Little Mia looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Mommy gets scared when Uncle Vincent and Mr. Daniel talk to her after work,” so I sent her for strawberries, locked the office door, and confronted my two most trusted men—but their confession revealed a betrayal I never saw coming…

Three months later.

The summer sun shone brightly over the lush, green grounds of the estate. The scent of blooming roses and sweet ocean air filled the afternoon breeze.

In the center of the manicured lawn, a large white marquee had been erected. Strings of warm fairy lights hung from the trees, and the air was filled with the soft, beautiful sound of a live string quartet.

Guests in elegant attire chatted happily around white linen tables, sipping champagne and eating fresh hors d'oeuvres.

Standing near the altar at the edge of the rose garden, I adjusted my black bowtie. I wore a tailored black tuxedo, my hair neatly combed, my heart beating with a nervous energy that no mafia war or business deal had ever produced.

Standing beside me as my best man was Marco, wearing a broad, proud smile.

The music shifted. The sweet notes of a violin began to play a gentle, breathtaking melody.

The guests stood up, turning toward the stone steps of the mansion.

First came Mia.

The four-year-old girl looked like an absolute princess in a fluffy white dress with a pale pink silk sash around her waist. She walked down the aisle with absolute confidence, carrying a small woven basket, throwing handfuls of bright red strawberry petals onto the white carpet with dramatic flair. When she reached the altar, she looked up at me, gave me a mischievous wink, and took her spot.

Then came Elena.

My breath caught in my throat.

Elena walked down the aisle, her arm resting gently on the arm of the estate’s head chef, who proudly walked her down. She wore a stunning, minimalist ivory lace gown that flowed around her like water. Her hair was styled in soft waves, pinned back with silver clips, and her face was illuminated by a radiant, breathtaking smile.

When she reached me, her eyes locked onto mine—brown eyes that no longer carried a single trace of fear, trauma, or sorrow. They held only light, love, and absolute trust.

I took her soft hand in mine, leaning in to whisper, “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

“And you are my savior, Luca,” she whispered back, her voice thick with emotion.

The priest began the ceremony. Words were spoken, ancient vows were exchanged, and rings of solid gold were placed upon our fingers—symbols of a promise that could never be broken by time, distance, or danger.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the priest declared with a warm smile. “Luca, you may kiss your bride.”

I wrapped my arms around Elena’s waist, pulled her close, and pressed my lips to hers. The crowd erupted into joyous applause, cheers echoing across the vast estate. Elena laughed into the kiss, wrapping her arms around my neck, holding me as if she would never let go.

When we pulled back, little Mia tugged firmly on the hem of my tuxedo jacket.

I smiled, dropping down to one knee so I was eye-level with my new daughter.

Mia looked at me sternly, holding her small hand on her hip, though a massive grin was threatening to break across her face.

“Uncle Luca... I mean, Daddy Luca,” she corrected herself softly, her eyes sparkling with pure joy.

My heart swelled so powerfully I felt tears prick the corners of my eyes. “Yes, Boss Mia?”

“What is your order today?” she asked.

I looked up at Elena, who was wiping a happy tear from her cheek, and then down at the beautiful little girl who had walked into my office six months ago and changed my entire world.

I pulled them both into a tight, warm embrace, holding my family safe within my arms under the bright afternoon sun.

“My order,” I whispered softly, kissing Mia’s cheek and then holding Elena’s hand, “is that we live happily ever after. And nobody makes Mommy cry ever again.”