Chapter 9 - A Future Written in Gold
One year later.
The ocean breeze carried the sweet scent of white gardenias across the cliffs of the Whitmore Estate in Newport, Rhode Island.
The grand lawn was covered in white silk canopies, golden chandeliers hanging from ancient oak trees, and hundreds of guests dressed in high-society formal wear.
I stood in front of a full-length mirror inside the bridal suite, adjusting the train of my lace wedding gown. My hair fell in soft, dark waves around my shoulders, pinned with the silver lion locket my father had given me long ago—now polished and restored to brilliant perfection.
Lily stepped into the room, holding a bouquet of white peonies and yellow roses. She looked at me, tears sparkling in her eyes.
“You look like a dream, Maya,” Lily whispered, walking over and hugging me tightly. “Dad would be so proud of you.”
“He’s here,” I smiled softly, touching the locket at my neck. “He guided me every step of the way.”
A knock sounded at the door. Lev stepped inside, looking massive and handsome in a tuxedo, holding a small silver tray with a glass of champagne.
“It’s time, Boss-Lady,” Lev said with a rare, beaming smile. “The Boss is waiting at the altar. And if we keep him waiting another two minutes, he’s going to start tearing up the lawn.”
I laughed, taking a breath, and picked up my bouquet.
I walked down the long, flower-lined aisle toward the edge of the cliff overlooking the sparkling blue ocean.
Standing at the altar under a canopy of white roses was Damian Cross. He looked impossibly handsome in his black tuxedo, his dark eyes locking onto mine the moment I appeared. The fierce, terrifying crime boss of New York looked at me with a tenderness so deep it took my breath away.
As I reached the altar, Damian stepped forward, taking my hand in his. His grip was warm, strong, and steady.
The minister smiled warmly at the two of us. “We are gathered here today to unite Damian Cross and Maya Whitmore in holy matrimony—a union forged in the fires of danger, bound by honor, and sealed by extraordinary love.”
When it came time for our vows, Damian looked down into my eyes, holding both of my hands in his.
“Maya,” Damian spoke softly, his voice echoing over the gentle sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below. “Two years ago, a message came across a phone that was meant to be a mistake. But there are no mistakes in our destiny. You brought light back into a life that had known only shadows. I vow to honor you, to build an empire of safety around you, and to love you with every beat of my heart until my last breath.”
Tears rolled happily down my cheeks as I looked up at him.
“Damian,” I said, my voice strong and clear. “You saved me when I was lying on a cold floor, broken and alone. You showed me that real strength isn't about hurting people—it's about protecting those you love. I give you my heart, my life, and my future, forever.”
“By the power vested in me,” the minister declared, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Damian, you may kiss your bride.”
Damian didn’t hesitate. He pulled me into his arms, dipping me gently over his knee, and kissed me with a passionate, fierce devotion that made the whole world melt away.
The crowd erupted into joyful applause and cheers.
I looked up into Damian’s eyes, holding his face in my hands, laughing as the sun broke through the clouds, bathing us in brilliant, golden light.
May you like
I had texted a wrong number in the darkest moment of my life.
And it had brought me straight into the arms of my protector, my savior, and my forever love.
