Chapter 11 - PEACE IN THE EMPIRE
Six months later.
The crisp autumn air of Central Park blew through my hair. I sat on a park bench, completely unbothered, watching Emma run across the grass toward the playground. There were men in dark suits stationed discreetly around the perimeter, but they were a comforting presence now, a part of our family.
Damiano sat beside me, dressed in a casual cashmere sweater, looking less like a mafia boss and more like the father he had become. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, flipping it open. Inside rested a diamond ring that caught the autumn sunlight, brilliant and flawless.
"I claimed you on the worst day of our lives to protect you," Damiano said, his dark eyes locking onto mine, entirely stripped of their usual cold armor. "But now, in the peace we fought for, I am asking you to claim me. Marry me, Sophia. Let me be the husband you deserve, and the father Emma needs."
Tears pricked my eyes as I looked from the ring to the man who had burned down an empire for us.
"Yes," I whispered, throwing my arms around his neck.
Emma came running back, stopping short when she saw the ring. Her eyes went wide. "Does this mean Mr. Damiano is staying forever?"
May you like
Damiano pulled us both into a tight embrace, burying his face in my neck as he held Emma close.
"Forever, little bird," he promised. "Forever."
