Chapter 9 - THE WEDDING IN THE SHADOWSSix months later, the private chapel upstate looked less like a wedding and more like a high-security diplomatic summit.
Every major crime family, corporate tycoon, and government official who owed allegiance to the Kane syndicate was in attendance. Men in sharp tuxedos stood rigidly along the perimeter, while federal agents in plainclothes monitored the exits.
Yet, standing at the altar, none of that mattered.
I stood in a breathtaking, custom-tailored ivory gown, my heart hammering against my ribs not with fear, but with pure, unadulterated joy.
Down the aisle, walking as the ring bearer in a miniature tuxedo that matched his father’s, came Noah. He was carrying a velvet pillow with two platinum bands, grinning from ear to ear like he had just won the lottery.
When Noah reached the altar, he handed the pillow to Adrian, looked up at me, and whispered loudly, “See, Dad? I told you she was the best choice!”
Laughter rippled softly through the distinguished crowd. Even Adrian let out a deep, helpless laugh—that same helpless, beautiful laugh I had heard in the hallway six months ago, the one that had started it all.
Adrian turned to me, his gray-blue eyes shining with a depth of emotion that made my breath catch.
“I never believed in fairy tales,” Adrian said softly as the priest motioned for our vows. “I believed in power, control, and survival. And then my six-year-old son pointed at my exhausted secretary in the hallway and told me she should be his mother.”
“Best decision he ever made,” I whispered back, tears pricking the corners of my eyes.
“The best decision of my entire life,” Adrian corrected, sliding the heavy platinum band onto my finger. “I love you, Elena. Forever.”
“I love you too, Adrian. Even when you make me do your spreadsheets.”
May you like
The priest smiled warmly. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Adrian, you may kiss your bride.”
As Adrian pulled me into his arms and kissed me in front of the entire underworld, I knew my life would never be quiet, normal, or safe again—and I wouldn't have traded it for the world.
Related Stories
