Chapter 9 - The truth of the heart
The air in the office crackled with a magnetic, undeniable tension. Dominic reached out, gently taking the letter from her hands and setting it on the desk. He took both of her hands in his, holding them firmly.
“For the past year, I lived in shadows,” Dominic confessed, his deep voice vibrating with absolute sincerity. “I thought power was the only thing that mattered. But when I saw you shielding Grace on the sidewalk that day... when I saw the fierce, beautiful strength in your eyes... you brought me back to life, Hannah.”
Hannah’s heart raced. She had fallen deeply, completely in love with the legendary Mafia Boss, but she had never dared to believe a man like him could love a former maid.
“Dominic, I’m just—”
“You are everything,” Dominic interrupted fiercely, refusing to let her diminish herself. “You are the strongest woman I have ever known. You survived the streets. You survived Silas. You brought light into my dark world. I don't want you to be a guest in this house, Hannah. I want you to be my equal. I want you to be my wife.”
Hannah gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as tears of pure, overwhelming joy flooded her eyes.
Dominic didn't drop to one knee. He was a king, and he wanted his queen standing right beside him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a stunning, flawless diamond ring. He slipped it onto her trembling finger, the diamonds catching the light of the chandelier perfectly.
“Will you stay with me, Hannah?” Dominic asked, his voice dropping to a rough, vulnerable whisper. “Will you let me love you and Grace for the rest of my life?”
May you like
Hannah couldn't speak. She threw her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder, sobbing with absolute happiness. Dominic wrapped his massive, muscular arms around her waist, lifting her off the ground as he buried his face in her soft brown hair, holding her as if he would never let her go.
When he finally set her down, he leaned in and kissed her. It was a kiss forged in fire, survival, and deep, profound devotion. Hannah kissed him back with all the love she had held in her heart, knowing that her days of running were finally over.
