Chapter 9 - The Royal Wedding of New York
One year later.
The historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in heart of Manhattan was decorated with thousands of white orchids, glowing candlelight, and warm velvet drapery.
It was the wedding of the century—but unlike the cold, tense spectacle of two years ago, the atmosphere inside the cathedral was electric with warmth, joy, and genuine celebration.
The pews were filled with a remarkable mix of society: high-ranking city leaders, community directors from Mary’s foundation, reformed Syndicate captains who had embraced Dante’s new era of legitimate development, and dozens of staff members from the Belladonna estate who were treated as honored guests.
At the front of the altar stood Dante Leone. He looked devastatingly handsome in a tailored dark navy tuxedo, his silver-engraved watch gleaming under the stained-glass light. Beside him stood Marco as his best man, wearing a tuxedo that barely contained his massive shoulders.
The organ began to play a triumphant, soaring march.
The grand oak doors at the back of the cathedral swung open.
First down the aisle came Sophie Ellis. She was eleven years old now, tall, radiant, and confident. She wore a beautiful lavender flower-girl dress, dropping white orchid petals onto the velvet carpet with a proud, happy smile on her face. As she passed Dante, she gave him a subtle, playful wink. Dante winked back, his heart swelling with fatherly pride.
Then came Mary.
A collective gasp echoed through the cathedral.
Mary looked breathtaking. She wore a simple, elegant ivory silk gown that flowed around her like liquid light, her dark hair styled in soft waves adorned with small pearls. She carried no veil over her face—she walked with her head held high, her dark eyes locked onto the man waiting for her at the altar.
Dante stepped forward to meet her at the base of the altar stairs. He took her hand, his fingers clasping hers tightly, pulling her gently up beside him.
The Cardinal of New York stepped forward, opening the ancient leather scripture book.
“We are gathered here today,” the Cardinal’s voice echoed through the vast marble hall, “to unite two souls who have proven that love, courage, and truth can overcome even the darkest storms.”
When it came time for the vows, Dante turned to Mary, taking both her hands in his.
“Mary,” Dante said, his voice deep and clear, resonating through every corner of the cathedral. “I used to believe that a man’s strength was measured by how many enemies he could defeat. But you and Sophie taught me that true strength is measured by how much love he can build. I vow to protect you, honor you, and love you through every day of our lives. You are my home, my heart, and my queen.”
Mary smiled through her happy tears, her voice steady and true. “Dante, you took us out of the shadows and gave us a life beyond our wildest dreams. I vow to stand by your side, to love you without fear, and to build a home filled with joy, peace, and warmth forever.”
“By the authority vested in me,” the Cardinal declared with a warm smile, “I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!”
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Dante gathered Mary into his arms, lifting her slightly as he kissed her deeply, passionately, as the entire cathedral erupted into thunderous, standing applause.
As they walked back down the aisle arm-in-arm, holding little Sophie’s hand between them, bells rang out across the entire city of New York, announcing the dawn of a new, glorious era.
