Chapter 9 - The King and His QueenThree months later, the Chicago spring sun shone brightly across the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan, reflecting off the towering glass windows of the Lombardi estate.
Inside the grand conservatory, Oliver was laughing loudly as he chased a golden retriever across the manicured lawn, his portable oxygen machine resting easily on a patio table, no longer needed for daily use thanks to the incredible medical care and peace of mind we finally secured.
I stood on the balcony, leaning against the wrought-iron railing, holding a cup of hot coffee.
Footsteps approached from behind—steady, rhythmic, and firm. No cane. No wheelchair.
Strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me gently back against a solid, warm chest. Sebastian rested his chin on my shoulder, breathing in the scent of my hair.
"You're working too hard again," Sebastian murmured, his lips brushing against my neck.
"I'm just reviewing physical therapy schedules for the new foundation we set up," I smiled, turning around in his arms to look up at him. "Opening a free pediatric and trauma rehab center in downtown Chicago was your idea, remember?"
"My way of paying a very small fraction of a karmic debt," Sebastian replied, his dark eyes softening with a warmth that only I ever got to see. "You saved my life, Clare. Not just my legs. You brought a dead man back to the surface."
"I just saw someone who needed help," I whispered, reaching up to trace the faint scar along his jawline.
Sebastian caught my hand, turning my palm upward and pressing a soft, lingering kiss against my wrist.
"The Syndicate board meets this afternoon to ratify the permanent restructuring of the empire," Sebastian said, his expression turning slightly serious. "No more illegal arms, no more blood money. We're transitioning everything into legitimate real estate, logistics, and medical technology funding. And I need someone by my side to lead the board with me."
I raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk touching my lips. "Are you offering the town's most feared physical therapist a seat at the head of the mafia table?"
Sebastian laughed—a deep, rich sound that echoed across the balcony.
"I'm offering the only woman who ever put me in my place a partnership for the rest of our lives," Sebastian said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small velvet box.
He didn't get down on one knee—his pride would never allow it, and frankly, neither would I—instead, he looked straight into my eyes with an intensity that burned brighter than any fire.
"Marry me, Clare," Sebastian said softly. "Rule my world with me."
I looked down at the stunning, flawless diamond ring resting inside the velvet, then up at the man who had terrified a city, only to surrender completely to a mother fighting for her son.
May you like
"Only if I'm the one giving the orders in this house," I smiled.
Sebastian's smile widened, fierce and absolute. "Deal."
