Chapter 9 - the daughter of the empire
Three months later, a brilliant summer sun shone warm and clear over the manicured lawns of the Caruso estate on Lake Shore Drive.
The grand terrace overlooking Lake Michigan was decorated with white silk ribbons, fresh flowers, and golden balloons for Grace's first birthday celebration.
Classical music drifted through the open doors of the conservatory as Chicago's top community leaders and family allies gathered to honor the young heiress.
Hannah stood near the stone balustrade wearing a breathtaking cream silk dress, her brown hair styled in soft, elegant curls, her fair skin glowing radiantly in the sunlight. She looked beautiful, serene, and completely free of the fear that had guarded her life for a year.
Standing beside her in a tailored navy three-piece suit was Dominic, looking impossibly handsome, his dark eyes filled with deep, unshakeable devotion as he held her hand.
In Dominic's broad arm sat one-year-old Grace, wearing a bright orange party dress with matching cream shoes, her striking gray eyes with their faint gold rings sparkling under the bright sky as she giggled happily, reaching for Dominic's dark tie.
Don Carmine raised his glass of champagne toward the terrace. "To Lady Grace Caruso... daughter of Julian, princess of our family... and to Don Dominic and Lady Hannah, who protected our bloodline!"
The gathered guests cheered merrily, raising their glasses into the clear sky.
Dominic looked down at Hannah, offering a warm, genuine smile—a smile that transformed his rugged features—and leaned in to place a soft, loving kiss on her cheek.
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"Thank you, Dominic," Hannah whispered softly, tears of pure happiness touching her eyes. "For giving us a home."
"You are my home, Hannah," Dominic murmured gently, pulling her and baby Grace tightly against his chest.
