it.” Annie cupped her cheeks gentle, eyes shining pride.

“More than gorgeous. Romeo’s gonna literally melt when he sees you,” Hinata added, voice soft but fierce, fanning herself dramatic.

“Are the boys ready yet?” Sasha asked, adjusting her earring.

“Yes. Romeo’s really nervous, don’t mind him acting all tough guy.” Hinata smirked knowing.

“I can’t believe this. Can’t believe I’m actually getting married to him,” Rias said, eyes misty in the mirror.

“Well you better start believing it,” Annie said firm, squeezing her shoulder.

“True. Romeo fought death just to make this day real—so embrace it,” Lin chimed in, slinging an arm around Nancy.

“Also, remember not to stress yourself,” Annie added quick.

“That’s right, we got a little someone in there.” Hinata reached out, touching Rias’s tummy light, all of them smiling soft.

Rias blushed deep, cheeks pink.

“Hunter seriously wasn’t joking when he said Romeo was gonna get her pregnant again,” Sasha laughed, shaking her head.

They all cracked up, room filling with that warm, bubbly laugh—Annie covering her mouth, Ariana giggling clueless.

“Be careful, Rias. Who knows, he might really push through with his plans to get you birthing like seven kids for him,” Hinata warned playful.

“Seven?” Annie echoed, eyes wide.

“Yes, that’s what he told me one time,” Hinata confirmed, rolling her eyes fond.

“We should get going. Time for the bride to slay.” Lin clapped sharp, grabbing the veil, ready to pin it final.

__________
[𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞]

Romeo paced the groom suite like a caged lion, hands flexing open and closed, tuxedo pristine but his face a mess of nerves—sweat beading on his brow, eyes darting to the door every two second.

Hunter stood in front of him, patient as ever, fixing his black Versace tie with steady fingers, straightening the velvet peak lapel on his custom tux.

“Easy, bro. You’re fidgeting like it’s your first date.”

“Son, calm down,” Angelo said from the armchair, voice deep and steady.

“I can’t. I… I wanna see her,” Romeo admitted, running a hand through his styled hair, messing it up instant.

His leg bounced restless, heart hammering loud enough to hear.

“We know. But she’s not running away, so relax,” Rafael added from the window, sipping scotch casual, watching waves crash outside.

Romeo stopped pacing, forcing a breath. “Whoa. I don’t remember you being this nervous on your wedding day, Hunter.”

Hunter chuckled low, patting Romeo’s shoulder firm after the tie sat perfect.

“I was. Like really nervous, shaking bad. But trust me, the second you see her walk down that aisle, the nervousness vanishes. That moment hits different, her glowing, eyes only on you, knowing she’s yours forever, about to say ‘I do’ as your wife. You’ll forget the crowd exists and only that moment will matter.”

Romeo nodded slow, some tension easing, but his eyes stayed hungry. Angelo rose then, stepping close, hand heavy on his shoulder.

“Also, son, I already told you—this is permanent. No chickening out just ’cause marriage gets tough. Love your wife fierce every day, love your kids, protect ’em with your life, be there through fights and storms. Build that family unbreakable. That’s the vow.”

“I will,” Romeo said firm, meeting his father’s eyes, resolve hardening.

“Can we go now? I wanna see mama,” Ryan piped up from the floor, tugging Romeo’s pant leg, tiny tux with bowtie adorable, eyes big and impatient.

“Sure, little man. Where are the rings?” Rafael asked, crouching down with a grin.

Ryan toddled to the side table proud, grabbing the velvet pillow careful with both hands, rings gleaming on top.

“I’m the ring bearer!” He chuckled deep for a kid, holding it high like a trophy.

“Proud boy,” Romeo scoffed fond, ruffling Ryan’s hair gentle.

Ryan puffed his chest. “You’re so full of yourself, daddy. Be grateful you got your good looks from me, or mama wouldn’t look your way.”

They all burst out laughing—Hunter doubling over, Angelo booming deep, Rafael slapping his knee, even Romeo cracking up huge.

“What do you mean? It’s the other way around, you brat,” Romeo shot back, scooping Ryan up quick for a playful noogie.

Ryan stuck his tongue out long, wriggling free giggling.

__________

The outdoor venue hugged the Amalfi coast perfect, ocean waves rolling gentle just yards away, sun dipping golden hour low over the horizon.

Rich elegance everywhere—white wooden arches draped in blush roses and baby’s breath, aisle lined with flickering lanterns and scattered pink petals leading to the altar.

Rows of gold chiavari chairs sat on either side, facing the sea, soft violin quartet playing mellow from a corner stage.

Light breeze carried salt and flowers, fairy lights twinkling early in the pergola shade above.

