Chapter 8 - The Throne of Glass and Fire
Six months later.
The dark, imposing Hayes estate had transformed into something extraordinary.
The heavy black velvet drapes in the East Wing had been replaced with light linen that let the golden morning sun flood the high ceilings. The gardens were blooming with white roses, lavender, and sweet-smelling jasmine, and the cold, terrifying silence that once ruled the hallways was now filled with the warmth of classical music, soft laughter, and light.
Victor had completely restructured his business empire. The underground casinos were closed, the shipping terminals were fully legitimized, and the Hayes Foundation had become the largest financial contributor to pediatric care and debt relief in the state.
On a warm Saturday afternoon, three hundred guests gathered on the grand rear lawn of the estate.
A large white pavilion stood near the rose gardens, overlooking the shimmering lake.
I stood in the private dressing room, looking at my reflection in the full-length mirror.
I wore an exquisite, custom-made lace wedding gown with a long, trailing veil that caught the sunlight. My hair was styled in soft waves, and around my neck rested the emerald necklace Victor had given me on the night of the ball.
The door opened softly, and my brother Liam walked in.
He looked healthy, handsomely dressed in a grey tuxedo, his eyes clear and full of a profound, genuine pride.
"You look like an angel, Maya," Liam said softly, his voice trembling with emotion.
"Thanks to you, Liam," I smiled, stepping over to give him a gentle hug. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm clean, six months today," Liam said, wiping a tear from his eye. "Victor gave me a job managing the foundation’s logistics in Vermont. He saved my life, Maya. And he loves you more than life itself."
"I know," I whispered, squeezing his hands.
Minutes later, the orchestral music began to drift across the lawn.
I walked down the petal-strewn aisle on my brother's arm, looking toward the white pavilion.
Standing at the altar was Victor Hayes.
He wore a tailored black tuxedo, looking impeccably handsome, powerful, and radiant. But as he saw me walking toward him, the feared, ruthless lord of the city vanished completely.
His grey eyes filled with unshed tears, his jaw clenching as he stared at me with an intensity of love that took my breath away.
When Liam handed my hand over to Victor, Victor pulled me close, his broad fingers lacing tightly through mine, refusing to let go for even a single second.
"You take my breath away, Mrs. Hayes," Victor whispered into my ear as the minister began to speak.
"I haven't said 'I do' yet, Mr. Hayes," I teased softly under my breath.
A soft, deep laugh vibrated through his chest—a sound that made every guest in the front row smile.
May you like
"You will," Victor promised softly. "Because you're stuck with me forever."
When the minister finally announced, "I now pronounce you husband and wife," Victor didn't wait for permission. He swept me into his arms, dipping me low over the flower-covered altar, pressing his lips to mine as the entire crowd erupted into joyful, thundering applause.
