Chapter 16 - The Vow in Gold
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Three months later.
The private chapel on the Caruso estate was decorated with hundreds of white roses and softly glowing candles.
There were no press reporters, no rival bosses, and no strategic political alliances. Only Arthur, Doctor Frank, Marco, and the loyal house staff sat in the wooden pews.
At the altar stood Nicholas Caruso, looking impossibly handsome in a tailored black tuxedo.
The double doors at the back opened, and soft violin music filled the air.
Maria walked down the aisle, looking radiant in a simple, elegant ivory lace gown. Her dark hair was styled in soft waves, and her smile illuminated the entire chapel.
Beside her, holding her hand, was tiny Lucy—wearing a miniature white flower girl dress, carefully tossing pink rose petals onto the runner with absolute concentration.
When Maria reached the altar, Nicholas took her hands, his eyes shining with rare emotion.
“Maria,” Nicholas spoke, his voice filled with deep sincerity. “I spent years living in the shadows of my past. You and Lucy brought light back into my world. I promise to protect you, respect you, and love you for every day of my life.”
Maria wiped a joyful tear from her cheek. “Nicholas, you gave us safety when we were lost. You gave us a home when we had nothing. I give you my heart, my life, and my love forever.”
The priest smiled warmly. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Nicholas pulled Maria into his arms, kissing his bride passionately as the small congregation erupted into applause.
Lucy tugged on Nicholas’s pant leg. Nicholas instantly laughed, scooping both his wife and his new daughter into a massive embrace.
“I have two mamas and an Uncle Nicholas!” Lucy declared loudly, causing the entire room to burst into laughter.
“Not Uncle Nicholas anymore, sweetie,” Maria corrected gently.
Lucy blinked her big brown eyes. “Daddy Nicholas?”
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Nicholas felt a knot tighten in his throat. He held the little girl close, kissing her forehead softly.
“Yes, sweetheart,” Nicholas whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “Daddy.”
