Chapter 20 - The Vows We Make
Two weeks later, the private botanical gardens on the roof of Vance Tower were transformed into a breathtaking paradise.
Thousands of white roses hung from intricate glass arches, and soft, acoustic music drifted through the warm evening air.
It was not a massive, heavily guarded social event.
It was an intimate ceremony, attended only by the people they truly trusted.
Dorian stood at the end of the aisle, wearing a flawlessly tailored black tuxedo, his dark eyes fixed entirely on the start of the floral path.
Marcus stood to his right as his best man, completely vigilant but smiling genuinely.
Titan sat perfectly obedient at Dorian’s left, wearing a custom silk bowtie that made the terrifying guard dog look incredibly distinguished.
The music shifted, and the heavy oak doors opened.
Dorian stopped breathing.
Marin walked down the aisle in a stunning, minimalist silk gown that flowed like water around her perfectly healed legs.
She carried a bouquet of white orchids, her face glowing with an absolute, undeniable joy that outshone the setting sun.
She didn't look at the flowers, or the guests, or the stunning skyline behind the altar.
She only looked at Dorian.
When she reached him, Dorian took her hands, his thumbs gently brushing over her knuckles, overwhelmed by the miracle of her survival and her love.
"I spent my entire life building walls to keep the world out," Dorian said softly, speaking his vows with a raw, unwavering sincerity.
"I thought power was the only thing that could keep me safe."
"Then you walked into my life, and you tore down every single defense I had with nothing but your kindness."
Tears blurred Marin's vision as she looked up at the man who had pulled her from the darkest moment of her life.
"You gave me back my strength," Marin whispered, her voice carrying clearly in the quiet garden.
"You saw me when I was completely invisible, and you made me feel like the most important person in the world."
"I don't need an empire, Dorian."
"I just need you."
They exchanged rings, the heavy, flawless diamond settling perfectly onto Marin’s finger beside her new wedding band.
The officiant smiled, closing his book.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," he declared.
"You may kiss the bride."
Dorian didn't hesitate.
He pulled Marin into his arms and kissed her with a fierce, absolute passion that promised a lifetime of safety, devotion, and unbreakable love.
The small crowd erupted into applause, and Titan let out a happy, booming bark, his tail wagging furiously.
Dorian pulled away, resting his forehead against hers as the last light of the sun painted the sky in shades of gold and fire.
The cost of his arrogance had once been complete isolation.
May you like
But the reward for his redemption was holding his entire world in his arms.
They turned and walked back down the aisle together, ready to begin the rest of their lives.
