Chapter 6 - THE ALTAR ON THE ROOFTOP
Eight Months LaterSpring in Chicago brought warm winds over Lake Michigan, melting the last remnants of winter ice along the waterfront.
On the private rooftop garden of the Lakeshore Grand Hotel—the very same rooftop where Daniel and Nia had shared their first kiss four years ago—two hundred guests were seated beneath arches of blooming white roses and baby's breath.
There were no men in dark suits standing guard at the perimeter. There were no political alliances, no hidden ledgers, and no shadows of the underworld. The Han organization had been completely legitimized, restructured into a massive, clean global shipping foundation managed by professional executives.
Standing at the altar in a crisp midnight-blue tuxedo was Daniel Han.
His face was relaxed, his dark eyes sparkling with a quiet, profound peace he had never possessed in his thirty-nine years of life.
The violins began to play a soft, beautiful melody.
The heavy glass doors of the rooftop opened, and Nia Bennett walked out onto the aisle.
She wore a breathtaking sleeveless gown of ivory crepe, her dark hair swept up with tiny pearls, holding a simple bouquet of white lilies and fresh eucalyptus. She looked radiant, strong, and completely breathtaking.
Beside her, walking her down the aisle, was her father, smiling broadly as he handed her hand over to Daniel.
Daniel took Nia’s hand in his. His fingers were warm, steady, and gentle.
"You didn't run this time," Nia whispered playfully as she reached the altar.
"I’m never leaving again," Daniel replied softly, his dark eyes shining with deep emotion. "I spent four years living in the dark, Nia. You're my home. You always were."
The justice of the peace stepped forward, smiling at the couple.
"We are gathered here today to unite two lives that were tested by storm, separated by distance, but brought together by an unbreakable love."
When the time came for the vows, Daniel didn't read from a card. He looked directly into Nia’s eyes, holding both of her hands tightly in his.
"Four years ago, I thought protecting you meant staying away," Daniel said, his raspy voice carrying clearly across the sunlit rooftop. "I was wrong. Protecting you means standing beside you, loving you, and making sure you never have to stand alone again. Dr. Bennett, you saved my life in a trauma bay. Now let me spend the rest of mine making sure yours is filled with joy."
Tears glistened in Nia’s eyes as she smiled up at him.
"Daniel Han," Nia said softly, her voice steady and clear. "You were the most annoying patient I ever treated. But you are the only man I will ever love. I choose you, today and every day, for the rest of our lives."
"By the power vested in me," the officiant announced, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
May you like
Daniel didn't wait. He pulled Nia into his arms, dipping her slightly as he pressed his lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss that brought the entire audience of two hundred people to their feet in deafening applause.
The sun shone brightly over Chicago, reflecting off the blue waters of Lake Michigan. The waiting was over. The pain was gone. And standing together on the rooftop, Daniel and Nia stepped into a bright, beautiful future—together at last.
