Chapter 10 - The Vows Beneath the Arch
The spring thaw had finally broken over Chicago, turning the sprawling lawns of the Moretti estate into a sea of emerald green and blossoming white magnolias.
The iron gates were wide open, not for guards or tactical vans, but for a celebration that the older members of the Moretti inner circle would talk about for decades.
There were no press cameras. No federal prosecutors. No shadows from the past.
Under a towering white floral arch set up in the center of the eastern garden, Santiago Moretti stood in a tailored black tuxedo, his dark hair neatly brushed, his shoulders squared with quiet pride.
The string quartet seated near the pavilion began to play a soft, classical arrangement.
Then the heavy oak doors of the mansion opened.
Sophia walked down the stone pathway first, wearing a stunning floor-length emerald dress that caught the spring sunlight. In her hands, she carried a bouquet of white roses. She wasn't hiding behind anyone anymore. As she passed the rows of seated guests—trusted capos, loyal house staff, and close friends—she offered small, confident nods and warm smiles.
When Sophia reached the front, she took her place beside her brother, her eyes shining with quiet joy.
Then the music shifted.
Ruby appeared in the doorway.
She wore a simple, elegant ivory lace gown that hugged her slender frame, her dark hair woven with delicate white blossoms. As she walked down the stone aisle toward Santiago, every eye in the garden was fixed on her. But she wasn't looking at the crowd.
She was looking at Santiago.
And Santiago was looking at her as if she were the only woman in the entire universe.
When she finally reached the arch, Santiago stepped forward and took her hands in his. His large, warm fingers squeezed hers gently, transmitting a silent message that said: You are safe. You are home.
The officiating judge, a retired federal magistrate who had known the Moretti family for thirty years, smiled warmly and began the ceremony. But neither Santiago nor Ruby needed to hear the traditional vows to know what they meant.
When the time came for the rings, Sophia stepped forward, carrying a small velvet cushion bearing two polished platinum bands.
Santiago picked up the smaller band, sliding it onto Ruby’s finger with steady, reverent care. Then Ruby took the heavier band, looking up into Santiago’s dark, unwavering eyes as she slid it onto his hand.
"I take you, Sarah," Santiago whispered softly, loud enough only for her to hear, using the real name he had sworn to protect with his life and empire.
"And I take you, Santiago," Ruby replied, her voice steady, clear, and filled with absolute peace.
The judge smiled broadly. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Santiago, you may kiss your bride."
Santiago didn't hesitate. He pulled Ruby into his arms, dipping her slightly as his lips met hers in a passionate, sealing kiss that drew a burst of warm applause and cheering from every guest in the garden.
As the music swelled into a joyous, triumphant crescendo, Sophia stepped forward, wrapping her arms around both of them in a fierce, happy embrace.
May you like
Santiago looked down at his sister, then over at his new wife—the woman who had walked into his house as a quiet ghost and had ended up conquering his entire world.
The silence that had once choked the mansion was gone forever. In its place was laughter, music, and a future that belonged entirely to them.
