Chapter 9 - the golden sanctuary
Six months later, a brilliant summer sun shone warm and clear over the manicured lawns of the Moretti estate on Lake Shore Drive.
The dark clouds that had shadowed the family were completely gone. Marcus Vance was serving a life sentence in federal maximum-security prison, the shipping docks were thriving under Dominic's clean administration, and peace had returned to the mansion.
Out on the sunlit stone terrace overlooking the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan, seven-month-old Baby Leo sat on a plush blanket on the grass, wearing a bright cream outfit, giggling happily as he reached his chubby hands toward a small golden retriever puppy Dominic had bought for him. He was healthy, strong, and rosy-cheeked, his dark eyes sparkling with joy.
Sitting at a white wrought-iron table on the terrace were Clara and Dominic.
Clara looked breathtakingly beautiful in a simple white silk dress, her long brown hair flowing loose over her shoulders, her fair skin glowing in the sunlight. She looked radiant, peaceful, and completely free of the grief that had guarded her heart for years.
Standing beside her in a sleek navy suit was Dominic, looking impossibly handsome, his dark eyes filled with deep, absolute love.
Dominic reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small black velvet box lined with silk. He opened the lid, revealing a breathtaking three-carat oval diamond ring sparkling brilliantly under the warm sun.
He took Clara's hand, gently slipping the ring onto her left ring finger.
"Clara Vance," Dominic whispered softly, his deep voice thick with raw, profound emotion. "You saved my son's life... and you brought the light back into my heart. Will you marry me and make this house our home forever?"
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Clara smiled through tears of pure, overwhelming happiness, leaning up to kiss him—a deep, sweet, passionate kiss that sealed their love forever. "Yes, Dominic! Yes!"
Down on the lawn, Baby Leo let out a joyful giggle, clapping his tiny hands as the warm summer breeze swept across the terrace.
