Chapter 19
The wedding was small, private, and held in the grand gardens of the Moretti estate. There were no rival capos, no corrupt politicians, and no forced alliances. Only a few trusted lieutenants, the estate staff, and a small string quartet playing softly in the background.
Rachel wore a simple, elegant white silk gown, her brown hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders. She looked radiant, the tired, haunted look completely vanished from her eyes.
Lily walked down the aisle before her, wearing a new pale yellow lace dress, dropping white carnation petals onto the stone path.
Gabriel stood at the altar, looking more terrified than he had facing a dozen armed men in a slaughterhouse. He wore a crisp black tuxedo, the silver signet ring shining on his hand. When he saw Rachel walking toward him, all the tension drained from his broad shoulders, replaced by a profound, overwhelming awe.
They exchanged simple vows, promising loyalty, protection, and a love forged in the fires of a brutal world. When Gabriel slipped the vintage diamond ring onto Rachel’s finger, his hand trembled slightly.
"I promise to protect you," Gabriel whispered, only for her to hear.
"I promise to keep you human," Rachel whispered back, a tear slipping down her cheek.
May you like
Gabriel kissed her, a gentle, reverent seal on their new life. The small crowd erupted into applause, and Lily ran up to them, throwing her small arms around Gabriel’s legs.
Gabriel scooped the little girl up, holding her tightly against his chest, while wrapping his other arm around his new wife. He looked out over the gardens, his dark eyes reflecting the golden afternoon light. He had traded his solitary throne for a family, and he knew, with absolute certainty, that it was the greatest victory of his life.
