Chapter 10 - Forever Bound (Happily Ever After)
One year later.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue was adorned with thousands of white roses, cascading down the soaring Gothic pillars like living waterfalls of snow. Sunlight beamed through the stained-glass windows, painting the aisle in brilliant hues of sapphire, ruby, and gold.
The church was filled with hundreds of guests. But unlike the tension-filled charity balls of the past, this crowd was united. Under Ryan’s leadership, the Greer enterprise had transitioned completely into legitimate shipping, green infrastructure, and real estate, leaving the bloody underworld behind in the ashes of the past.
At the front of the altar stood Ryan Greer.
He looked impossibly striking in a bespoke midnight-blue tuxedo, his hair neatly styled, his posture tall and commanding. But his hands, usually steady enough to hit a target from fifty yards, were trembling slightly at his sides.
Beside him stood Marcus, serving as his best man, sporting a wide, proud grin that stretched across his scarred face.
The grand organ struck the opening chords of the bridal march.
The heavy oak doors of the cathedral swung open.
The entire congregation rose to their feet.
Walking down the aisle first, dressed in an elegant lilac bridesmaid dress, was Sadie.
At eleven years old, Sadie looked radiant. Her teeth were completely straight, dazzling white as she flashed a confident, beaming smile to the crowd. She held a basket of white rose petals, tossing them joyfully across the runner, walking with the proud, head-held-high grace of a young girl who knew she was loved and cherished beyond measure.
And then, she appeared.
I stepped onto the white carpet, holding the arm of Father Thomas, the priest who had helped Sadie and me through our parents' funeral years ago.
My wedding gown was a masterpiece of French lace and ivory silk, with a sweetheart neckline, delicate long lace sleeves, and a cathedral train that stretched ten feet behind me. At my throat rested the Greer emerald necklace—no longer a symbol of a contract, but a sacred token of eternal love.
As I walked down the aisle, my gaze locked onto Ryan.
The fearsome, untouchable king of New York looked at me with eyes so full of wonder, awe, and pure devotion that tears instantly sprang to my eyes. A single tear escaped his eye, tracing down his sculpted cheek, unashamed in front of the entire city.
When I reached the altar, Father Thomas placed my hand into Ryan’s.
The moment our fingers intertwined, a jolt of pure warmth surged through my heart. Ryan’s hand was warm, strong, and completely steady now.
“You look like an angel,” Ryan whispered, his voice trembling with emotion as he lifted my veil.
“And you look like a man who owes me five thousand dollars,” I teased softly, a playful smile touching my lips.
Ryan let out a rich, joyful laugh that echoed up into the vaulted arches of the cathedral.
“I’ll spend the rest of my life paying you back,” he promised.
The ceremony proceeded with sacred, timeless beauty. When the vows arrived, Ryan turned to face me fully, taking both of my hands into his.
“Diane,” Ryan said, his deep voice carrying through the silent cathedral, reaching every heart in the room. “A year ago, I was a man living in the dark, believing that power was the only thing worth fighting for. Then you walked into my life, armed with nothing but love for your sister and a fire that refused to be extinguished. You taught me how to live. You showed me that a home isn’t made of glass and steel, but of trust, family, and courage. I give you my name, my life, my soul, and my eternal devotion. For now, forever, and always.”
Tears streamed freely down my face as I spoke my vows.
“Ryan, when my parents died, the world became a cold, terrifying place. I thought I would spend my life running, fighting, and surviving alone. But you saw me. You protected Sadie, you protected my heart, and you showed me that true strength lies in letting someone love you. You are my protector, my best friend, and my greatest adventure. I am yours, completely and unconditionally, for all of my days.”
“By the power vested in me,” Father Thomas smiled warmly, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ryan, you may kiss your bride.”
Ryan didn't wait.
He swept his arm around my waist, lifting me slightly off the ground, and claimed my lips in a deep, breathtaking, passionate kiss that sent a roar of cheers and applause echoing through the cathedral.
Sadie jumped up and down, clapping her hands, cheering at the top of her lungs.
When Ryan finally set me down, his forehead rested against mine, his dark eyes shining with pure happiness.
“Forever, Mrs. Greer?” he murmured.
May you like
“Forever, Mr. Greer,” I smiled.
Hand in hand, with Sadie walking proudly beside us, we turned and walked down the aisle together—out of the shadows of fear and poverty, and into the brilliant, boundless sunshine of our new life.