Chapter 8 - The Queen of Manhattan
Three months later.
The spring sun shone bright over the Westchester estate. The broken front doors had been replaced with reinforced mahogany, and the marble floor was polished so brightly it reflected the blue sky outside.
In the grand garden behind the mansion, a massive white tent had been erected over the lush green lawn. Hundreds of fresh white roses filled the air with a sweet scent.
Manhattan’s elite were once again gathered—not for a arrogant birthday party, but for the event of the decade.
At the altar stood Dominic Vance, dressed in an immaculate charcoal tuxedo, his eyes fixed on the long aisle stretching across the grass.
The string quartet played a soft, beautiful melody.
Walking down the aisle on the arm of a retired judge, dressed in a breathtaking lace wedding gown that flowed behind her like summer mist, was Ella Marsh.
Her dark hair was styled gracefully, adorned with small pearl pins that had once belonged to Margaret. She held a simple bouquet of white roses, her head held high, radiating warmth, grace, and undeniable beauty.
In the front row, Margaret sat crying tears of pure joy, clapping her hands gently as her daughter-in-law walked past.
Ella reached the altar. Dominic took her small hand in his, bowing his head to kiss her knuckles gently.
"You look stunning, Ella," Dominic whispered, his gray eyes shining with genuine devotion.
"And you look like a man who finally has everything he needs," Ella smiled back softly.
The priest began the ceremony, his voice carrying over the peaceful breeze.
"Do you, Dominic Vance, take Ella Marsh to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, as long as you both shall live?"
Dominic didn't hesitate for a single second. "I do."
"And do you, Ella Marsh, take Dominic Vance to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Ella looked into Dominic’s eyes—the man who had lifted heavy books from her arms when she was a nameless maid, the man who had fought to protect her, and the man who had given her a family.
"I do," Ella answered clearly.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Dominic stepped forward, wrapping his arm around Ella’s waist, pulling her close as he pressed his lips against hers in a passionate, deep kiss that drew loud applause and cheers from the crowd.
Margaret stood up, clapping proudly, her smile lighting up the entire garden.
As the kiss broke, Dominic looked down at his new wife, resting his forehead against hers.
"You came into this house as a maid, Ella," Dominic whispered into her ear, his voice filled with deep emotion. "And today, you become the Queen of Manhattan."
Ella smiled, holding his hand tight as they turned together to face the cheering crowd.
May you like
"I’m not a queen, Dominic," Ella whispered back with a quiet wink. "I’m just a woman who kept her spine straight."
And together, side by side, they walked down the aisle into their new life.
