Chapter 6 - A New Dawn
One year later.
The Moretti estate was bathed in the warm, golden light of a perfect summer afternoon. The twenty-foot ceilings of the dining room no longer felt cold or imposing; they were decorated with hundreds of white roses, cascading wisteria, and twinkling fairy lights.
The guest list was exclusive, but the atmosphere was entirely different from the sterile, tense dinners of the past. There were no corrupt politicians or ruthless mobsters looking to trade favors. Only Gabriel’s truest, most loyal men, their families, and the people who genuinely cared for the couple.
Gabriel stood at the end of the aisle in the estate's grand ballroom, wearing a flawless, custom-tailored tuxedo. His hair was brushed back, and though his expression was calm, his eyes were locked on the grand double doors.
The music shifted to a beautiful, sweeping orchestral melody.
The doors opened.
Elena walked in, escorted by Marco, who had proudly offered to walk her down the aisle. She looked breathtakingly beautiful. Her wedding gown was made of soft, flowing lace that caught the light with every step. She wore no heavy, ostentatious diamonds—only a delicate pearl necklace and a radiant smile that lit up the entire room.
The pink scar on her arm was completely hidden by the elegant long sleeves of her dress, but even if it hadn't been, she wouldn't have cared. It was a reminder of the day her life had changed forever—the day her prince had shed his monster's skin to protect her.
Gabriel took her hand as she reached the altar, his fingers intertwining with hers perfectly.
The vows were short, sincere, and deeply emotional. When it came time for the rings, Gabriel reached into his pocket.
He didn't produce a heavy, dark titanium ring, nor did he choose a cold, boastful diamond designed to show off status. Instead, he slipped a beautiful, intricate gold band laced with a single, brilliant emerald onto her finger—the color of life, growth, and new beginnings.
"I give you my name, my heart, and my life," Gabriel said, his voice echoing clearly through the hall. "I promise to honor you, to cherish you, and to spend every day of my life making sure you know how loved you are."
Elena’s eyes welled with happy tears as she slipped an identical gold band onto his finger. "And I promise to love you for exactly who you are, Gabriel. To be your peace, your home, and your sanctuary."
"By the authority vested in me," the minister smiled, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Gabriel, you may kiss your bride."
Gabriel didn't hesitate. He pulled Elena close, his arm wrapping securely around her waist as he dipped her slightly, pressing his lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss.
The room erupted into cheers and applause. Marco clapped loudly, a rare, genuine smile breaking across his scarred face. The staff, who now loved Elena like a sister, cheered from the balconies.
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As they walked down the aisle hand-in-hand, Gabriel looked down at his new wife. The shadows of his past were finally gone, replaced by the bright, beautiful future they were going to build together.
The maid had become the queen, and the mafia boss had finally found his soul.
