Chapter 18 - Crimson Vows
The day of the wedding arrived under a brilliant,
cloudless sky.
The grand courtyard of the estate had been converted into a breathtaking open-air sanctuary,
adorned with thousands of white roses,
deep red velvet ribbons,
and gold seating.
Over two hundred guests attended,
including syndicate leaders from across the country,
local officials,
and every staff member of the Vale estate.
The eight-piece jazz band played a magnificent,
sweeping overture as the sun began to dip below the horizon,
casting a warm crimson glow over the crowd.
Dominic stood at the altar near the marble fountain,
looking impossibly handsome in a bespoke black tuxedo with silver embroidery along the lapels.
His side had healed,
his posture was commandingly upright,
but his hands trembled slightly with nervous anticipation.
Then,
the music shifted into a rich,
soulful arrangement of a classic love ballad.
The double archway opened,
and Ruby appeared.
The entire audience drew a collective,
gasping breath.
She was a vision of absolute majesty.
Her wedding gown was a custom masterpiece of shimmering ivory satin and rich lace,
designed to embrace every stunning curve of her full figure.
A long,
sweeping train trailed behind her,
and a delicate veil framed her glowing face,
her dark eyes fixed entirely on Dominic.
She didn't just walk down the aisle;
she brought the entire world with her.
Dominic felt tears prickling at the corners of his eyes as she reached the altar and took his hands.
"You take my breath away,
" Dominic whispered,
his voice thick with emotion.
"You're not allowed to lose your breath,
Mr. Vale,
" she whispered back with a radiant smile.
"You need it to say your vows."
The elder magistrate stepped forward,
opening the ceremonial book.
"Do you,
Dominic Vale,
take Ruby Bennett to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do,
" Dominic said instantly,
his voice echoing clearly across the courtyard.
"I vow to honor you,
protect you,
and listen to your voice for the rest of my days."
"And do you,
Ruby Bennett,
take Dominic Vale—"
Before the magistrate could finish,
the massive iron gates at the edge of the property blew inward with a violent metallic bang!
Three armored black vans roared onto the estate grounds,
tires tearing up the manicured lawn.
Armed men in black tactical gear burst out of the vehicles,
led by Julian Vance himself,
holding automatic weapons.
"Nobody move!" Julian Vance screamed,
raising his rifle toward the sky.
May you like
"Dominic Vale! Your reign ends today!"
Panicked screams erupted from the guests as people scrambled for cover behind heavy marble pillars and chairs.
