Chapter 19 - The Vows We Make“I chose this cage, Dante,” Clara stated firmly, refusing to let him wallow in guilt.
“You didn't force me to love you, and you didn't force me to love Julian.”
She reached up and cupped his rough, scarred cheeks in her soft hands.
“I am not a fragile glass doll that needs to be hidden away.”
“I am going to stand by your side and help you carry the weight of this empire.”
Dante looked at her with an expression of pure, unadulterated worship.
He pulled her into a slow, devastating kiss that erased every lingering doubt in his mind.
The next day, the sun broke through the eternal Boston gloom, bathing the coastal estate in golden light.
Clara walked down an aisle of white roses, wearing a custom silk gown that cost more than a house.
Julian walked ahead of her, proudly carrying the rings on a velvet pillow.
Dante stood at the altar, looking like a dark god in his flawless black tuxedo.
When Clara reached him, he took her hand with a gentleness that defied his violent nature.
The priest read the traditional vows, but Dante added his own.
“I vow to protect you with my last breath, and to lay my empire at your feet,” Dante promised smoothly.
Clara smiled, sliding the platinum band onto his finger.
“I vow to be your light in the dark, and to patch you up when you do something stupid,” she whispered.
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The small crowd of loyal family and terrifying mafia captains chuckled respectfully.
Dante kissed his bride, sealing a pact forged in blood and bound by undeniable love.
