A DEBT WRITTEN IN BLOOD

One Year Later

The bells of St. Patrick’s Cathedral echoed through the crisp autumn air.

I stood in front of the floor-to-length mirror in the bridal suite, staring at the woman reflected back. The lace of my wedding dress covered the faint, faded scar on my shoulder—a badge of honor, a reminder of the night my life changed forever.

My mother sat in a wheelchair nearby, wearing a vibrant silk dress, her hair growing back in soft, silver waves. Beside her stood Danny, leaning on a cane, but standing tall. The surgery had been a miracle. He was walking again.

"You look beautiful, Lily," my mother said, wiping a tear from her cheek. "Your father would be so incredibly proud of you."

"He would," Danny agreed, smiling warmly. "Even if you are marrying the scariest man in New York."

I laughed, a bright, bubbling sound. "He's just a big softie, Danny. You just have to know how to talk to him."

There was a knock on the door, and Gia bounded in, wearing a miniature version of my dress, looking like an absolute angel. Nico followed close behind in a sharp little tuxedo, holding a velvet ring box with terrifying seriousness.

"Daddy is pacing holes in the carpet," Nico announced. "He threatened to shoot his best man if we don't start in five minutes."

"Well, we can't have blood on the marble today," I smiled, picking up my bouquet of white roses. "Let's go save Uncle Marcus."

Walking down the aisle on Danny's arm, the massive cathedral was packed. Not just with the powerful figures of Dominic's syndicate, but with the nurses who took care of my mother, the waitresses from the diner, and the people from my old neighborhood. Dominic had bridged the gap between our worlds.

When I reached the altar, Dominic stood there, looking devastatingly handsome in his custom Tom Ford suit. The moment his eyes locked onto mine, the rest of the room faded away. The imposing, ruthless mafia boss melted away, leaving only the man who loved me with a fierce, unwavering devotion.

He took my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. "You're late," he murmured, his eyes shining with adoration.

"You're impatient," I whispered back.

The priest spoke, the vows were exchanged, and Nico successfully handed over the rings without dropping them.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared. "You may kiss the bride."

Dominic didn't hesitate. He pulled me into his arms, kissing me deeply, the crowd erupting into cheers and applause.

As we walked back down the aisle together, Gia throwing petals in front of us and Nico leading the way, I squeezed Dominic's hand.

I had jumped in front of a bullet for two strangers, expecting to lose my life. Instead, I had found it. The debts were paid. The shadows were conquered.