Chapter 9 - A New Dawn
Three months passed since the violent night that changed their lives forever.
The city underworld had completely submitted to Vincent Torino, recognizing his absolute dominance.
Without the Moretti family causing chaos, the streets experienced a rare, extended period of absolute peace.
The Torino mansion was fully repaired, looking more beautiful and vibrant than ever before.
Vincent walked into the grand music room, drawn by the beautiful melody echoing through the halls.
Isabella was sitting at the massive grand piano, playing a classical piece with impressive skill.
She was wearing a beautiful pink dress, her hair braided perfectly with silk ribbons.
She was no longer the starving, terrified child hiding in the dark.
She was radiant, confident, and completely happy.
"That was beautiful, little bird," Vincent smiled, leaning against the doorframe.
Isabella stopped playing and ran over to him, hugging him tightly around his waist.
"Thank you, Papa," she giggled happily.
Vincent felt his heart swell at the word, a word she had started using a month ago.
He stroked her hair gently before sending her off to the kitchen to get a snack.
He walked out to the sunlit terrace, where Carmen was reading a book while sipping expensive tea.
She looked up and smiled, a breathtaking sight that made Vincent’s chest ache with pure joy.
He sat down beside her, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles softly.
"The new shipment arrived safely at the docks this morning," Vincent told her casually.
Carmen closed her book, looking at him with a serious but loving expression.
"Are you truly going to transition the business completely to legitimate shipping?" she asked.
"I am," Vincent nodded firmly, leaving no room for doubt.
"I do not want Isabella growing up in a house guarded by men with machine guns."
"I want to leave her an empire she can be proud of, one built on honest work."
Carmen smiled, leaning over to kiss him deeply, pouring all her love into the gesture.
"You are a good man, Vincent Torino," she whispered against his lips.
"I am a monster who finally found his angels," he corrected her softly.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box.
He did not get down on one knee; that was not his style.
Instead, he opened the box, revealing a massive, flawless diamond ring.
May you like
"Marry me, Carmen," he demanded gently, a mix of an order and a desperate plea.
"Let me protect you and love you for the rest of our lives."
