Chapter 9
The wedding of Clara Hayes and Luka Moretti was celebrated six months later at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in downtown Chicago.
It was a stark, beautiful contrast to the nightmare that had unfolded at Saint Jude's Memorial a year prior. The cathedral was packed with hundreds of dignitaries, business partners, family friends, and news media from across the country.
Walking down the long marble aisle on the arm of Marco—who had taken on the role of a protective uncle—I wore a magnificent ivory lace gown with a long cathedral train, carrying a bouquet of white roses and golden baby's breath.
At the altar stood Luka, looking impossibly handsome in a tailored black tuxedo, his hair styled back, his tattoos subtly framing his sharp, breathtaking jawline.
Holding his hand near the altar was little Maya, now a chubby, blue-eyed fourteen-month-old wearing a tiny silk dress, giggling happily as she pointed at her mother walking toward them.
When I reached the altar, Luka took my hands in his, his fingers warm and steady.
"You are the most beautiful sight I have ever seen in my life, Mrs. Moretti," Luka whispered, his eyes shining with unshed tears of deep joy.
"And you are my hero, Mr. Moretti," I replied softly, my heart overflowing with love.
The ceremony was filled with laughter, tears, and solemn promises of eternal devotion. When the cardinal pronounced us husband and wife, Luka pulled me into his arms, dipping me low over his knee as he gave me a long, breathtaking kiss that caused the entire cathedral to burst into thunderous applause.
At the grand reception held in the estate's ballroom later that evening, Luka took the microphone, standing beside me with Maya held securely against his hip.
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"A year ago, I walked into a hospital room to fulfill a promise to a dead friend," Luka told the crowded room, his deep voice resounding through the speakers. "I thought I was just going to save a life. But the truth is... Clara and Maya saved mine. They brought light into a world that was cold and dark. And as long as I breathe, I will protect them with everything I have."
The crowd raised their glasses in a massive toast, cheering for the family that had risen from the ashes of betrayal to claim their rightful throne.
