Chapter 10 - The Sovereign of Oyster Bay
Six months later, the spring sun shone brightly over the Moretti estate, illuminating the sparkling blue waters of the ocean and the blooming white hydrangeas that lined the stone terraces.
The estate’s grand lawn was transformed into a breathtaking venue for an intimate wedding. White silk drapes fluttered in the ocean breeze, and classical string music drifted through the air.
Sitting in the carved mahogany chairs set up on the lawn were forty guests—not corrupt politicians or criminal associates, but the highest-ranking capos of the Moretti family, dressed in formal tuxedos, accompanied by their wives.
Paulie stood near the altar as Lorenzo's best man, keeping a vigilant eye on the perimeter, though the mood was entirely celebratory. The capos had long since accepted the absolute reality of Lorenzo’s decision; they knew that Lily was untouchable, and they treated her with the deep respect reserved for royalty.
Lorenzo stood at the altar, looking magnificently handsome in a custom black tuxedo, his eyes fixed on the glass doors of the mansion.
The heavy double doors opened.
Lily stepped out onto the stone terrace, holding a bouquet of rare white orchids. She wore an exquisite lace wedding gown that flowed gracefully over her full, radiant figure—she was now in her eighth month of pregnancy. Her dark hair was styled in soft waves adorned with small pearls, and her face glowed with breathtaking beauty and happiness.
Walking beside her to give her away was Mrs. Gable, who looked at Lily with tears of maternal pride in her eyes.
As Lily walked down the white runner toward the altar, her eyes never left Lorenzo's. The cold, intimidating mafia boss who had once found her crying in his kitchen was looking at her with a raw, unbounded love that brought fresh tears to her eyes.
When she reached the altar, Lorenzo took her hand, pulling her gently up to stand beside him.
The priest began the traditional ceremony, his words carrying over the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs below.
"Do you, Lorenzo Moretti, take Lily to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"
Lorenzo looked down into Lily's eyes, his grip on her hand firm and warm.
"I do," Lorenzo said, his voice deep, clear, and absolute, echoing across the lawn.
"And do you, Lily, take Lorenzo Moretti to be your lawful wedded husband..."
Lily smiled through her tears, feeling the baby kick gently against her ribs as if agreeing with every word.
"I do," she whispered softly.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared. "You may kiss the bride."
Lorenzo didn't wait. He stepped forward, taking her face in his broad hands, and lifted her into a deep, passionate kiss that drew applause and cheers from the capos gathered on the lawn.
As he pulled back, Lorenzo looked down at his new wife, his eyes glowing with quiet triumph.
"You are cold, Mrs. Moretti," he whispered with a playful smirk, noticing a slight shivering in her shoulders from the sea breeze.
Lily laughed—a bright, clear sound that filled the afternoon air. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself close against his broad chest.
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"I am never cold when I am with you, Lorenzo," she replied softly.
Lorenzo wrapped his heavy arms around her, shielding her completely from the wind as they turned to face their empire together—no longer a boss and a maid, but husband and wife, bound by a promise made in the dark, and a love that had conquered the shadows.
