Chapter 10 - The Ashworth Dawn
One year later.
The grand ballroom of the Ashworth Grand Hotel was bathed in a warm, golden glow. Thousands of white roses adorned the tables, and a live orchestra played a sweeping, romantic waltz. This wasn't a corporate gala or a political event; it was the wedding of the century.
Della stood before the giant gilded mirror in the bridal suite. She looked breathtaking in a long-sleeved lace gown, her hair pinned up with pearls. Her skin was radiant, completely healed of the scars of her past.
In her arms, she held a beautiful, healthy nine-month-old baby boy with dark hair and bright, intelligent gray eyes—little Liam Calloway.
The door opened, and Mrs. Petrova walked in, tears of joy in her eyes. "It’s time, Mrs. Calloway. Everyone is waiting."
Della smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to her son’s forehead before handing him to Mrs. Petrova. She took a deep breath, adjusted her veil, and walked out into the grand hallway.
When the double doors of the ballroom opened, every guest in attendance rose to their feet. But Della didn't see the crowd. She only saw the man standing at the end of the aisle.
Royce Calloway stood by the altar. His posture was as regal as ever, but as he watched his bride walk toward him, a tear slipped down his cheek. The cold, ruthless boss of the city had been completely tamed by the love of the woman who had once hidden him from the rain.
They exchanged their vows beneath a canopy of white flowers. When Royce slid the diamond ring onto her finger, his thumb gently brushed the old crescent scar on the back of her hand—the scar that had led him back to her.
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"I am yours, completely and forever," Royce whispered before leaning down to press his lips against hers.
The ballroom erupted into deafening applause, confetti raining down from the high ceilings. As Royce lifted her into his arms, Liam’s joyful baby laughter echoed through the front row. The shadows of the past had been entirely conquered, replaced by a dawn of absolute peace, love, and a family that would never be broken.
