Chapter 10 - Dawn of a New EmpireTwo months later, the sun rose over a newly restored Ashford Estate on the North Shore. The scars of the fire had been erased, replaced by modern steel, glass, and reinforced security that made the fortress impenetrable.
On the veranda overlooking Lake Michigan, Marco sat at a sleek mahogany desk, laughing as his private tutor helped him with advanced mathematics.
Inside the grand study, Isla Monroe stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, wearing a simple, elegant white sundress, holding a cup of tea.
Arms wrapped around her waist from behind, strong and warm, pulling her flush against a solid, familiar chest. A soft chin rested gently on her shoulder.
"You're pacing," Dominic murmured into her hair, his voice rich and deep. "Your vitals are elevated."
Isla smiled, leaning back against him, resting her hands over his arms. "I'm not pacing, Ashford. I'm just enjoying the view. Though I must admit... my medical reports show your recovery is officially complete."
Dominic turned her around in his arms, his dark eyes sparkling with a rare, genuine warmth. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box, sliding it open to reveal a diamond ring that shimmered like a star against the morning light.
"The nurse's contract has expired," Dominic whispered, looking down at her with a fierce, unwavering devotion. "Now... I want a lifetime contract. Stay with me, Isla. Rule my world with me."
Isla looked from the ring up into the eyes of the man who had burned down empires just to keep her safe. The terrifying mafia boss, the Phantom King, the man no enemy could break—was completely, irrevocably hers.
"Only on one condition," Isla whispered, a playful smile touching her lips.
"Name it," Dominic replied without a second hesitation.
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"You let me be the boss of your health."
Dominic laughed—a deep, resonant sound that chased away every shadow of the past—and pulled her into a breathless, sweeping kiss as the sun finally broke over the horizon.
