Chapter 10
Six months later, the early spring sun washed over the sprawling gardens of the Moretti estate, bringing blooming roses, green lawns, and warm, gentle breezes.
The grand courtyard was filled with soft music, white floral arrangements, and a small, private gathering of close friends, loyal syndicate captains, and household staff. It was a day of celebration—a day that marked the official wedding of Alessandro Moretti and Sophia.
Standing near the marble altar set up near the central fountain was Alessandro.
He was dressed in a pristine, tailored black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and black bow tie. But he was not sitting in his black wheelchair.
Supported by two sleek, custom carbon-fiber canes, Alessandro stood tall, proud, and imposing on his own two feet. His thick black hair was slicked back, his sharp masculine jawline clean, his piercing gray eyes shining with an absolute, triumphant joy. Months of agonizing physical therapy in Switzerland had yielded a miracle—he had reclaimed his strength, walking once more as the undisputed king of Chicago.
The music shifted into a gentle, romantic melody.
Walking down the white carpeted aisle was three-year-old Emma, acting as the flower girl. She wore her signature pale-yellow floral princess dress, her golden-blonde curly hair styled with a large yellow ribbon and white flowers. She giggled brightly as she tossed flower petals onto the path, her small white shoes stepping proudly.
Following behind her was Sophia.
She was breathtakingly beautiful in an exquisite lace wedding gown with a flowing train, her long chestnut-brown hair styled in an elegant updo, her rosy cheeks glowing under the spring sun. She held a bouquet of white roses, her expressive brown eyes locked entirely onto the tall man waiting for her at the end of the aisle.
Alessandro watched her approach, his heart beating with a deep, overwhelming love. When she reached his side, he set his canes aside against the altar rail, holding himself upright with sheer willpower and his unyielding strength. He took both of her delicate hands in his own heavily tattooed hands, looking into her eyes.
"Four years ago, you hid a dying man in your bakery," Alessandro said softly, his deep voice carrying over the quiet breeze. "You gave me shelter, you gave me a daughter, and when I was broken in the dark, you gave me a reason to live again. I swear to protect you, love you, and stand by your side for the rest of my life."
Sophia smiled through tears of pure joy, her hand squeezing his tightly. "You gave me a home, Alessandro. You gave our daughter a father, and you showed me that behind the feared legend of Chicago is a man with the biggest, most protective heart in the world. I am yours, forever."
The priest pronounced them husband and wife under the warm golden sky.
Alessandro leaned down, wrapping his broad arms around Sophia, and kissed her deeply, sealing their vows as the guests erupted into joyous applause.
Emma ran forward, wrapping her tiny arms around both of their legs, her bright blue eyes shining with happiness. "Group hug!"
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Alessandro laughed—a rich, happy sound—and scooped Emma into his arms while keeping one arm wrapped securely around Sophia's waist. They stood together on the sunlit altar, a complete, unbroken family, protected by an empire built not on fear, but on an everlasting, unshakeable love.
As the spring breeze rustled through the blooming rose gardens, the Moretti family stepped forward into a bright, limitless horizon—ready to face whatever the future held, united and untamed, forever.
