Chapter 9 - The Declaration
Three months after the attack, the city of Chicago had changed forever.
The Montigue family enterprise was completely gone, absorbed into the Blackwood empire. The rogue elements of the underworld had been systematically eradicated, leaving Victor in total, unchallenged control of the region.
But inside the Blackwood estate, the atmosphere was lighter than it had ever been in its fifty-year history.
The damaged marble foyer had been completely renovated, replaced with bright white Italian stone, warm wooden accents, and sprawling family portraits.
It was Ethan’s second birthday.
The mansion was filled with soft music, bright balloons, and the sound of laughter. For the first time, Victor opened his personal home to his top lieutenants and their families—not for a business meeting, but for a celebration.
Ethan was running around the grand living room on his chubby little legs, wearing a tiny black bow tie, dragging a large plush bear behind him, shouting with joy.
Lily stood near the fireplace, wearing a stunning midnight-blue silk gown that complimented her soft eyes and dark hair. She held a glass of sparkling cider, watching Ethan play with Dante’s young daughter.
Victor walked up beside her, wearing a sharp black suit. He slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his side.
Lily leaned into his heat, resting her head against his shoulder. "He's so happy, Victor."
"He's happy because he has a mother who loves him," Victor said quietly.
He turned her in his arms, facing her.
The room grew quiet around them as his lieutenants—Dante, Mikhail, and forty hardened men who ran the city’s underbelly—stopped talking, turning their attention toward their boss.
Victor reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
Lily’s breath caught in her throat. Her hand flew to her mouth.
Victor didn't just open the box. He dropped down on one knee right there on the rug in front of his son, his men, and the woman who had transformed his life.
Inside the box sat a flawless, eight-carat blue diamond ring, surrounded by a halo of platinum stars.
"Lily," Victor said, his baritone voice echoing through the silent room, carrying a warmth and sincerity that brought tears to her eyes. "Two years ago, I thought my life was over. I thought I was destined to live in the dark forever, surrounded by blood and steel."
He looked up at her, his ice-blue eyes shining with pure, unadulterated love.
"Then you walked into this house. You took my broken boy and gave him a heart. You stood in front of monsters for him. And in doing so, you saved me."
Victor took her shaking left hand in his.
"I don't offer you a quiet life, Lily. My world will always have shadows. But I swear on my life, on my son's life, and on everything I own... I will spend every breathing moment protecting you, honoring you, and loving you."
He smiled, a bright, breathtaking smile.
"Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you be the Queen of the Blackwood family?"
Lily wept openly, joy bursting through her chest like a supernova.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice soaring through the room. "Yes, Victor! A thousand times yes!"
The entire room erupted into thunderous applause and cheers. Dante whistled loudly, while Mikhail raised his glass high in a toast.
Victor stood up, sliding the massive ring onto her finger, then pulled Lily into his arms and lifted her off her feet, kissing her deeply as the crowd cheered around them.
Ethan toddled over, grabbing Victor’s pant leg, shouting, "Mama! Papa! Play!"
May you like
Victor laughed, lowering Lily back down, then reached down with his free arm to scoop Ethan up into his chest.
The mafia king stood in the center of his palace, holding his son in one arm and his bride in the other.
