Chapter 10 - THE DON'S HEART
One year later.
The annual Marcelli Charity Gala was being held at the grand Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago. Hundreds of the city's most influential figures, politicians, and business moguls filled the crystal-lit ballroom.
At the center of the room stood Elena Vulkoff.
She wore an exquisite royal blue silk gown that complemented her brilliant eyes, her blonde hair styled in an elegant, soft updo. She spoke with grace, confidence, and authority as she addressed the crowd about the newly launched Vulkoff Pediatric Foundation, which had already funded over two hundred life-saving surgeries for low-income children across the state.
Sitting in the front row, holding a healthy, energetic six-year-old Leo on his lap, was Vincent Marcelli.
The Moretti syndicate was gone—dismantled and driven completely out of the state six months prior. The Marcelli empire was cleaner, stronger, and more respected than ever before.
As the applause erupted throughout the hall, Elena walked down the stage steps.
Leo squirmed out of Vincent’s lap and ran toward her, hugging her waist. "You were great, Mommy!"
"Thank you, my brave boy," Elena smiled, kissing his forehead before looking up at Vincent, who stepped forward to meet her.
Vincent looked at her with an expression of pure, unadulterated devotion.
"You took over that room," Vincent murmured, leaning down to lightly press his lips against hers in front of the entire Chicago high society.
"I had a good teacher," Elena smiled, her fingers gently playing with the collar of his tuxedo.
Vincent reached into his breast pocket, pulling out a small velvet box—a box far different from the one he had given her in the dining room a year ago.
He dropped to one knee right there in the center of the grand ballroom.
Gasps echoed through the wealthy crowd. The cold, untouchable Don Marcelli was kneeling once again.
"Elena," Vincent said softly, his deep voice carrying a warmth that captivated every ear in the room. "One year ago, I followed a shadow into the rain, expecting to find a threat. Instead, I found the light that saved my soul."
Elena’s eyes filled with happy tears, her hand flying to her lips.
"You and Leo gave this house a heart," Vincent continued, his gray eyes shining with profound emotion. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, my partner, and the queen of my life?"
Leo jumped up and down excitedly. "Say yes, Mommy! Say yes so we can live in the big house forever!"
The entire ballroom erupted into laughter and cheers.
Elena smiled down at the man who had pulled her out of the darkness, who had protected her child, and who had loved her with a fierce, unwavering devotion.
May you like
"Yes, Vincent," Elena wept softly, sliding her arms around his neck as he stood up. "A thousand times, yes."
Vincent lifted her up, swinging her lightly as his mouth met hers in a passionate, beautiful kiss, while the applause rang out like thunder, lighting up a bright, limitless future together under the Chicago sky.
