Chapter 8 - The Queen’s Vow
Six months later.
The private chapel on the cliffs of the Pellagrini estate was bathed in blinding afternoon sunlight, overlooking the serene, sparkling blue waters of the bay. White roses climbed the stone pillars, filling the air with a sweet, delicate fragrance.
There were no enforcers in tactical gear inside the chapel. There were no dark shadows lurking in the corners.
There was only family.
Clara stood near the altar as my maid of honor, looking healthy, vibrant, and beautiful in a soft lilac dress, her cheeks flushed with pink health after completing her final successful treatment cycle at the hospital.
Beside Anthony stood five-year-old Luca, looking ridiculously handsome in a tailored mini-tuxedo, holding a velvet pillow with our wedding bands resting on top.
And at the back of the chapel, the heavy oak doors swung open.
I stepped onto the white aisle runner, taking a deep, steady breath.
I was wearing a sweeping ivory silk lace gown that trailed five feet behind me, a delicate diamond tiara securing a floor-length veil over my dark hair. In my hands, I held a bouquet of white peonies and emerald leaves.
At the end of the aisle stood Anthony.
He took my breath away. He wore a crisp black tuxedo, looking taller, broader, and more majestic than any king in history. But as he watched me walk toward him, the feared mafia lord of Baltimore had tears shining in the corners of his dark eyes.
When I reached the altar, Anthony stepped down, took my hand from my side, and lifted my veil back over my shoulders. His calloused thumb gently brushed against my cheek, his touch making me shiver with pure, overwhelming happiness.
“You take my breath away, Elena,” he whispered softly so only I could hear.
The priest read the traditional vows, his voice echoing warmly through the sunlit chapel.
When it came time for our rings, Luca stepped forward proudly, holding up the velvet pillow with a massive grin on his face.
“Here you go, Daddy,” Luca whispered loudly, causing the small crowd to chuckle softly.
Anthony took the slim platinum band, sliding it onto my finger beside my yellow diamond engagement ring. He held my hand tightly, looking straight into my eyes as he spoke his vows with an absolute, unwavering conviction that echoed straight into my soul.
“Elena,” Anthony said, his deep voice filling the chapel. “Six months ago, you dove into a cold pool to save a life that wasn't yours. You brought light into a dark house, you brought healing to my son, and you taught a broken man how to love again. I swear to protect your peace, to honor your strength, and to stand as your shield against every storm. My heart, my empire, and my life belong to you forever.”
Tears of pure, unadulterated joy ran down my cheeks as I placed his heavy platinum band onto his finger.
“Anthony,” I whispered, my voice clear and true. “You gave me a home when I was lost in the dark. You protected my sister, you gave me a family, and you loved me with a fierce, beautiful devotion. I promise to stand by your side, to share your burden, and to love you and Luca through every dawn that follows.”
“By the power vested in me,” the priest announced with a warm smile, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Anthony, you may kiss your bride.”
Anthony didn't wait.
He swept his arms around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest, and lifted me slightly off the marble floor as his lips claimed mine in a deep, passionate, and breathtaking kiss.
The small chapel erupted into joyful applause and cheers. Clara clapped wildly, and Luca threw his arms around both of our legs, laughing with pure, unfiltered delight.
When Anthony finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine, his dark eyes sparkling with a radiant, boundless happiness.
He looked down at his son holding onto my dress, then back into my eyes, a low, contented chuckle rumbling through his broad chest.
“I told you by the pool six months ago, Elena,” Anthony whispered softly, his lips touching mine once more. “You’re never leaving.”
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I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck, looking out toward the sunlit bay where our future lay wide, beautiful, and free.
“And I’m right where I belong,” I replied.
