Chapter 4 - The Emerald Transformation
The day of the gala arrived with a quiet intensity. The estate was buzzing with security personnel, heavily armed men checking vehicles and patrolling the grounds.
Inside the master suite of the guest wing, Emma stood in front of a full-length gilded mirror. She felt entirely out of her depth. Two hours ago, three high-end Italian tailors and a team of celebrity stylists had arrived at the estate under armed escort, carrying rolling racks of luxury gowns.
Now, the woman standing in the mirror looked like royalty.
The dress Gabriel had personally selected for her was made of heavy, deep emerald-green silk velvet. It was designed to flatter a full-figured form—with an off-the-shoulder neckline that exposed her soft collarbones, a structured corset bodice that cinched her waist comfortably, and a dramatic, flowing skirt with a tasteful side slit that allowed her to move with grace. Around her neck hung a breathtaking double-strand necklace of natural emeralds and diamonds—a Moretti heirloom worth millions.
Her dark hair was styled in soft, romantic waves pinned back on one side with a diamond clip, highlighting her hazel eyes and radiant skin.
A quiet knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," Emma said nervously.
The door opened, and Gabriel stepped inside. He wore a flawless black tuxedo, looking impeccably handsome, powerful, and dangerous. But as his eyes fell upon Emma, he stopped dead in his tracks.
The feared don of New York stood utterly speechless.
His eyes traveled down the emerald velvet, taking in every soft curve, the warmth of her exposed skin, and the quiet, undeniable majesty she possessed. It wasn't the artificial, starved beauty of the socialite women he was forced to endure at parties; it was a rich, captivating, timeless beauty that took his breath away.
"Emma..." Gabriel’s voice was raspy, stripped of its usual composure.
Emma flushed, looking down at her gloved hands. "Is it too much? I know I don't look like the women you usually take to these things—"
Gabriel crossed the room in three quick strides. He didn't stop until he was standing directly in front of her. He reached out, taking her gloved hands in his, bringing them to his lips to press a warm, lingering kiss against her knuckles.
"You are the most breathtaking woman I have ever seen in my life," Gabriel declared softly, his storm-gray eyes burning with absolute sincerity. "You look like a queen."
Emma’s heart did a violent flip in her chest. "Gabriel... people will talk. They know I was a maid in your house."
"Let them talk," Gabriel sneered softly, his lips curling into a ruthless smile. "Let them look at what is mine and realize they can never touch it."
Downstairs in the sunroom, Lily and Leo were being cared for by a trusted, long-time security officer whom the children adored. As Gabriel and Emma walked down the grand staircase together, Lily looked up from her toys and gasped, pointing her small finger.
"Pretty!" Lily cheered, clapping her hands. "Emma pretty!"
Emma smiled brightly, walking over to kneel—despite the expensive gown—to give both children a gentle hug. "Be good for Marcus, okay? I’ll bring you back some sweet pastries."
"Walk!" Lily said suddenly, pulling herself up on the couch. To demonstrate, she took three steady, unassisted steps toward her father, holding her little arms out. "Look, Papa! I walk for Emma!"
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Gabriel felt a sudden, fierce lump form in his throat. He dropped to one knee, catching his daughter in his arms, holding her tight against his chest before looking up at Emma with a look of profound, eternal gratitude.
"She walks for you," Gabriel whispered, standing up and wrapping his arm firmly around Emma’s waist, pulling her close to his side. "And tonight, I show the world who holds my heart."
