Chapter 13 - THE PROMISE KEPT
The wedding was held on a crisp autumn afternoon in the private gardens of the Moretti estate.
There were no flashing cameras from tabloid reporters, no corrupt politicians, and no hidden enemies.
Just a small gathering of trusted friends, loyal guards, and family.
Elena stood beside me as my maid of honor, adjusting the veil of my simple, elegant ivory dress.
Lily acted as the flower girl, scattering white carnations down the stone pathway ahead of us.
As I walked down the aisle on the arm of Vince—who had become head of security and a loyal family friend—I saw Gabriel waiting at the altar.
He wore a tailored black tuxedo, his dark hair swept back, looking every bit the powerful mafia boss he was.
But as our eyes met, all the hardness vanished from his gaze, replaced by an overwhelming warmth and devotion.
When I reached the altar, Gabriel took my hands in his.
They were warm, steady, and strong.
“You look breathtaking,” he whispered softly.
“You clean up nicely yourself,” I whispered back with a smile.
The ceremony was short, beautiful, and deeply personal.
When the officiant pronounced us husband and wife, Gabriel pulled me into his arms and kissed me with all the fierce, unbridled passion of a man who had fought through hell to reach this exact moment.
The applause from the guests echoed across the garden.
Lily ran up, wrapping her arms around Gabriel’s leg.
“Can I call him Daddy now?” she asked loudly, looking up at me.
Gabriel knelt down, lifting her into his arms with a tearful, radiant smile.
“You can call me whatever you want, sweetheart,” Gabriel choked out, kissing her forehead. “But I'm never letting you go.”
Later that evening, during the reception under the glowing string lights of the terrace, I stood by the stone railing looking out over the city skyline.
Gabriel walked up behind me, handing me a glass of sparkling cider.
“Penny for your thoughts, Mrs. Moretti?” he asked playfully.
I leaned my head against his shoulder.
“I was just thinking about Daniel,” I whispered softly. “Do you think he'd be happy for us?”
Gabriel wrapped his strong arms around me, holding me tight against his heart.
“He brought you to me,” Gabriel said softly, pressing a kiss to my hair. “He knew I would spend the rest of my life making sure you were safe, loved, and cherished. He’d be smiling right now.”
May you like
I closed my eyes, letting the peace wash over me.
The shadows of the past were finally gone.
