Chapter 20 - The Vow in the Dark
Six months later, the violent, bloody nightmare of Dante’s return was completely erased from their beautiful, hard-earned lives.
The Marquetti Foundation had expanded globally, entirely funded by legitimate business ventures, completely leaving the dark underworld behind.
It was a remarkably warm summer evening in Chicago, and the city lights twinkled like millions of diamonds scattered across a black velvet canvas.
Salvatore had entirely rented out the rooftop of the city’s tallest skyscraper, transforming it into a stunning, private garden overflowing with white roses.
Tessa stood near the glass balcony, wearing a breathtaking, simple white silk dress that blew gently in the warm evening breeze.
She turned around as Salvatore stepped onto the terrace, looking more handsome and completely at peace than she had ever seen him.
He walked over to her, his dark eyes radiating a profound, incredibly deep love that entirely stole the breath from her lungs.
You completely saved my life, Tessa, he signed slowly, his hands gentle and incredibly deliberate.
You took a monster completely trapped in silence and gave him a beautiful, undeniable reason to live.
Tessa smiled, tears of absolute joy welling in her eyes as she stepped closer to the man who completely owned her heart.
"You saved me too, Sal," she whispered softly, her hands naturally coming up to sign along with her spoken words.
"You gave me the power to completely protect my family, and you gave me the safest home I have ever known."
Salvatore didn't break eye contact as he slowly, incredibly gracefully dropped down onto one knee.
He pulled a small, velvet box from his tailored pocket, opening it to reveal a completely flawless, breathtaking diamond ring.
Will you marry me? he signed with his free hand, his expression entirely vulnerable, entirely hers.
Tessa didn't hesitate for a single millisecond, completely overwhelmed by the absolute perfection of the moment.
Yes, she signed furiously, her hands trembling with pure, unadulterated happiness.
Yes, a million times over.
Salvatore stood up, sliding the beautiful ring onto her finger before completely wrapping her in a massive, fiercely protective embrace.
May you like
He kissed her deeply under the endless, glowing stars of the Chicago sky, completely sealing their beautiful, unbreakable future.
Their love was forged in the absolute darkest, most terrifying shadows, but it was destined to shine completely, radiantly forever.
