Chapter 9 - The Vows in St. Patrick’s
Autumn came to Manhattan in a blaze of amber, gold, and deep crimson leaves.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral was lit by five thousand flickering candles, casting a warm, majestic glow across the towering marble arches and stained-glass windows. Three hundred guests—including high-ranking city officials, international business leaders, and community members—filled the wooden pews.
At the altar stood Dante Moretti.
He looked strikingly handsome in a bespoke dark charcoal tuxedo, his dark hair neatly styled. Standing beside him as his best man was Vincent, looking sharp and uncharacteristically emotional.
The massive brass doors of the cathedral opened.
A hush fell over the entire cathedral.
Elena walked down the aisle on the arm of her brother, Michael. She wore a breathtaking, custom ivory silk gown with delicate lace sleeves and a long, sweeping veil that caught the candlelight like floating snow. In her hands, she carried a bouquet of dark red roses and white lilies.
As Michael brought her to the altar, he took Elena’s hand and placed it gently into Dante’s large palm.
"Take care of my sister, Dante," Michael whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"With my life, Michael," Dante replied firmly.
Dante took Elena’s hands, turning to face her. As he looked beneath her veil into her radiant, dark eyes, the man who had controlled New York’s shadow empire felt his breath leave his lungs entirely.
The Cardinal stepped forward, opening the sacred ledger.
"Dante Moretti," the Cardinal began, his voice echoing through the grand hall, "do you take Elena Castellano to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, until death do you part?"
Dante looked deep into Elena’s eyes, his voice steady, deep, and filled with absolute devotion.
"I do," Dante promised. "I take her to be my wife, my protector, my equal, and my heart. I swear to stand between her and every danger in this world until my last breath."
The Cardinal turned to Elena. "Elena Castellano, do you take Dante Moretti to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Elena smiled, a single tear of pure happiness slipping down her cheek as she squeezed Dante’s hands tight.
"I do," Elena whispered softly. "I take him as my husband, my sanctuary, and my love. I promise to stand by his side, to bring light into his world, and to love him forever."
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the Cardinal declared with a joyful smile. "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. You may kiss the bride!"
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Dante lifted Elena’s veil, framing her face with his large hands, and brought his lips down to hers in a deep, passionate, sweeping kiss that sealed their lives together for eternity.
The grand cathedral bell chimed loudly across Manhattan, ringing out over the city as the guests stood up, giving the new Mr. and Mrs. Moretti a standing ovation!
