“Stop Calling Me Your Girlfriend!” the Plus-Size Baker Snapped—So the Mafia Boss Came Back With No Excuse

A month later, the annual Chicago Culinary Awards were held at the Grand Hotel.

Mara stood on the main stage under blinding spotlights, accepting the award for Best Independent Bakery in the City. Standing in the front row, amidst polished critics and world-renowned chefs, was Gabriel Moretti, clapping louder than anyone in the room, his eyes fixed on her with unadulterated pride.

Beside him sat Nonna Elena, wiping a happy tear from her eye, and even Vittoria Moretti, who had finally yielded to Mara’s charm after receiving a fresh box of warm, perfectly baked cinnamon rolls every Sunday morning.

After the ceremony, Gabriel escorted Mara out to the grand balcony overlooking Lake Michigan. The night air was crisp, carrying the soft hum of the city below.

"You were magnificent tonight," Gabriel said, stepping up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"I couldn't have done it without my chief investor," Mara teased, leaning back against his broad chest. "Even if his methods of introduction involved fake dating and flour assault."

Gabriel chuckled, reaching into his coat pocket. "Speaking of investments..."

He turned her around to face him. The grand leader of the city's most powerful family took a slow step back and dropped down to one knee on the marble balcony.

Mara gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.

Gabriel produced a velvet box, opening it to reveal a magnificent oval-cut diamond set in a band of warm rose gold, flanked by tiny emeralds.

"Mara Vescovi," Gabriel said, his dark hazel eyes overflowing with deep, unwavering devotion. "You called me an annoyance, threw flour at my face, and refused to be intimidated by my world. You brought light, laughter, and warmth into a life that was cold and dark. I don't want a fake girlfriend. I want a real wife. Will you marry me?"

Tears spilled over Mara’s eyelashes as she smiled through her weeping. She dropped to her knees right in front of him on the cold marble, throwing her arms around his neck.