Chapter 9 - The Harbor at Midnight
By 1:00 a.m., the guests had finally departed, their limousines carrying them back across the bridge into Manhattan, buzzing with the story of how the most feared man in the city had turned a private nurse into the most respected woman in New York society overnight.
The estate was quiet once more.
Elena stepped out onto the wide stone terrace overlooking the East River, a warm black wool coat wrapped over her midnight-blue dress to block the chilly autumn wind.
The Manhattan skyline glowed across the water—a sea of gold, white, and silver lights reflected on the dark waves below.
Footsteps sounded behind her on the stone terrace.
Dominic walked up to the balustrade, standing beside her, resting his large hands on the cold stone. He had removed his bowtie, his shirt collar unbuttoned, looking relaxed and deeply satisfied.
"You survived," he said softly.
"I did," Elena said, looking out at the river. "Although I think my feet will never forgive Madame Valentina’s heels."
Dominic let out a low chuckle. "We can burn them tomorrow."
They stood in comfortable silence for a long moment, the wind rustling the leaves in the courtyard below.
"Your mother called me during dinner," Dominic mentioned casually.
Elena turned her head quickly, her eyes wide. "She did? What did she say?"
"She said if I ever let anyone laugh at you again, she'll come to New York personally and hit me with her iron skillet."
Elena burst out laughing—a bright, musical sound that echoed warmly across the quiet terrace. "That sounds like Mom."
Dominic turned to face her, leaning back against the stone balustrade, looking at her with an intensity that made her laughter die down into a soft, breathless gasp.
"She also asked me what my intentions were," Dominic said quietly.
Elena’s heart began to hammer against her ribs. "And... what did you tell her?"
Dominic stepped closer, his body blocking the cold wind, surrounding her with his warmth. He reached out, his long fingers gently catching a stray lock of her dark hair and tucking it behind her ear.
"I told her I tore up a seventy-million-dollar contract because I couldn't stand the thought of marrying anyone else," Dominic whispered, his dark eyes searching hers. "I told her I bought a clinic so you'd never have to work for people who don't respect you. And I told her I intend to spend the rest of my life making sure you know how beautiful you are."
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Elena looked up at him, her hazel eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Dominic... I'm just a woman from Ohio. I don't fit into this world of mansions, legal wars, and corporate alliances."
"You don't have to fit into this world, Elena," Dominic said, his hand sliding down to rest against the side of her face, his thumb gently wiping away a tear. "This world is going to fit around you."
