My husband had just snapped my arm inside our apartment, and while I hid in the bathroom bleeding, I made one desperate phone call to the most feared mob boss in Chicago

Three months later.

The crisp autumn winds of Chicago had given way to the brilliant, warm sunshine of early spring. The shores of Lake Michigan sparkled like crushed diamonds under the morning light, and the gardens surrounding Victor's North Side estate were bursting with blooming tulips and cherry blossoms.

I stood on the second-floor balcony, wearing a light silk dress, my left arm now completely healed and free of the medical cast. I took a deep breath of the fresh spring air, feeling a sense of peace and wholeness that I hadn't known was possible.

Footsteps approached from behind, followed by the familiar, comforting scent of cedar and rain.

“You're up early,” Victor's voice murmured softly.

I turned around as strong, gentle arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me close against his chest. I leaned back into his embrace, resting my head comfortably against his shoulder.

“I wanted to watch the sunrise,” I smiled, looking up into his warm, dark eyes. “It's a beautiful morning.”

“It is,” Victor agreed, resting his chin gently on the top of my head.

A lot had changed over the past three months. Dante Rossi's syndicate had been completely dismantled, absorbed peacefully into the Romano family network, and the streets of Chicago were quieter and safer than they had been in decades.

More importantly, my old life—the fear, the abuse, the constant suffocating dread—felt like a lifetime ago, a nightmare I had finally woken up from.

“Victor?” I asked quietly after a moment of comfortable silence.

“Hmm?”

“What happens now?”

Victor turned me around slowly so I was facing him directly. His expression was serious, yet his eyes shone with a deep, unmistakable warmth. He reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a small, elegant velvet box.

My breath caught in my throat.

Victor opened the box, revealing a stunning vintage diamond ring that caught the morning light like fire.

“When I handed you that card at the diner, I didn't know how deeply you would change my world, Rachel,” Victor said, his voice steady and full of profound emotion. “You brought light into a life that was built entirely in the shadows. You showed me what true strength looks like.”

He looked down into my eyes, holding my gaze with absolute devotion.

“I don't offer promises lightly, Rachel. But I promise to spend the rest of my life protecting you, cherishing you, and standing beside you through everything. Will you marry me?”