Chapter 10 - The Sovereign's Vow
Dominic led Skyler away from the crowded garden party, down a quiet stone path lined with blooming white roses, leading to the quiet, peaceful rose garden where Skyler had first helped Carmela months ago.
The air was filled with the sweet scent of fresh blossoms and the gentle rustle of spring leaves.
Dominic stopped in the center of the garden beneath a wooden pergola draped in white wisteria. He turned to face her, taking both of her hands in his.
"Dominic?" Skyler asked, a gentle smile touching her lips. "What are we doing out here? The guests are waiting for your speech."
"Let them wait," Dominic said softly, his amber eyes shining with a deep, unshakeable love that sent shivers of joy through her body. "I didn't bring you out here for them. I brought you out here for us."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, dark velvet box.
Skyler's breath hitched in her throat, her hands trembling within his grip.
Dominic did not hesitate. The most powerful, feared boss in New York dropped to one knee before her on the smooth stone path.
He opened the velvet box. Inside rested a magnificent ring—a flawless, brilliant-cut oval yellow diamond surrounded by a halo of platinum, reflecting the bright golden sunlight above.
"Skyler Gallagher," Dominic declared, his voice rich, steady, and filled with emotion. "When you first stepped into this house, you thought you were invisible. You thought your size, your gentle heart, your lack of an aristocratic title meant you had to hide in the shadows."
Tears of pure, unadulterated happiness welled in Skyler's eyes, trickling down her cheeks.
"You took a poisoned blade meant for my mother," Dominic continued, looking up into her eyes. "You gave this cold, violent house a soul. You taught me what real courage looks like. I don't want a merger. I don't want an alliance. I want you—your heart, your strength, your beauty, every single inch of you, for the rest of my life."
Dominic lifted the ring from the velvet box.
"Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you rule this family beside me as my Queen?"
Skyler let out a soft, joyful sob, stepping closer and cupping his handsome face in her hands.
"Yes, Dominic!" she wept happily, her voice ringing clear through the fragrant garden air. "Yes! A thousand times, yes!"
Dominic stood up, sliding the yellow diamond ring onto her finger—a perfect fit. He wrapped his powerful arms around her waist, lifting her effortlessly off her feet and swirling her around in the sunlight as she laughed with pure, unburdened delight.
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When he set her down, he kissed her deeply, holding her close against his chest.
Around them, the roses bloomed in full vibrant color, the sun shone bright and warm, and the former maid who had once tried so hard to take up less space stood proud, majestic, and deeply loved in the arms of the man who owned her heart forever.
