Chapter 6 - The Crown We ShareSix months later, the spring sun over Chicago was warm and bright, turning the blue waters of Lake Michigan into a glittering sheet of diamonds.
The grand ballroom of the Marino Estate was transformed into a breathtaking sea of white roses, crystal chandeliers, and soft orchestral music. It was an event that brought together the highest echelons of Chicago’s financial elite and the untouchable heads of the syndicate underworld.
And tonight was our wedding.
I stood in front of the massive gilded mirror in the bridal suite, staring at my reflection. The white silk and lace of my custom designer gown hugged my curves flawlessly, cascading down in a stunning, effortless train. My veil caught the warm afternoon light, framing a face that no longer carried the shadow of self-doubt, invisibility, or shame.
The heavy door opened behind me, and Gabriel stepped into the room.
He wore a bespoke tuxedo, his black bow tie slightly undone, looking devastatingly handsome. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw me, his dark eyes darkening with an intensity that took my breath away.
He crossed the room in three long strides, wrapping his arms securely around my waist from behind, pulling me flush against his chest and burying his face in the crook of my neck.
“You take my breath away,” Gabriel whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
I turned around in his embrace, wrapping my arms around his neck, looking up into his obsidian eyes.
“Not bad for the fat girl from the basement, huh?” I teased softly, a playful smile touching my lips.
Gabriel’s expression instantly turned fierce. He gripped my waist a little tighter, his gaze burning straight into mine.
“Never call yourself that again,” Gabriel commanded gently, pressing his forehead against mine. “You were never small, Clara. They were just too blind, too selfish, and too stupid to realize what kind of queen they were throwing away.”
A soft knock echoed at the door, and one of Gabriel’s guards announced, “Mr. Marino, Mrs. Marino. The guests are seated. It’s time.”
Gabriel pulled back just enough to offer me his arm, his obsidian eyes shining with a profound, unyielding devotion.
“Ready to face your kingdom?” he asked softly.
I placed my hand in the crook of his arm, my heels clicking firmly against the floor as I smiled up at the man who had pulled me out of the dark and handed me the world.
May you like
“Let’s go,” I said.
We walked out of the suite together, stepping into the brilliant light, ready to rule an empire built not on fear, but on the unbreakable strength of a woman who finally took her rightful throne.
