Chapter 7 - The Royal WeddingOne year later.
The Grand Sterling Hotel ballroom had never looked more breathtaking.
Instead of the garish white roses and cheap plastic decorations Nathan had chosen, the grand hall was transformed into a paradise of midnight-blue velvet, cascading orchids, and warm, golden candlelight. The finest orchestra in Europe played softly on the mezzanine, and the guests filling the room were not just local socialites, but international diplomats, high-court judges, and powerful figures from around the globe.
I stood in the private dressing room, staring at my reflection in the massive gilded mirror.
My wedding dress was a masterpiece of French lace and silk, flowing down into a long, dramatic train that shimmered under the chandeliers. Around my neck hung a breathtaking diamond necklace—a Bellardi family heirloom that had been passed down through three generations.
A soft knock sounded at the door, and Dominic walked in.
Custom tuxedos suited him better than any man on Earth. His silver-streaked hair was impeccably groomed, and his grey eyes softened the second he saw me. He stopped in his tracks, staring at me as if I were the only vision in the universe.
“You are breathtaking, my queen,” he murmured, walking over to stand behind me in the mirror. He wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder.
“Are you nervous?” I asked, meeting his gaze in the glass.
“Dominic Bellardi does not get nervous,” he said smoothly, though I felt his hands tighten lovingly around my waist. “Though I am eager to remind the world that you are officially off-limits forever.”
Over the past year, Blake Global Logistics had soared to unprecedented heights. Under my leadership—and with Dominic’s strategic backing—we had expanded into European markets, becoming one of the most successful shipping conglomerates in the world. Nathan Wexler was currently serving his second year in a federal prison, his name completely forgotten by the elite.
I turned around in Dominic’s arms, resting my hands against his broad chest.
“Do you remember what you whispered to me that night at the gala?” I asked softly. “Right before you took my hand and walked me toward Nathan?”
Dominic smiled, a rare, genuine smile that transformed his intimidating face into something intensely warm.
“I remember,” he whispered, leaning down until his lips were hovering just millimeters over mine.
“You whispered, 'Don't look back, little bird. Tonight, you leave the rats behind and learn how to fly with a dragon.'”
“And have you flown?” he asked quietly.
“Every single day,” I answered.
The organ music outside shifted, playing the opening chords of the bridal march. Dominic held out his arm to me, his dark eyes brimming with absolute love and devotion.
“Shall we go show them how a king and queen rule this city?” he asked.
May you like
I took his arm, holding my head high, a confident smile gracing my lips.
“Lead the way, my love.”
