Chapter 20 - The Queen of Boston
The wedding was small, private, and fiercely protected. They married in the estate’s gardens, under an arch of white lilies and roses that Clara had arranged herself.
Dante, wearing a tuxedo that barely contained his muscles, walked Lily down the aisle as the flower girl. Silvio stood by Julian’s side as his best man.
When Clara walked down the aisle, Julian felt his breath catch. She was radiant. She wasn't just a baker from the East End anymore; she was the woman who had conquered the king of the underworld.
They exchanged vows in the golden light of the afternoon. Julian promised to protect, to cherish, and to build a life worthy of her grace. Clara promised to anchor him, to love him, and to ensure he never faced the dark alone again.
As the priest pronounced them husband and wife, Julian pulled Clara into a kiss that sealed their fates together.
Later that evening, the reception echoed with jazz music and laughter. Julian stood on the balcony, watching his wife dance with his enforcers, while Lily spun in circles on the grass.
May you like
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the crisp linen handkerchief—the same one he had used to wipe the blood from Lily’s cheek the night they met. He held it for a moment, a reminder of the violent past that had brought him his beautiful present.
Then, Julian Vargas let the handkerchief go, watching the wind carry it away into the darkness, leaving only the light behind.
