Chapter 9 - THE DAWN AT THE HARBOR
Three days later.
The news shocked New York City.
The entire leadership of the Moretti crime syndicate was arrested in a massive, coordinated federal raid after an anonymous whistleblower delivered an unassailable leather ledger directly to the United States Attorney’s office.
The Moretti empire collapsed overnight.
On a crisp, clear morning, the autumn sun rose over the East River, painting the water in brilliant streams of liquid gold and deep orange.
Noel stood on the private balcony forty-two floors above the city, wearing a cozy cream-colored sweater, a mug of warm tea held between her hands.
The crisp wind tousled her dark hair.
A pair of strong, warm arms wrapped around her waist from behind.
Cassian pulled her back against his broad chest. His left shoulder was wrapped in medical bandages beneath his dark grey suit, but he held her with fierce, unshakeable strength.
Noel leaned back against him, feeling the steady, calm rhythm of his heart against her back.
Thump... thump... thump.
"You're fully cleared by the federal prosecutors," Cassian murmured into her ear, his lips brushing her skin. "They verified that you had zero involvement in any syndicate activities. You are a completely free woman, Noel."
Noel smiled, turning her head slightly to look at him. "And you?"
"The Marchetti organization has officially transitioned into a fully legitimate maritime logistics firm," Cassian explained softly. "My legal team finalized the corporate restructuring yesterday. No more shadows, Noel. No more crime."
He turned her around in his arms so she was facing him.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, exquisite velvet box.
He opened it.
Inside sat a brilliant, flawless diamond ring set in platinum, crafted with delicate sunburst engravings along the band.
Noel’s breath caught in her throat. She looked from the ring up into his intense, grey eyes—eyes that were no longer shadowed by pain or sleeplessness, but filled with a profound, eternal devotion.
"Noel Draper," Cassian said, his baritone voice trembling with deep emotion. "You walked into my bedroom when I was a monster trapped in my own dark tower. You fell asleep in my arms, and you gave me back my life, my peace, and my heart."
He took her right hand in his, his fingers sliding against hers.
"I don't want you for four hours a night," Cassian whispered desperately. "I want you for every sunrise, every sunset, and every night for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?"
Tears of pure, unadulterated happiness spilled down Noel’s cheeks.
She didn't hesitate for a single second.
May you like
"Yes," Noel whispered, throwing her arms around his neck. "Yes, Cassian! Forever!"
Cassian slid the ring onto her finger, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her as the morning sun broke over the skyline, illuminating the world in brilliant, endless light.
