Chapter 10 - A NEW BEGINNING
Six months later.
The summer sun beamed down on the coast, illuminating the sprawling gardens of the Romano private estate. White roses lined the grand aisle, and soft violin music drifted through the ocean breeze.
The entire city’s power structure was gathered—not out of fear, but out of genuine respect for the man who had rebuilt his empire and cleaned out the corruption that had plagued it for decades.
At the altar stood Adrien Romano.
He stood tall, proud, and completely unassisted in a bespoke dark blue tuxedo. His dark hair was brushed back, his gray eyes shining with an emotion he had never possessed before meeting her: complete, unshakeable joy.
The heavy wooden doors at the end of the aisle opened.
Hannah stepped out into the sunlight.
She wore an ethereal, custom A-line gown crafted from layers of ivory tulle and delicate French lace that flowed gracefully over her curves. A cathedral-length veil trailed behind her, and in her hands, she held a bouquet of white peonies. She looked radiant, powerful, and utterly breathtaking.
Beside her, walking her down the aisle, was Dr. Liam Foster—who had become a close friend and family father figure to her over the months of Adrien’s recovery.
As Hannah reached the altar, Adrien stepped down to take her hand. His fingers wrapped around hers, warm, steady, and secure.
"You take my breath away," Adrien whispered, his eyes glistening with tears he didn't bother to hide.
"You're not so bad yourself, Mr. Romano," Hannah smiled softly, wiping a stray tear from her cheek.
The priest began the ceremony, but neither of them heard much of the traditional speech. Their eyes were locked on each other, silent promises passing between them—promises forged through fire, betrayal, pain, and absolute devotion.
"Do you, Adrien Romano, take Hannah Mitchell to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and protect, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Adrien said, his voice echoing clearly across the ocean air. "With all my heart and my life."
"And do you, Hannah Mitchell, take Adrien Romano to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," Hannah answered softly, stepping closer to him. "Forever."
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Adrien didn't wait. He cupped Hannah’s face gently in his large hands, pulled her close, and kissed her deeply, lifting her off her feet as the crowd erupted into thunderous, joyous applause.
Late that night, after the grand reception had ended and the last of the guests had left, Adrien and Hannah sat together on the private balcony of their master suite, watching the moonlight dance over the quiet ocean waves.
Hannah rested her head against Adrien’s chest, wrapped safely in his arms as they shared a warm blanket.
"What are you thinking about?" Adrien asked softly, resting his chin on top of her head, his thumbs gently rubbing her shoulder.
"I was just thinking about the day I met you," Hannah murmured with a small chuckle. "I spilled water all over your dress shirt, got my shoe caught in your rug, and called your doctor 'Dr. Frozen.' I thought my life was over."
Adrien laughed—a rich, deep sound that filled the night air.
"That was the best day of my life," Adrien said softly, lifting her chin with his finger so he could look into her dark, beautiful eyes. "You saved me, Hannah. You gave me back my life, my strength, and my soul."
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"We saved each other," Hannah whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
Hand in hand, they looked out over the city below—a city that once tried to break them, but now lay peacefully under the rule of the king and his magnificent, untouchable queen.