Romeo stood tall at the altar, hands clasped tight behind his back to hide the shake. Hunter stood by him steady on the right, best man cool in his matching suit, while the priest waited patient left, book open in holy robes.

Romeo’s nerves hit hard—jaw clenched subtle, eyes flicking to the aisle every heartbeat, foot tapping faint.

Where is she?

Chest tight, palms sweaty, but that fire burned deep—ready to claim her forever.

Little Ryan strutted front near the front row, ring bearer pillow clutched proud in both hands, waving boastful at guests with his free arm like a tiny king.

“Hi mama friends! I’m the ring bearer!” He yelled cute, toddling side to side, earning awws and chuckles rippling through.

Sky sat in the crowd with Nancy clinging his arm, Levi and Martin sitting close two seats over, Danzo stone-faced beside Tiago up front left.

Most of Lin’s clan filled middle rows. As well as most people from the Ryukai clan as well.

“Boss Romeo really looks different today. Less cold, almost smiling.”

“Guess only ma’am Rias can melt that ice. Thank goodness for her.”

“Look at him fidget, can’t believe a man who cheated death nervous for a wedding. Wild.”

Music swelled from the quartet, violins aching sweet—as the aisle doors parted slow. Everyone shot to their feet, rustle of chairs and held breaths filling the air.

Rias appeared like a dream, veil sheer and misty over her face, diamonds on her gown catching the golden sun,.

Ariana bounced ahead wild, flower basket tipping as she sprayed blush roses everywhere, her giggles cutting the hush.

Rias glided forward arm-in-arm with Rafael, steps measured, bouquet trembling faint in her grip.

The second her eyes met Romeo’s through the lace—boom. Intense gaze locked like magnets, fierce and deep, stripping years bare. Hate to love, blood to this.

She smiled radiant slow, pace steady down the petal path, Rafael’s grip steadying her own shakes.

Romeo broke first, his eyes flooding instant, tears spilling hot down his cheeks. He palmed his face rough, shoulders heaving, fighting desperate to man up but losing bad, raw emotion cracking him open for all to see.

*She’s here. Mine.*

“Mama! Daddy’s crying!” Ryan hollered loud from front row, pointing big with his ring pillow, face all shock and glee.

“Ryan shh,” Ariana whispered fierce, clapping a hand over his mouth.

They both cracked up muffled, heads bumping.

Rias reached the altar final, Rafael pressing a kiss to her cheek proud before fading back.

She stopped inches from Romeo, veil brushing near, breath quick.

“Hello Mr. Dragoni,” She murmured soft, eyes twinkling mischief through the lace.

“Hello to you too, Miss Gremory.” His voice thick, choked with tears, hand twitching to touch.

“Soon to be my, Mrs.” He winked.

They chuckled low, that shared spark, then turned to the priest as guests sank into seats rustling.

Rias and Romeo dropped into the couple’s chairs front and center under the arch, hands finding each other instant under the cloth, fingers lacing tight like lifelines, refusing to let go.

The priest opened his book calm, voice rolling warm over the waves.

“We are here today ’cause two souls who love fierce have chosen to bind forever. Romeo Ryūjin Dragoni and Rias Gremory—today you step into marriage, it’s no easy road.”

“It’s fire-tested, fights that leave scars, kids screaming at midnight, life punching low when you’re weak. Passion, doubts. But real love? It’s daily choice—forgive quick, fight fair, hold through storms, build joy from ashes. Protect your bond like life itself.”

He grinned knowing, eyes twinkling wise.

“Rias, Romeo might piss you off good, leave wet towels everywhere, hog the remote for games, burn toast black and call it breakfast. Track sand in your clean house, forget trash day. Promise to love him still, flaws and all.”

Laughter bubbled light, Rias squeezing Romeo’s hand harder, biting her lip.

“Romeo, Rias might drive you mad too, shop endlessly, nag your socks on the floor, cry at little things, steal blankets at cold midnight and blast music too loud. Burn dinner wild, talk through your games. Vow to cherish her fire anyway.”

Romeo grinned watery, nodding fast, chuckles rippling warm.

Priest shut the book solemn. “Rise up, you two.”

They stood smooth, facing each other close under the roses, hands still clasped, eyes wet and locked.

“Romeo Ryūjin Dragoni,” The priest intoned solemn, voice carrying clear over the waves, “Do you take Rias Gremory to be your wife? To love, honor, and cherish in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?”

Romeo swallowed hard, eyes locked on hers, voice steady but thick.

“I do.”

“Rias Gremory, do you take Romeo Ryūjin Dragoni to be your husband? To love, honor, and cherish in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?”

Rias’s lips trembled, tears shining.

“I do.”

“The vows are yours now. Romeo first.”The priest nodded.

Romeo took her hands in his, thumbs stroking shaky, eyes flooding fresh as he spoke raw.

