Chapter 8 - A Crown of Her Own
Six months later.
Spring had arrived in Seattle, turning the grounds of the Mercer Island estate into a vibrant sea of green grass, blooming cherry blossoms, and blue clear skies.
In the backyard, overlooking the quiet waters of Lake Washington, a small crowd of close friends, high-level supporters, and hospital staff were gathered around a white silk canopy decorated with fresh lilies.
Sitting in the front row, wearing a sharp navy suit and looking healthy, strong, and completely cancer-free, was seventeen-year-old Sam Hayes. He was laughing, tossing a baseball up and down in his hand, his hair grown back thick and dark.
The soft sound of a violin began to play across the lawn.
Standing beneath the canopy was Victor Costello. He wore a crisp black tuxedo, looking noble, powerful, and remarkably at peace. His eyes were fixed entirely on the French doors of the mansion.
The doors opened.
Sadi walked out onto the green lawn, guided by the chief of oncology from St. Jude’s, who had proudly agreed to walk her down the aisle.
She looked breathtaking. She wore an off-the-shoulder gown of ivory lace with a long silk train that drifted over the grass. Her dark hair was styled in soft waves, anchored by a delicate gold tiara that sparkled in the afternoon sunlight.
Her hands—once red, cracked, and burned from industrial bleach—were now soft, smooth, and adorned with a magnificent six-carat diamond ring that caught the light with every step she took.
She walked down the aisle toward Victor, her eyes locked onto his, tears of pure, overwhelming joy glittering in her grey eyes.
When she reached the canopy, Victor took both of her hands in his, bringing them up to his lips and pressing a soft, lingering kiss against her knuckles.
“You’re late,” Victor whispered with a faint, tender smile.
“I was checking on the kitchen,” Sadi teased softly back, her voice radiant with happiness. “Old habits die hard, Mr. Costello.”
“You don't check kitchens anymore, my queen,” Victor murmured, leaning close to her ear. “You rule them.”
The officiant, an old judge whose family Victor had protected years ago, stepped forward, his voice echoing warmly over the gathered guests.
“In the presence of those who love you, and under the sky of a city you have forever changed,” the judge said, “do you, Victor Costello, take Sadi Hayes to be your lawfully wedded wife, to protect, honor, and cherish, in darkness and in light, for as long as you both shall live?”
Victor looked into Sadi’s eyes, his expression completely stripped of his old coldness, replaced by a deep, fierce, and eternal love.
“I do,” Victor said, his voice unwavering and resonant.
“And do you, Sadi Hayes,” the judge continued, “take Victor Costello to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor, and stand beside, through every storm and every victory?”
Sadi smiled, tears overflowing down her cheeks—not tears of fear or terror, but tears of absolute freedom and belonging.
“I do,” she said clearly.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the judge declared. “Victor, you may kiss your bride.”
Victor pulled Sadi into his arms, dipping her back slightly as he pressed his lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss that drew wild cheers and applause from Sam, Matteo, and everyone gathered on the lawn.
May you like
The former maid who had broken down outside the mafia boss’s office in tears was no longer a shadow hiding in the dark.
She was Sadi Costello—the queen of the city, loved, protected, and honored for the rest of her days.
