Chapter 15 - An Unbreakable Vow
One year later. Christmas Eve at DeLuca House.
The snow was falling again, but this time it fell softly, like powdered sugar
dusting the cedar trees and limestone columns of the estate. Inside the grand
ballroom, the scent of fresh pine, roasted chestnuts, and spiced cider filled
the air. A twenty-foot Christmas tree stood glowing in the corner, surrounded by
mountains of presents for the children of the estate staff.
At the front of the room, near the roaring fireplace, Lily stood up from her
chair. Holding only a single carved wooden cane, she took four steady, confident
steps across the Persian rug to hug her sister. "Look at you!" Claire cried out
happily, catching Lily in a warm embrace. "Dr. Rossi says I won't even need the
cane by summer," Lily beamed, kissing Claire’s cheek. "You made this possible,
Claire. You and Roman."
Claire looked across the room. Roman was standing near the French doors,
speaking with Dante and Mrs. Patel. When his eyes found Claire’s, he smiled—that
rare, breathtaking smile reserved solely for her—and excused himself to walk
across the ballroom. He wrapped his arms around Claire from behind, resting his
chin on the top of her head as they looked out at the peaceful, glowing snow.
"Happy anniversary, my love," Roman murmured, his hands resting gently over
hers. Claire turned in his embrace, looking up into the dark eyes that had once
terrified the city, now filled only with infinite tenderness and devotion.
"Happy anniversary, Roman," Claire said softly, reaching up to gently touch his
cheek. "Do you remember what you said to me out in the storm last year?" Roman
smiled softly. "I said whoever sent you into that blizzard would wish I had
never found you." "And what do you say tonight?" she asked, her eyes sparkling
with happiness.
Roman pulled her closer, his lips brushing against hers in a slow, sweet promise
that would last a lifetime. "I say that finding you in the snow was the moment
my real life began," Roman whispered against her lips. "And nothing in this
world will ever take you from my arms again."
May you like
Outside, the Christmas snow fell quietly over the peaceful estate, while inside,
wrapped in warmth, love, and absolute security, the true Lady of DeLuca House
had finally found her forever home.
The End
