Chapter 9 - The Promise at the Altar
The rain outside stopped, giving way to a brilliant, golden autumn sunset over Lake Michigan.
Dominic dropped to one knee on the hardwood floor of his study, holding open the velvet box. Inside rested a breathtaking, flawless six-carat blue diamond ring, surrounded by tiny platinum lions.
"Hannah Blythe," Dominic said, his deep voice carrying a tremor of emotion that no rival mob boss had ever managed to cause. "You gave me a life when I was dying. You gave my son a mother when he was alone. You brought light into an empire of shadows. Will you do me the absolute honor of becoming my wife, my queen, and my forever?"
Hannah’s breath caught in her throat. She looked at the ring, then down at the man who had transformed from a terrifying killer into a protective, loving partner who worshipped the ground she walked on.
"Yes," Hannah sobbed happily, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. "Yes, Dominic! A thousand times, yes!"
Dominic stood up, sliding the ring onto her finger before pulling her into a fierce, passionate kiss.
Three months later, the wedding of the century took place at the Holy Name Cathedral in downtown Chicago.
It was an event that bridged two entirely different worlds. High-ranking state politicians, international CEOs, and reformed syndicate leaders sat alongside diner waitresses, community workers, and street vendors whom Hannah had befriended over the years.
Hannah walked down the long, white aisle wearing a magnificent lace gown that trailed fifteen feet behind her. Her father figure—Don Carmine, who had formally adopted her into his family line as a sign of absolute respect—proudly walked her down the aisle.
At the altar stood Dominic, looking impossibly handsome in an immaculate black tuxedo. Beside him stood Marco as the best man, and Jade, looking gorgeous in a rose-gold bridesmaid dress.
In the front row, held by a gentle nanny, little Leo—now a energetic eighteen-month-old toddler wearing a tiny matching tux—clapped his small hands, babbling happily as he saw his mother walking toward them.
When Hannah reached the altar, Dominic took her hands in his. His grip was warm, strong, and steady.
"In front of God and these witnesses," the priest intoned, "do you, Dominic Moretti, take Hannah Blythe to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death do you part?"
Dominic looked straight into Hannah's brown eyes, his voice echoing clearly through the vaulted stone arches of the cathedral.
"I do," Dominic said fiercely. "I will protect her with my life, honor her with my empire, and love her for all eternity."
"And do you, Hannah Blythe, take Dominic Moretti to be your lawful wedded husband?"
Hannah smiled, her heart full of an overwhelming, unbreakable love. "I do."
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"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!"
Dominic pulled Hannah into his arms, dipping her slightly as he kissed her deeply, to the roaring applause and cheers of the entire cathedral.
