Boston’s most lethal underworld king had made an unbelievable vow: whoever could help his four-year-old son speak again would receive half of his criminal empire—and become his wife.

With the syndicate stabilized and Leo thriving in his private kindergarten, the focus shifted to the wedding.

It wasn't just a marriage; it was a coronation.

The estate was buzzing with wedding planners, tailors, and security experts. We were to be married in the grand cathedral downtown, a massive public display of unity and power.

Leo was going to be the ring bearer. He practiced walking down the hallway every night, holding a velvet pillow, taking the job incredibly seriously.

“Maya,” Leo asked one night as I tucked him in. “When you marry Papa, does that make you my real mom?”

My heart stopped. I looked at the little boy who had saved my life just as much as I had saved his.

“I will always be your Maya,” I said softly. “But if you want to call me mom, I would be the most honored woman in the world.”

Leo smiled, snuggling into his blankets. “Okay, Mom.”

I walked out of his room, tears of pure joy streaming down my face. Julian was waiting in the hallway. He pulled me into his arms, kissing the top of my head.

“You gave me back my son,” Julian whispered. “And you gave him a mother.”