Chapter 9 - The Moretti Empire’s True Queen
One year later.
The summer sun washed over the grand gardens of Moretti Manor in Lake Forest.
The lawns were covered in white silk canopies, glowing lanterns, and thousands of white peonies and red roses. Two hundred guests—senators, corporate CEOs, foreign diplomats, and loyal family staff—filled the white chairs arranged along the central aisle.
At the front of the altar stood Julian Moretti.
He looked extraordinarily handsome in a custom black tuxedo, a white peony pinned to his lapel. Beside him stood Dante as his best man, wearing a tailored suit that barely contained his massive shoulders, looking proud as a lion.
The harpist began to play a soft, breathtaking melody.
The crowd stood up in unison.
Walking down the aisle came four-year-old Leo, holding hand-in-hand with five-year-old Lily. Lily wore a delicate pink flower-girl dress, tossing rose petals onto the white carpet, while Leo carried a small velvet ring pillow, grinning widely at his father.
And then came the bride.
Sarah walked out onto the stone terrace, guided by the arm of Victoria Sterling, who walked her down the aisle like a proud mentor.
Sarah was breathtaking.
She wore an off-the-shoulder Italian lace gown that trailed gracefully behind her, an exquisite diamond tiara holding a long silk veil over her dark hair. She radiated joy, beauty, and absolute, royal grace.
Julian’s breath caught in his throat. His dark eyes welled with rare, emotional tears as he watched the woman who had saved his life walk toward him.
When Sarah reached the altar, Julian stepped forward, taking her soft hands in his large, scarred ones.
The minister smiled warmly at the couple. "We are gathered here today to unite Julian Moretti and Sarah Bennett in holy matrimony..."
As the vows were spoken, the deep, unshakeable promise between them filled the quiet garden.
"I, Julian," he said, his voice deep, strong, and echoing through the hearts of everyone present, "take you, Sarah, to be my wife, my partner, my Queen. I promise to love you, protect you, and honor you for all the days of my life."
"I, Sarah," she smiled tearfully, looking into his gold-flecked eyes, "take you, Julian, to be my husband, my sanctuary, my heart. I promise to stand by your side through every storm, forever."
"By the power vested in me," the minister declared brightly, "I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!"
Julian didn't hesitate. He pulled Sarah into his arms, dipping her slightly as he brought his mouth down onto hers in a deep, sweeping, passionate kiss that sent the crowd into deafening cheers and applause.
Lily and Leo giggled, clapping their hands happily at their parents' feet.
When Julian lifted Sarah back up, he looked out over his empire, then looked down at his beautiful wife.
The broke single mother who had stepped around an armed guard in a restaurant to heal a screaming baby had captured the most dangerous man in Chicago.
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She was no longer afraid. She was no longer alone.
She was Sarah Moretti—the beloved, brilliant, and undisputed Queen of the Moretti Empire, living a life of absolute love, boundless happiness, and eternal devotion forever.
