Chapter 10 - THE KING AND HIS QUEEN
One year later.
The Cathedral of St. Patrick in Manhattan was filled to capacity with over eight hundred guests. Flowers in shades of cream, blush, and white lined the grand aisle, filling the vast stone cathedral with a divine scent.
The city's political elite, business leaders, international associates, and ordinary citizens from the riverfront community sat together in the wooden pews, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
At the altar stood Luca Moretti.
He looked breathtakingly handsome in a bespoke black tuxedo, his dark hair styled back, his gray eyes fixed on the massive oak doors at the back of the cathedral. Beside him stood Marco Vance, serving as his best man, smiling with quiet pride.
The grand organ struck a deep, triumphant chord that vibrated through the stone floor.
The heavy doors opened.
First came little Mia Bennett—now four years old—wearing a miniature white ballgown with a flower crown in her blonde curls. She walked down the long red aisle with complete confidence, tossing rose petals from a silver basket, smiling proudly at the guests.
And then came Elena.
A collective gasp swept through the cathedral.
Elena was radiant. She wore a hand-embroidered lace gown that flowed around her like water, her long brown hair styled in soft waves beneath a sweeping cathedral veil. She held a bouquet of white peonies, her brown eyes fixed solely on the man standing at the end of the aisle waiting for her.
As her father had passed away years ago, she walked down the aisle alone—strong, independent, and proud—a queen stepping up to meet her king.
Luca felt a lump form in his throat as she reached the altar. He stepped down to take her hand, his fingers clasping hers with a gentle, firm squeeze that communicated a lifetime of promises.
"You look breathtaking," Luca whispered softly.
"I love you," she replied, her eyes shining with tears of joy.
The Cardinal stepped forward, raising his hands to begin the sacred ceremony.
Twenty minutes later, after the vows had been spoken and the rings exchanged, the Cardinal looked out at the assembly.
"By the authority vested in me," the Cardinal announced, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Luca, you may kiss your bride."
Luca didn't hesitate. He pulled Elena gently into his arms, dipping her slightly as he kissed her with deep, passionate devotion.
The cathedral exploded into thunderous applause, cheers, and standing ovations.
Outside on the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral, the afternoon sun shone brightly over Fifth Avenue. Crowds of onlookers had gathered behind the velvet ropes, cheering as the newly married couple emerged into the sunlight.
Photographers' flashes exploded like a thousand tiny stars.
Luca stood on the top step, holding Elena’s hand tightly in his right hand, while holding Mia securely on his left hip.
The three of them looked out at the cheering crowd, at the bright blue sky above the city, and at the endless future stretching before them.
Luca looked down at the little girl in his arms, who was holding her small white handbag and wearing a tiny toy crown.
"Well, Boss Mia," Luca said with a warm grin, "what do you think?"
Mia looked out at the cheering city, then looked at her mother's glowing face, and finally looked into the strong, loving eyes of the man who had become her father.
She wrapped her small arms around Luca's neck and rested her cheek against his shoulder.
"I think you're the best boss ever, Daddy," Mia whispered.
May you like
Luca closed his eyes, holding his family tight against his heart, knowing that the empire he had built meant nothing compared to the priceless treasure he held in his arms.
THE END
