Chapter 9 - A Vow under the Stars
I walked down the long, flower-draped aisle on the arm of Don Lucchesi, who had proudly offered to walk me down the aisle as a sign of respect and family honor.
At the end of the aisle stood Damiano.
He looked devastatingly handsome in a tailored black velvet tuxedo. His dark eyes were fixed on me with a devotion so pure and fierce that everything else in the room melted away.
When I reached his side, Damiano took my hands in his. His large, warm fingers gently entwined with mine.
The priest began the ceremony, but when it came time for the vows, Damiano stepped forward, taking the microphone himself. He looked out at the room of powerful men and women, then turned his gaze back to me.
"Three years ago," Damiano spoke, his deep voice carrying through the silent hall, "I believed my life was meant to be lived in the shadows. I believed power was measured by fear, and that happiness was a luxury I could never afford."
He looked down at Emma, who stood beside us holding our rings, then looked back into my eyes.
"Then a brave little girl saved my life, and an incredible woman showed me what it truly means to live. Sophia, you gave me a heart. You turned a fortress into a home. I vow to protect you, to honor you, and to love you and Emma with every breath remaining in my body."
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Tears streamed down my cheeks as I slipped the gold band onto his finger. "Damiano, you saved us long before we saved you. You gave us safety, love, and a family. I am yours, today, tomorrow, and forever."
As the priest pronounced us husband and wife, Damiano pulled me into a deep, passionate kiss amid thunderous applause and cheering from the crowd.