“Rias…like I said, the first day I saw you, hated every inch of you. You called me old man, remember? Laughed in my face. But you crawled under my skin and broke every wall. Fought me, loved me, gave me Ryan. Almost died thinking I lost you forever. Woke up knowing I’d burn the world to get back here.” His voice cracked wide, tears spilling free down his cheeks.

“You’re my fire, my peace, my everything. I promise to love you fierce every damn day, protect you and our kids, fight through every storm till the day I die.”

Rias chuckled through her own tears, sobbing soft, squeezing his hands tight. She went next, voice quivering but strong.

“Romeo…at first, I thought you saw me as nothing and as a replacement for her. I hurt us bad with my jealousy, my words. Held you dying, you even cursed me with your last breath—or so I thought. But here we stand. You gave me Ryan too, a second chance at us. I promise to love you through your stubborn ass, your cold stares, your endless nagging. Be your home, your queen, mother to our babies till the day that I die.”

They stared deeply at each other, breaths syncing.

“I love you,” Romeo whispered first, choked.

“I love you more,” Rias breathed back, tears streaming.

“By God’s grace, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Romeo surged forward hungry, he rolled the veil, revealing her pretty face, his hands cupping her face, lips crashing hers deep and claiming.

Their tongues tangling hot, desperate fire pouring years of pain and passion. She moaned soft into it, fingers fisting his tux, bodies pressing close like they’d devour right there.

He broke just enough to look at her.

“Fuck, you’re finally mine officially, baby mama.”

“You’re mine too,” she whispered fierce, pulling him back.

They kissed again, wilder, tongues battling sloppy wet, his hands gripping her waist bruising, grinding her flush against him under the arch.

Heat sparked instant, moans muffled, crowd whooping as her nails dug his neck, his teeth nipping her lip swollen.

Cheers exploded, claps thundering, whistles piercing.

“Save some kiss for me too!” Ryan yelled cute from the front jumping.

They broke gasping, foreheads pressed, then hugged tight, hearts pounding together.

Romeo spun to the crowd grinning huge, scooping Rias up bridal style effortless, her laugh ringing out.

“I won y’all!”

“Proud jerk.” Hunter yelled from his spot.

Rias slipped down graceful, bouquet in hand, walking quick to Lin in the front row. She pressed the flowers into her arms gentle.

“Girl, go find true love.”

Lin clutched it tight, eyes welling fast, tough shell cracking. “Ughh, now my makeup’s ruined.”

Rias chuckled.

“Want my help?” Tiago leaned in from beside her, smirking sly.

“Shut up.” Lin rolled her eyes playful, swatting him light, but clutched the bouquet closer.

Rias strolled back to Romeo, his arm snaking her waist possessive. He leaned in low.

“You’re stuck with me, kiddo.”

“Likewise, old man.” She grinned up, kissing his lips quick.

The crowd roared fresh, petals raining as they turned, hand in hand, husband and wife walking down the aisle.

__________
[𝐅𝐞𝐰 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫] – [𝐂𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲] 🔥

Romeo pulled the car to a gentle stop in front of Bianca’s private cemetery, tires crunching soft on the gravel path.

He turned to Rias, eyes searching her face careful. “You sure about this?”

“Yeah.” Her voice came steady, hand resting on her huge belly.

“Okay, hold on. Don’t step out.” He popped his door and circled quick to her side, opening it smooth.

She took his hand, easing down slow, wincing a bit.

“Thanks.”

“Gosh, my feet hurt.” She shifted, rubbing her swollen belly absent, eight months along and feeling every pound.

Romeo popped the trunk fast, grabbing the huge bouquet of black and white roses, wrapping crinkling in his arms.

He walked back to her side. “Sure you can walk?”

“Yes. Don’t worry.” She forced a small smile, linking her arm in his.

They strolled down the quiet pathway together, stones smooth underfoot, trees shading soft.

Stopped right at the glass-fronted grave enclosure. Romeo fished the keys from his pocket, unlocked the doors with a click, and pushed them open.

They stepped inside the cool, hushed space. He set the flowers down gentle at the foot of the grave, stems splaying respectful.

Rias stared at the engraved stone, tracing the words slow with her fingers.

*In Loving Memory of Liliana Sanchez.*
*Born January 7th, 2000*
*Deceased February 3rd, 2025.*

“Her name’s not Bianca?” Rias asked quiet, head tilting.

“That’s the name Grandpa gave her. Liliana’s her real name.” Romeo stood close, hand on her lower back.

Rias nodded slow. She clasped her palms together tight, shut her eyes, head bowing. Romeo mirrored her, silence wrapping them thick, just distant birds and wind rustling leaves.

Rias opened her eyes first, voice soft.

