Chapter 6 - The Promise on the WaterThe evening sun dipped below the horizon, turning the skies over Lake Minnetonka into a sweeping tapestry of rose, gold, and deep sapphire.
Leo stepped up to our table carrying a silver tray holding two crystal glasses of vintage champagne.
"For Don Leandro and Donna Clare Vitali," Leo smiled warmly, offering a respectful bow before stepping back toward the house.
I picked up the crystal glasses, handing one to Leandro, clinking my glass gently against his under the warm twilight.
"To the man who danced with me when the whole world was watching," I toasted softly, my hazel eyes fixed entirely on his face.
"To the woman who loved my scars before she even knew my name," Leandro smiled back, taking a slow, unhurried sip of the rich, sweet wine.
He set his glass down, wrapping his broad arm securely around my waist, pulling me flush against his solid frame, holding me close as the cool night breeze rustled through the pine trees.
"Look at the water, Clare," Leandro murmured into my hair. "It's calm."
"It's calm because we're home, Leandro," I whispered back, leaning my head comfortably against his broad shoulder, feeling his heart beat strong and steady beneath his suit.
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There were no cruel socialites laughing at dinner tables. There were no fake promises made by arrogant men. There were no tears swallowed in quiet cubicles.
The lonely, underestimated girl was dead forever. The sovereign matriarch had claimed her throne.
