Chapter 6 - The Real Table One
One year later.
The Grand Hotel ballroom was decorated in breathtaking white orchids and gold silk for the annual Minneapolis Architectural and Cultural Gala.
Six hundred of the city’s most influential citizens filled the room—developers, politicians, artists, and executives.
Near the center of the room sat Table One.
It was the head table, reserved for the primary sponsors of the event.
Clare Donnelly-Vitali sat in the primary seat, glowing in a stunning custom-designed emerald green silk gown that clung to her curves in sweeping, elegant lines. A breathtaking necklace of dark emeralds and diamonds rested against her soft collarbones—a gift from Leandro for their first wedding anniversary.
Beside her, Leandro sat in his tailored black tuxedo, his hand resting openly over hers on the white tablecloth, his thumb slowly stroking her knuckles.
Across the ballroom, near the kitchen service doors, a quiet table sat tucked behind a decorative palm tree—Table Twelve.
Seated at Table Twelve was Blair Kensington, wearing a two-year-old silver dress that had lost its shine, sitting quietly beside a minor junior accountant who was currently explaining the tax benefits of depreciating office furniture. Blair looked miserable, constantly darting nervous, envious glances toward Table One.
Wesley Hartwell was nowhere to be seen, currently serving a three-year sentence at a federal correctional facility in Duluth for corporate fraud.
"She's staring again," Clare whispered to Leandro, taking a quiet sip of her champagne.
Leandro didn't even bother turning his head toward Table Twelve. He leaned close to Clare, pressing a warm, soft kiss against her temple, the scent of her rose perfume filling his senses.
"Let her stare," Leandro murmured, his gravelly voice filled with deep, contented laughter. "She’s watching the queen of Minneapolis."
Clare turned her head, looking into his hazel eye and the beautiful, familiar scars that she had come to love more than anything in the world.
"Dance with me?" she asked softly.
Leandro stood up instantly, extending his broad, strong hand to his wife.
"Always," he replied.
May you like
As they walked hand-in-hand toward the dance floor under the giant crystal chandeliers, the entire ballroom parted like the sea, giving way to the couple that had redefined the entire city.
And as the orchestra began to play a slow, sweet waltz, Leandro took Clare into his arms, dipping her low beneath the warm golden light, proving to everyone in the room that true strength, true beauty, and true love never need to ask for permission to shine.
