Chapter 14 - The Vows
The priest spoke, but the words faded into the background for both of them.
When it was time for the vows, Lorenzo turned to fully face her.
“Chloe,” he began, his voice rough but carrying clearly across the silent hall. “I spent my life building a fortress to keep the world out. I thought power was the only way to be safe. But then you walked in, late, chaotic, and brilliant, and you tore down my walls with nothing but a pink pen and the truth.”
A soft ripple of laughter moved through the guests.
“You taught me that strength isn't about the fear you command,” Lorenzo continued, his thumb tracing the back of her hand. “It’s about the people you protect. You are my compass, my partner, and my heart. I promise to love you, to honor you, and to never hide a single ledger from you, for the rest of our lives.”
Chloe’s vision blurred with happy tears. She took a breath to steady herself.
“Lorenzo,” she said, her voice shaking slightly before finding its strength. “When I met you, everyone told me to run. They said you were dangerous. But I saw a man who kept photographs of the people he saved. I saw a man who needed someone to look at the numbers, and the truth, and stay.”
She smiled up at him.
“I promise to always stay. I promise to organize your life, to forgive your past, and to build our future. And I promise to try very, very hard not to break anything expensive in our house.”
Lorenzo let out a wet laugh.
“Do you, Lorenzo Rossy, take Chloe Bennett…” the priest asked.
“I do,” Lorenzo said instantly.
“And do you, Chloe Bennett, take Lorenzo Rossy…”
“I do.”
May you like
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Lorenzo pulled her in. It was a kiss of absolute certainty, sealing the end of a dark era and the beginning of a brilliant new one. The room erupted into applause.
