Chapter 10 - The vow of the baron
Two months later.
The grand kitchen of the Baron estate was bathed in bright, warm morning sunlight. The mansion had been restored, but the atmosphere had changed entirely. The dark shadows were gone.
Elias stood by the marble island, pouring two cups of fresh coffee. He wore a simple black T-shirt that clung to his muscular frame and displayed his intricate tattoos, paired with dark lounge pants. The light stubble on his jaw gave him a rugged, peaceful look. The old syndicate regime had been completely dismantled. Elias had taken absolute control, purging the traitors and reshaping his empire into a legitimate, untouchable enterprise.
Footsteps echoed softly from the hallway. Adeline walked into the kitchen. She wasn't wearing a purple maid uniform. She wore a stunning, flowing white sundress that perfectly complemented her dark brown hair and rosy complexion. She looked radiant, rested, and profoundly happy.
She walked up behind Elias, wrapping her arms around his broad waist, pressing her cheek against his strong back.
Elias turned around, a deeply masculine, tender smile on his face. He handed her a cup of coffee and leaned down to kiss her forehead.
“How is he doing?” Elias asked softly.
“Noah’s reading in the library,” Adeline smiled, taking a sip of her coffee. “He said to tell you he beat your high score in chess on the computer.”
Elias chuckled, a rich, warm sound that filled the kitchen. “I’ll have to humble him later.”
Adeline set her mug down and looked up into the eyes of the man who had turned her world upside down. He was no longer the frightening mafia boss watching her from the shadows. He was her protector, her partner, and the center of her new world.
Elias reached out, his large, tattooed hand gently tracing her jawline. He pulled a small velvet box from his pocket and set it on the marble counter between them.
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“Ten years ago, your father saved a drowning boy,” Elias said, his voice thick with emotion and absolute certainty. “Two months ago, you saved a broken king. I don't want you to be my guest anymore, Adeline. I want you to be my equal.”
Adeline looked at the velvet box, tears of pure joy shining in her beautiful eyes. She didn't need to open it to know her answer. She reached up, pulling his tall frame down to meet her lips, sealing a vow that neither time, nor shadows, nor empires could ever break.
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