Chapter 19 - The New Queen
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The wedding was not a quiet, private affair.
Luca Ferraro did not do anything quietly when he wanted to send a message. The ceremony was held on the sprawling back lawns of the estate, overlooking the gray, crashing waters of Long Island Sound. Five hundred guests attended, a mix of elite politicians, wealthy corporate allies, and the subdued, respectful heads of the remaining mafia families.
Elena walked down the aisle in a custom, breathtaking white lace gown, her dark hair pinned up with diamonds.
But the star of the show was Nora.
The three-year-old walked ahead of her mother, wearing a tiny, fluffy white dress, tossing red rose petals with absolute, fierce concentration. She stopped at the altar, looking up at Luca.
Luca, terrifying in a black tuxedo, knelt down right in front of the massive crowd.
“Did I do good, Papa?” Nora whispered loudly.
The crowd collectively held its breath. The word 'Papa' echoed over the crashing waves.
Luca’s eyes softened, a gentle, devoted smile breaking across his face.
“You did perfectly, piccolina,” Luca whispered back, kissing her forehead before standing up to take Elena’s hand.
The vows were spoken. The rings were exchanged. When Luca finally kissed his bride, a roar of applause erupted from the crowd. The Ferraro syndicate had a Queen, and everyone knew she was untouchable.
At the reception, the champagne flowed like water. Matteo gave a surprisingly emotional toast, and even the terrifying guard dog, Brutus, wore a bowtie and sat obediently by Nora’s feet while she fed him pieces of prime rib under the table.
Elena stood on the balcony, watching the sunset, a glass of champagne in her hand. She felt a heavy, warm jacket drape over her bare shoulders.
Luca wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“Happy, Mrs. Ferraro?” he murmured, kissing her neck.
“More than I ever thought possible,” Elena smiled, leaning back against his solid chest. “I love you, Luca. Thank you for saving us.”
“You saved me, Elena. From a very dark, very empty life,” he replied honestly.
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They stood in comfortable silence, watching the stars begin to appear over the dark ocean. The war was over. The traitors were dead. Their family was safe, secured behind fortress walls and an army of loyal men.
But as the night deepened, Matteo stepped out onto the balcony, looking unusually pale.
