Chapter 9 - the promise on the terrace
Three months later, a brilliant summer sun shone over the manicured lawns of the Moretti estate.
A grand afternoon celebration was underway on the stone terrace overlooking Lake Michigan. White silk canopies, fresh summer flowers, and classical music filled the air as Chicago's top business leaders and family allies gathered to celebrate Dante and Giulia's wedding.
Giulia stood near the stone balustrade wearing a breathtaking white lace bridal gown, her brown hair styled in soft, elegant curls, her fair face radiant with pure happiness.
Standing beside her in a custom black tuxedo was Don Dante Moretti, looking impossibly handsome, his dark eyes filled with absolute, unshakeable devotion as he held her hand.
Down on the sunny lawn, five-year-old Mia ran freely in a pale-pink flower-girl dress, her curly hair catching the summer breeze as she played with her puppy.
Dante reached into his tuxedo pocket, pulling out a small velvet box lined with black silk. He opened the lid, revealing a breathtaking three-carat oval diamond ring sparkling under the warm sun.
He slipped the ring onto Giulia's left ring finger. It fitted perfectly.
"Giulia Bennett," Dante whispered gently, looking into her brown eyes. "I promise to protect you and Mia for every single day of my life."
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Giulia smiled through tears of pure, overwhelming joy, leaning up to kiss him—a deep, sweet, passionate kiss that sealed three years of pain into a promise of forever.
The gathered guests cheered merrily, raising their champagne glasses into the clear blue sky.
