Chapter 6 - The Queen of New York
Six months later.
The rain in New York City fell in a soft, steady drizzle, washing the autumn leaves across the pavements of Manhattan.
The grand reopening of Celia’s Kitchen—formerly Mel’s Diner—was the talk of the city. Politicians, artists, neighborhood regulars, and high-society elites packed the newly expanded restaurant, which maintained its warm, welcoming soul while boasting world-class cuisine.
Behind the counter, laughing with Leo as he stole a fresh strawberry from the pastry display, stood Celia. She wore a tailored black apron over a simple white shirt, looking completely at home.
Outside the diner, a sleek black Suburban idled by the curb.
The door opened, and Vincent Romano stepped out into the rain, holding an umbrella. He walked inside, shaking the drops from his shoulders before his dark, piercing eyes locked onto Celia across the room.
The regular patrons discreetly lowered their gazes, giving the feared syndicate boss the quiet space he commanded—though everyone in the city now knew that the untouchable Vincent Romano answered to only one person in this restaurant.
Vincent walked behind the counter, ignoring the customers, and stopped right in front of her.
He reached out, his warm, strong fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, exactly as he had done in the penthouse months ago.
“You’ve been working for fourteen hours straight,” Vincent noted, a rare, genuine smile breaking across his stern face.
“Running an empire is hard work, Mr. Romano,” Celia teased softly, leaning into his touch.
Vincent chuckled, his hand sliding down to interlock his fingers with hers. He pulled her close against his chest, the warmth of his embrace grounding her completely.
“The empire can wait,” Vincent whispered against her hair, his voice dropping into a low, intimate hum. “Come home, Celia.”
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Celia smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck as Leo ran up and grabbed both of their hands, laughing as the rain drummed a gentle, peaceful rhythm against the glass outside.
She had found a boy bleeding in a dark alley in Hell’s Kitchen. She had made one phone call that shook the underworld to its core. And in return, she hadn't just found a family—she had found a kingdom.
