IN THE DARK, EVERY SECRET COMES TO LIGHT

Our wedding was an intimate affair in the estate’s blooming gardens, a stark contrast to the massive, sterile gala Dominic had once planned with Celia. Only trusted friends, family, and my brother Sam, who walked me down the aisle, were present.

Dominic looked breathtaking in his black tuxedo, his eyes solely on me. As we exchanged vows under an arch of white roses, little Leo stood proudly as the ring bearer, wearing a tiny suit that matched his uncle's.

"I promise to protect you, respect you, and love you in the light," Dominic vowed, sliding the gold band onto my finger. It was a promise to leave the dark parts of his life outside our home.

The reception was joyous. Mrs. Russo danced with my brother, laughing freely. The trauma of the past felt miles away.

But as the evening waned and guests began to leave, Marcus pulled Dominic aside near the edge of the terrace. I watched them from afar. Marcus’s face was grim. Dominic’s posture went rigid.

I walked over, my wedding dress rustling against the stone path. "What's wrong?"

Dominic sighed, running a hand through his hair. He looked at Marcus, silently asking for permission to shield me, but I stepped closer. "No secrets, Dom. We promised."

Marcus cleared his throat. "We received a message from the Commission. Celia's transfer to a maximum-security federal facility was intercepted this morning."

My blood ran cold. "Intercepted?"

"Her transport van was ambushed," Marcus said quietly. "She's gone, Emily. Escaped."

Dominic pulled me against his side, his arm a protective shield. "Double the security on the estate," he ordered Marcus. "Nobody gets in or out without my personal clearance. Put a detail on Leo at all times."

"Already done, boss." Marcus nodded and slipped into the shadows.

I looked up at Dominic, the fear I thought I had buried clawing at my throat. "She's coming back for him, isn't she?"

"She won't get within a mile of him," Dominic swore, his jaw clenched. "Or you. I ended this once. If she steps foot in Chicago, I’ll end it permanently."