Chapter 9 - Forever Under His Shield
One year later.
The grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan was filled with soft candlelight, thousands of white orchids, and the rich melody of a fifty-piece string orchestra.
It was the social event of the decade—the wedding of Andrew Carter and Cindy Stone.
Every prominent business leader, politician, and executive in New York was in attendance. Even the shadowed figures of the underworld stood in the back balconies in dark suits, raising their glasses in silent, absolute respect to the undisputed king and queen of the city.
Cindy stood near the grand archway of white roses, looking breathtaking in an off-the-shoulder lace ballgown with a long, sweeping train. A diamond tiara rested in her styled hair, catching the light of the chandeliers.
Beside her, holding her hand firmly, was Andrew. He wore a crisp black tuxedo, looking impossibly handsome, his eyes never leaving her face for more than a second.
"You look like a dream," Andrew whispered into her ear, pulling her slightly closer as guests mingled and danced around them.
"I feel like I'm dreaming," Cindy smiled, looking out at the happy crowd. She saw Lucas standing near the entrance, wearing a tuxedo, offering her a rare, genuine smile and a polite nod of his glass.
"It's not a dream, Mrs. Carter," Andrew murmured, his dark voice filled with pride as he used her new name for the hundredth time today. "This is your reality now."
They walked out onto the private balcony overlooking Central Park. The air was cool, fresh, and clear.
Andrew wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her back against his chest, shielding her from the wind just as he had shielded her from the dark world a year ago.
Cindy rested her hands over his, looking out at the glittering lights of the city skyline.
"Do you remember that rainstorm?" Cindy asked softly, leaning her head back against his shoulder. "The night I called you from my apartment?"
"Every single second of it," Andrew answered quietly. "It was the terrifying moment of my life."
"I was so afraid," Cindy confessed, turning slightly in his arms to look into his dark, beautiful eyes. "I thought my life was over. I thought no one was coming."
Andrew leaned down, cupping her face gently with his long, strong fingers, his thumb brushing over her soft cheek.
"I will always come for you, Cindy," Andrew promised, his voice ringing with absolute, eternal authority. "No matter where you are, no matter what stands in my way... I will always be on my way."
May you like
Cindy smiled, a tear of absolute happiness glinting in her eye as she pulled him down for a kiss.
The rain was gone. The shadows had vanished. Under the bright stars of the Manhattan sky, wrapped in the arms of the man who ruled an empire just to keep her safe, Cindy Carter had finally found her peace, her love, and her forever home.
