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Chapter 19 - THE UNBREAKABLE VOWThat evening, under a brilliant canopy of winter stars, Matteo led Clara out onto the wrap-around stone balcony overlooking the snow-covered gardens. The estate was silent, peaceful, and entirely secure.

Matteo wrapped his heavy black overcoat around Clara’s shoulders, pulling her close against his chest.

"Three years ago, you slipped on the ice in that courtyard and threw two buckets of water over my dog," Matteo murmured softly into her hair. "Best accident of my life."

Clara laughed, leaning back into his embrace, feeling the steady, powerful beat of his heart. "You didn't think so when you were threatening to feed me to him."

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"I was lying," Matteo whispered, kissing the side of her temple. "I knew the moment I saw you look past his teeth that you belonged here. Not as a maid. Not as a prisoner. As my queen."

Clara turned in his arms, wrapping her hands around his neck, her eyes shining with absolute devotion. "And I'm never leaving."

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