Chapter 12 - A Night at the Gala
That evening, the grand ballroom of the Palmer House Hilton was packed with Chicago’s highest society for the annual Autumn Charity Gala.
Mayors, senators, Fortune 500 CEOs, and international diplomats filled the historic hall, sipping champagne under the glow of crystal chandeliers.
When the double doors opened and the master of ceremonies announced our arrival, the entire ballroom turned in unison.
Dante wore a classic black tuxedo, looking impeccably handsome, powerful, and completely at ease. I wore an emerald green silk gown that cascaded to the floor, my hair swept up into an elegant chignon, the emerald-cut diamond sparkling brilliantly on my left ring finger.
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
“Look at them...”
“He hasn't left her side since the engagement...”
“They say he destroyed the entire Vance syndicate just to avenge her...”
Dante didn't care about the gossip. He kept his hand firmly on the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd with quiet pride.
When the orchestra began playing a slow, sweeping waltz, Dante turned to me and bowed slightly.
“May I have this dance, my love?”
“Always,” I whispered.
He led me to the center of the dance floor. As his hand found my waist and our fingers intertwined, the rest of the world faded into a distant blur. We moved together with effortless grace, perfectly in sync, two souls forged in fire and bound together by unbreakable devotion.
“You look breathtaking tonight,” Dante murmured, his eyes filled with adoration.
“You’re not so bad yourself, Mr. Moretti.”
He smiled, pulling me half an inch closer. “Three years ago, I thought my life was defined by the battles I fought. Now I know that my life only truly began the moment I realized you loved me back.”
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“I’ve always loved you, Dante. Even when you were terrifying.”
“I will only ever be terrifying to the people who try to harm you,” he replied softly. “To you, I will always be the man who belongs at your feet.”
