Chapter 14 - THE WEDDING NOBODY EXPECTED
Their wedding took place in a small garden overlooking the Hudson River.
There were no mafia alliances.
No political negotiations.
No hundred heiresses.
Only family.
Friends.
Teachers.
Former household staff.
And people who had helped them build a different life.
Maria cried before the ceremony began.
Chef Roberto prepared the food himself.
Bianca Torino attended with her new husband, a quiet architect who had nothing to do with organized crime.
Salvatore Moretti sat in the front row.
He was older.
Weaker.
But smiling.
Luna walked down the aisle wearing a simple ivory gown.
Her mother held her arm.
Her younger brother carried the rings.
When Luca saw her, tears filled his eyes.
She smiled.
“Don't cry.”
He laughed.
“Too late.”
They stood beneath an arch of white flowers.
The officiant asked Luca to speak first.
He took Luna's hands.
“I promise never to mistake your love for permission to control your life.”
Luna's eyes filled.
“I promise to listen when you're afraid, respect you when we disagree, and stand beside you when the world becomes difficult.”
Then Luna spoke.
“I promise to love the man you are becoming, not the power you once held.”
Luca swallowed.
“I promise to keep choosing you freely.”
She smiled.
“And I promise to keep choosing myself, too.”
He laughed through tears.
“Good.”
They exchanged rings.
Then kissed.
The guests applauded.
Salvatore wiped his eyes.
Maria hugged Luna's mother.
And the woman who had once served champagne in that world was now standing beside the man she loved.
Not as a servant.
May you like
Not as a prize.
But as his equal.
