Chapter 10 - The King and His Queen
One year later.
It was a warm summer evening at the estate in Riverdale.
The wide back patio overlooking the Hudson River was decorated with fairy lights, fresh white roses, and long linen-covered dining tables.
A small, intimate wedding reception was taking place under the stars.
Marco, Leo, Mrs. Gable, Frank Bellini, and fifty close friends from the neighborhood were gathered around the tables, drinking wine and laughing.
Standing near the edge of the stone patio, looking out at the glittering river, was Clara.
She wore an exquisite white silk wedding gown designed specifically to celebrate her voluptuous figure, with a lace neckline that rested softly against her neck. She looked radiant, powerful, and supremely happy.
From behind, broad hands wrapped gently around her waist.
Dominic pulled her back against his chest, resting his chin on her shoulder, taking in the sweet scent of her hair.
He wore a pristine black tuxedo, looking handsome, relaxed, and completely at peace.
“What are you thinking about, Mrs. Hale?” Dominic whispered against her ear, his hand gently stroking her stomach.
Clara leaned back into his warm, solid frame, resting her hands over his.
“I was thinking about that night,” Clara murmured softly, looking at the stars. “The night I dropped the tray. I thought my life was over. I thought I was going to die of embarrassment and pain on that floor.”
Dominic turned her around gently in his arms, looking deeply into her hazel eyes.
He reached up, his thumb softly tracing her jaw line.
“That night,” Dominic whispered, his voice thick with endless devotion, “was the night I finally got to pick up my heart off the floor.”
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Clara smiled, her eyes filling with tears of pure joy, and reached up to kiss him.
Dominic held her tight under the starry night sky, kissing his queen while the music and laughter of their family echoed softly into the warm summer night.
