Chapter 9 - A NEW CHAPTER
Six months later.
The spring sun shone brightly over the gardens of the Carver estate, blooming with white roses and vibrant lavender.
The estate was hosting the annual spring gala for the Carver Relief Fund—not a secret mafia gathering, but a public, celebrated event attended by the city's mayor, business leaders, community organizers, and families who had been helped by the foundation.
Claire stood near the fountain, wearing a breathtaking emerald-green evening gown that hugged her rich curves perfectly. Her dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and on her left hand, the flawless diamond wedding ring sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight.
She was surrounded by three female university students who had just received full four-year medical school scholarships from the fund.
"Thank you so much, Mrs. Carver," one of the young women cried softly, hugging Claire tightly. "This changes everything for my family."
"You earned it yourself," Claire smiled warmly, squeezing her hands. "Now go out there and become incredible doctors."
As the students walked toward the buffet table, a large, warm hand settled gently against the small of Claire's back.
She turned to look at Dominic.
He looked impossibly handsome in a crisp black tuxedo, his hair neatly styled, his face filled with an open, proud smile that he no longer bothered to hide from the world.
"You're glowing tonight, my love," Dominic whispered into her ear, leaning down to press a soft kiss against her neck.
"It's a good night," Claire smiled, resting her hand against his broad chest. "We raised over two million dollars in private donations tonight."
"I know," Dominic smiled softly. "I was the one who made the opening bid."
Claire laughed, shaking her head. "You are supposed to let the other donors win sometimes, Dominic."
"I don't like losing," he purred, his arm sliding around her waist, pulling her close against his side. "Especially when it comes to supporting my wife."
Marcus walked up to them, holding a glass of champagne, bowing his head respectfully to Claire. "Mrs. Carver, the mayor is asking if you would give the keynote address before dinner."
"I'll be right there, Marcus," Claire nodded.
As Marcus walked away, Dominic pulled Claire around to face him, his dark eyes searching hers.
"Are you happy, Claire?" he asked softly, a rare flicker of quiet vulnerability touching his tone. "Is this the life you wanted?"
Claire looked around at the vibrant, laughing crowd, the open iron gates, the bright spring flowers, and finally back into the deep, passionate eyes of the man who had torn down his own dark walls to build a sunlit future for her.
"I have everything I ever wanted, Dominic," Claire whispered, reaching up to adjust his black bow tie. "Except one thing."
Dominic narrowed his eyes in playful suspicion. "What did I forget to buy you?"
Claire took his hand and placed it gently over her stomach.
"You didn't forget anything," Claire smiled, tears of joy welling in her eyes. "We're going to need to convert the west wing office into a nursery by October."
Dominic froze.
The legendary mafia boss who had controlled the entire underworld of Chicago without blinking stood completely motionless, his jaw dropping in utter shock.
"A... a baby?" Dominic whispered, his voice trembling like a boy's.
May you like
"A baby," Claire confirmed, laughing through her happy tears.
Dominic didn't say a word. He wrapped his massive arms around her, lifting her completely off her feet, spinning her around in the sunlight while the gala guests applauded and cheered around them.
