Chapter 10 - The Queen of Moretti
Six months later.
The summer sun beamed down on the sprawling manicured lawns of the Moretti estate, turning the rose gardens into a vibrant sea of crimson and gold.
The heavy, dark energy that used to haunt the halls of the mansion was completely gone, replaced by the sounds of jazz music floating from the terrace, the clinking of champagne glasses, and warm laughter echoing through the open French doors.
It was our wedding day.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in the master suite, smoothed down the delicate lace of my white gown, and smiled at my reflection. My hair was styled in soft waves, anchored by a delicate diamond tiara, and on my left hand, the crimson ruby caught the sunlight, blazing like a drop of liquid fire.
The door clicked open, and Raphael stepped inside wearing a crisp tuxedo, holding two glasses of vintage champagne.
"You look stunning, Lucy," Raphael said, handing me a glass with a warm, brotherly smile. "Though I have to admit, it's strange seeing you in white lace instead of a maid's apron."
"I think I prefer the lace," I laughed, taking a sip. "How is he doing downstairs?"
"Dominic?" Raphael chuckled, shaking his head. "He's terrifying the priest by pacing back and forth across the altar every ten seconds. He's more nervous today than he was during the High Council purge."
"Good," I smiled, setting my glass down. "It builds character."
Raphael offered me his arm. "Ready to become the most powerful woman in Chicago?"
"I'm ready to marry the man I love," I corrected gently, slipping my arm through his. "The empire is just a bonus."
We walked down the grand marble staircase, past the east wing landing where everything had changed, and out onto the sun-drenched terrace.
Two hundred guests stood up as I appeared—syndicate bosses, city officials, local allies, and household staff who had become like family to me. But I didn't see any of them.
My eyes locked onto Dominic.
He stood beneath an archway of white roses, wearing a fitted black tuxedo that made him look impossibly handsome. His dark eyes watched me walk down the aisle with a raw, reverence-filled intensity that made my heart leap in my chest. There were no bandages, no blood, and no trembling hands today—only a king waiting for his queen.
When I reached the altar, Dominic took my hand in his, his large fingers closing securely around mine.
"You are breathtaking," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"You look pretty good yourself, Mr. Moretti," I teased softly.
The priest began the ceremony, his words drifting over the quiet garden. When it came time for the vows, Dominic didn't read from a prepared card. He looked directly into my eyes, holding both my hands in his.
"Lucy," he said, his voice carried clearly across the silent crowd. "In a world made of shadows, blood, and deceit, you were the light that showed me the way back to humanity. You saved my life, you conquered my heart, and you gave me a reason to build a peaceful future. I give you my heart, my life, and my empire, without condition, for as long as I live."
Tears blurted my vision as I squeezed his hands back.
"Dominic," I said softly, my voice steady and true. "I took a job in this house nineteen days before my world changed forever. I came looking for a paycheck, but I found a man worth standing beside through every storm. I promise to love you, protect you, and keep you honest—no matter how many silver candlesticks it takes."
A ripple of laughter swept through the crowd, Raphael shook his head with a broad grin.
"By the power vested in me," the priest announced, smiling warmly, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Dominic didn't wait a second. He pulled me into his arms, dipping me slightly as his lips met mine in a deep, passionate kiss that drew thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd.
When he lifted me back up, resting his forehead against mine, he whispered softly against my lips, "You're officially stuck with me now, Mrs. Moretti."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," I replied, holding him close.
May you like
We turned to face our guests, walking hand-in-hand down the rose-petal aisle into the brilliant sunshine of our new life.
The dangerous maid and the terrifying mob boss—a match forged in poison, blood, and bullet holes, bound forever by a love that no shadow could ever touch again.
