Chapter 7 - The Iron Fortress
Following the attack at the Drake Hotel, Dominic launched an all-out tactical assault against Moretti's syndicate. For forty-eight hours, the city of Chicago experienced a quiet, systematic purge as Dominic dismantled every threat to his family.
I remained at the estate, surrounded by top-tier security and medical staff. But instead of feeling like a prisoner, I felt deeply cherished. Dominic called me every two hours between his operations just to hear my voice and make sure I was resting.
On the third evening, the heavy front doors opened, and Dominic walked into the master suite.
He looked exhausted, his suit jacket gone, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. But when he saw me sitting by the fireplace, his face instantly softened.
"Is it over?" I asked softly, standing up and walking toward him.
Dominic met me halfway, wrapping his arms gently around my waist and pulling me into a deep, comforting embrace. He buried his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling the scent of my lavender lotion.
"Moretti is gone," Dominic murmured. "His organization has been completely dismantled. There is no one left in this country who can threaten you or our child."
I pulled back slightly, looking up into his dark eyes. "You fought a war for us."
"I would fight heaven and hell for you, Chloe," he said fiercely. "When I saw Moretti pointing a weapon near you... I realized something."
"What?"
Dominic reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. He opened it, revealing a magnificent ring featuring a rare, flawless canary yellow diamond surrounded by a halo of micro-pave diamonds.
"I realized that I don't just want to protect you because you're carrying my child," Dominic said, his voice raw with emotion as he dropped to one knee before me. "I want to protect you because I have fallen hopelessly, completely in love with you, Chloe Vance."
Tears welled up in my eyes, spilling over my cheeks.
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"I loved you the night we were trapped in that dark study," he continued, holding up the ring. "I loved you when you stood tall at my dinner table. And I will love you until my last breath. Will you marry me, Chloe? Will you be my wife?"
"Yes!" I sobbed, dropping to my knees to wrap my arms around his neck. "Yes, Dominic! A thousand times yes!"
