Chapter 10 - The Real Vows
The storm had finally passed.
Six months later, the sun shone brightly through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Julian’s penthouse.
Victoria Sterling was currently serving a thirty-year sentence in a federal penitentiary without the possibility of parole. Arthur Gallagher had taken a plea deal, permanently disgraced and exiled from the business world.
Clara stood in the center of the living room, wearing a simple, elegant white sundress.
Julian walked out of his office, holding the thick manila folder that had started it all. The contract.
“It’s been exactly one year,” Julian said quietly, stopping a few feet away from her.
Clara’s heart hammered in her chest. “It has.”
Julian looked down at the contract. He had given her protection, wealth, and revenge. She had given him back his humanity.
Without a word, Julian took the contract in both hands and ripped it in half. He tore it again, and again, until it was nothing but confetti, letting the pieces fall to the hardwood floor.
“I don't want a contract,” Julian said, stepping into her space, his eyes blazing with absolute devotion. “I don't want a business arrangement. I don't want twenty percent of your company.”
He dropped to one knee. He pulled a small velvet box from his pocket. Inside was a flawless, radiant-cut diamond that caught the sunlight and scattered it across the room.
“I want you, Clara,” Julian murmured, looking up at her with his heart completely bare. “I want the woman who was brave enough to jump into a stranger’s car in the rain. I want the woman who fought for her freedom and taught me how to love. Will you marry me? For real this time? For the rest of our lives?”
Clara dropped to her knees right in front of him, tears of pure joy spilling down her cheeks.
“Yes,” she whispered, throwing her arms around his neck. “Yes, a thousand times, yes.”
Julian let out a breathless laugh, sliding the ring onto her finger before pulling her into a deep, passionate kiss.
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The nightmare was over. The girl who had run out into the rain with nothing had finally found her sanctuary. And the cold, untouchable billionaire had finally found his queen.
They had built their empire on ashes, but their future was made entirely of light.