“I don’t really believe I’d actually step foot here. Honestly, felt like if I don’t do this, I won’t get the closure I’m looking for.”

“You know one time she came to the hospital, wanted us to settle our differences. I really did a number on her—called her all sorts of names. Did her real bad.” Her voice cracked a little, guilt heavy.

“And despite everything I did, she only retaliated once. I’m such a fool.”

“Hey.” Romeo stroked her hair gentle, fingers combing soothing.

“I wonder what would’ve happened if she didn’t do what she did. If she hadn’t saved your life back then, maybe you two would’ve been together if you survived… or maybe you died… or…” Rias broke, tears spilling hot down her cheeks, hands trembling on her belly.

“Shhhh.” He pulled her into his chest tight, arms wrapping protective around her and the bump, chin resting on her head. Rocked her slow.

“I don’t know if she’s ever gonna forgive me,” Rias mumbled into his shirt, sniffing hard.

“I’m sure she would. She’s a good person, and you don’t gotta worry. She knows just how sincere you are.” He kissed her forehead lingering.

Rias sniffed her tears back, pouting up at him with red eyes.

“You hungry?” He asked soft, thumb wiping her cheek.

“Yeah.”

“Let’s get going then.”

They clasped hands warm, walking out the glass doors together. Romeo locked up careful behind them, the bouquet sitting solemn.

Back to the car, her head on his shoulder the whole way, closure settling quiet between.

—-

Romeo gripped the wheel steady, eyes on the winding coastal road, Rias beside him one hand on her belly.

His phone buzzed loud on the dash. Rias snatched it quick, answering on speaker.

“Baby?”

“Mama, where are you and Daddy?” Ryan’s voice came high and panicked, little breaths huffing.

“Why does your voice sound like that? What’s happening?” Rias sat up straight, worry creasing her brow.

“Ryannnn!” Ariana’s yell exploded from the background, footsteps thumping wild.

“Little man, what is it?” Romeo leaned in, voice calm but firm.

“I… I accidentally soaked all of Riri’s makeup in water in the bathroom. They looked pretty and colorful and I just wanted to do an experiment… she’s about to get me.” Ryan whispered frantic, like hiding.

“You did what?” Rias’s eyes went wide.

“She’s a monster right now, she’s so strong,” Ryan whined, muffled crash sounding somewhere.

“Deal with it.” Romeo grabbed the phone and hung up quick, tossing it back to the cupholder.

Rias chuckled deep, shaking her head. “Seems like there’s one person he’s gonna be looking out for.”

Romeo chuckled.

“So, what are we naming our baby girl?” Romeo grinned sideways.

“Rosalie. Sounds elegant, like her mama.” Rias tapped her chin thoughtful.

“Nah, too soft. Raven, that’s strong, fierce like us.”

“Raven? Too goth. What about Ramona? Cute but tough.”

“Ramona sounds like a grandma. Reina—queen vibes, fits perfect.”

Rias wrinkled her nose.

“Reina’s pretty, but too common. Rhea—simple, mythical goddess.”

“Rhea? Eh. Riley—sporty, fun for our wild one.”

“Riley’s boyish. No. How ’bout Raya? Short, sweet, sparkly.”

“Raya’s okay, but too Disney. Ravenna, edgy twist on Raven.”

They went back and forth like that, laughing and poking, voices rising in a playful argument.

“Rosalie!”

“Raven!”

“Ramona!”

They thought for a while.

“Ruby.”
They said at the same time.

Romeo paused, nodding slow, his smile spreading warm.

“Ruby. Perfect. Little Ruby.”

Romeo grabbed her hand soft, bringing it to his lips for a lingering kiss, eyes flicking off-road just for her.

“I love you.”

“Love you more. Now focus on driving,” She teased, squeezing back.

“Sure.” He smiled huge, thumb stroking her knuckles as the road curved ahead.

.

.

««THE END»»

Finally this book is over 🥺

When I started this story, I didn’t know it would grow into something this meaningful… or mean this much.

What began as a tale about pride, anger, and two people who didn’t know how to love each other properly became a journey of growth, loss, forgiveness, and healing.

Through Rias and Romeo, I explored what it means to FAIL in love… and still find your way back and FALL in love.

Through Ryan, I discovered that sometimes the greatest proof of love isn’t passion — it’s commitment. It’s staying. It’s learning. It’s becoming better.

To my readers…

Thank you for staying with me through every misunderstanding, every heartbreak, every tear, every chapter. Thank you for loving these characters even when they were flawed. Thank you for believing in second chances. Your messages, your theories, your emotions — they reminded me why I write.

Because stories are not just written by authors.
They are carried by readers.

And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

This may be the end of their story, but it will never be the end of my gratitude.

With love,
Barbielle’s Ink 💜

See ya