Chapter 9 - The Vows of Stone and Rose
Six months later.
The private chapel on the high cliffs of the estate overlooked the sparkling waters of the Hudson River. The afternoon sky was a brilliant, cloudless blue, filled with the warm sunshine of late spring.
White roses covered the stone altar, filling the air with a sweet, intoxicating fragrance.
Sitting in the carved wooden pews were fifty of Nathan's closest associates, Viktor, Evelyn Vance, and several high-ranking community leaders who had come to pay their respects to the boss of the Northeast territory.
I stood at the back of the chapel, wearing a simple, breathtaking gown of ivory silk that flowed around my feet like water. My dark hair was styled in soft waves, pinned back with a delicate pearl comb. In my hands, I held a bouquet of white gardenias and red roses.
Beside me, holding eighteen-month-old Rose in his arms, was Viktor, who was wearing a immaculate black tuxedo. Rose wore a tiny matching ivory dress, a small floral wreath resting on her dark curls, her giggles echoing softly through the quiet chapel.
"You look beautiful, Mrs. Brooks," Viktor said quietly, his sharp face softening into a genuine smile. "Or should I say, Lady Cross."
"Thank you, Viktor," I smiled, reaching out to adjust Rose’s floral wreath. "For everything."
The pipe organ began to play a soft, sweeping melody.
The heavy oak doors of the chapel swung open.
I took a deep breath, stepped onto the stone aisle, and walked toward the altar.
Standing at the front of the chapel was Nathan.
He looked impossibly handsome in a custom dark charcoal tuxedo, his broad shoulders squared, his hair neatly styled. The cold, ruthless killer who had terrified the city was nowhere to be seen. In his eyes was only a blazing, devotion-filled warmth that took my breath away.
As I reached the altar, Nathan stepped forward, taking my hand in his. His grip was warm, strong, and steady—an anchor that grounded me completely.
The elderly priest smiled at us, raising his hands in blessing. "We are gathered here today in the presence of God and these witnesses to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony."
When it came time for the vows, Nathan turned to face me, taking both of my hands in his.
"Elena," Nathan spoke, his deep voice carrying clearly through the silent chapel. "I spent my life believing that strength was built on fear, that survival required a heart made of stone. When my world was falling into darkness, you stepped forward with nothing but mercy in your hands. You saved my daughter. You saved me. I promise to love you, to honor you, and to protect you with every drop of blood in my body. My home is your home. My empire is your shield. For all the days of my life."
Tears of pure happiness spilled over my lashes as I listened to his words. I squeezed his hands, looking deep into his steel-gray eyes.
"Nathan," I said, my voice steady and resonant. "When I lost my family, I thought my life was over. I thought I was just waiting for my time to end. But you showed me that love is not a finite thing—it grows, it heals, and it conquers even the deepest darkness. You gave me a reason to live again. I give you my heart, my trust, and my life. Forever."
Nathan slipped a stunning band of platinum and diamonds onto my finger—a ring carved with delicate oak leaves and roses around the band.
"By the power vested in me," the priest announced, "I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride."
May you like
Nathan pulled me into his arms, dipping me slightly as he pressed his lips to mine in a deep, passionate kiss that made the entire chapel erupt into thunderous applause and cheers.
Rose squealed happily from Viktor’s arms, clapping her tiny hands as Nathan lifted me up, holding me tight against his chest.
