Chapter 10 - The Angel and the Empire
A year had passed since the night Damian proposed on the balcony.
The Costa estate was no longer a sterile fortress of glass and steel.
It was filled with warmth, light, and the sound of life.
Tessa walked through the grand hallway wearing an elegant white silk gown.
Her scuffed canvas sneakers were completely gone.
She wore designer heels that clicked sharply against the polished marble floor.
She paused in front of the large mirror near the entryway.
She touched the massive diamond on her finger and smiled at her reflection.
She was no longer Tessa Miller, the exhausted maid struggling to survive.
She was Tessa Costa, the most powerful woman in the city.
Damian walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
He rested his chin on her shoulder and looked at her in the mirror.
You look absolutely breathtaking, he murmured against her neck.
Tessa leaned back against his solid chest.
Are the guests arriving? she asked.
Damian nodded, turning her around to face him.
The entire city is here to celebrate our anniversary.
He looked incredibly handsome in his custom black tuxedo.
The dark, cold shadows that used to haunt his eyes were completely gone.
They had been replaced by a fierce, protective warmth.
I never imagined my life would turn out like this, Tessa confessed softly.
Damian smiled and kissed her forehead gently.
You earned this life, my love.
He offered her his arm.
Shall we greet our guests?
Tessa took his arm confidently.
They walked out of the hallway and into the massive ballroom together.
Hundreds of people turned and fell completely silent as they entered.
They looked at the monster who ruled the underworld and the angel who tamed him.
Tessa smiled brightly, knowing she had finally found exactly where she belonged.
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She had walked into this house with a mop and a bucket.
Now, she ruled the empire entirely by his side.
