Chapter 7 - Sunrise Over the Lake
Six months later, the summer sun rose over Lake Michigan, painting the water in brilliant shades of amber, rose, and gold.
The rooftop terrace of the penthouse overlooking the lake was decorated with delicate white orchids, flickering fairy lights, and an intimate gathering of close friends, trusted business associates, and loyal allies who had stood by us through the fire. There were no underworld threats, no secret meetings in dark rooms, and no fear.
I stood before the floor-to-ceiling mirror in my dressing room, smoothing the layers of a flowing, elegant ivory silk dress. My reflection showed a woman who was strong, radiant, and completely unbreakable.
A soft knock sounded at the door, and it slowly opened.
Dominic stood in the doorway, wearing a sharp, custom-tailored black tuxedo that hugged his broad shoulders to perfection. When his dark eyes landed on me, the cold, impenetrable mafia boss completely melted away, replaced by a raw, breathtaking devotion that made my breath catch.
"You look..." Dominic searched for the right word as he walked across the room, stopping just inches away. "Words don't do you justice, Harper."
"Good thing you don't have to write a speech then," I teased gently, resting my hands against the lapels of his jacket, feeling the steady, strong beat of his heart beneath my palms.
Dominic gently cupped my cheek, his thumb tracing my cheekbone with infinite tenderness. "Six months ago, you walked into the wrong door of a downtown nightclub and completely upended my entire world."
"And you locked the door behind me and trapped me in your life," I reminded him with a soft laugh.
"Best decision I ever made," Dominic murmured. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. When he popped it open, a stunning diamond ring—sparkling like the city lights over the river—caught the morning sun. "I don't offer empty promises, Harper. I don't give you a fairy tale built on lies like the one you left behind. What I offer you is absolute loyalty, unbreakable protection, and a love that will weather any storm this city throws at us. Will you marry me?"
Tears of pure, overwhelming joy stung my eyes. I didn't hesitate for a single second.
"Yes," I whispered, throwing my arms around his neck and pressing my lips against his. "Yes, a million times yes."
When we finally broke apart, Dominic slipped the ring onto my finger, sealing our promise under the warm morning light.
May you like
Hand in hand, we walked out onto the sunlit terrace where our guests awaited us. As the applause and cheers washed over us like a warm wave, I looked out over the sparkling expanse of Lake Michigan and smiled.
Caleb’s betrayal had been a storm meant to destroy me. Instead, it had blown me straight into the arms of the only man who knew how to weather every storm by my side. And as the sun climbed higher into the Chicago sky, our happily ever after was just beginning.
