The Mafia's Pet: Pawn Of The Ruthless ( A Dark Romance)

The days passed in a peaceful rhythm, and the weight of the past felt lighter with each moment. Aemilio and Evangelina found themselves growing closer, their connection deepening in ways that neither had anticipated. Their lives, once filled with shadows and betrayals, had transformed into something warmer, softer—a life filled with a kind of happiness that felt almost unreal.

One evening, they found themselves back at their favorite spot—a small café with a view of the city's glittering skyline. The soft hum of conversations around them, the clinking of glasses, and the glow of candles on each table created an atmosphere that was both intimate and serene.

Aemilio took Evangelina's hand across the table, his gaze steady and serious. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you," he said, his voice low and earnest.

Evangelina looked up, surprised by his intensity. "What is it?" she asked softly, her heart beginning to beat a little faster.

He took a deep breath, as if gathering his thoughts. "I never thought I'd find peace, let alone love. For so long, my life was just... surviving. Revenge. I was consumed by it. But you... you showed me something different. You showed me that I don't have to carry that weight anymore."

A gentle smile softened her expression, and she squeezed his hand. "I'm glad I could be part of that. But Aemilio, you've always had that strength inside you. I just helped you see it."

He shook his head, a bittersweet smile on his face. "Maybe. But I know one thing for sure—I don't want to imagine a future without you in it."

Evangelina's breath caught, her heart swelling at his words. "Aemilio..."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, his hand slightly shaking as he held it out to her. Her eyes widened as she realized what he was doing, her pulse racing.

"Evangelina," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I know we've been through so much. I know that we both carry scars, and that there are still pieces of ourselves we're figuring out. But I also know that I love you, in a way I never thought I could love anyone. You're my beginning, my peace, and my hope for the future. Will you marry me?"

Her eyes filled with tears, and she could barely find her voice. "Aemilio... yes. Yes, of course!"

He let out a breath of relief, slipping the ring onto her finger with a smile that was both joyful and a little disbelieving. "I never thought I'd get this chance," he murmured, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "I never thought I'd have someone like you in my life."

They stayed like that for a long moment, holding each other as the world around them faded away.

The next few days were a blur of shared excitement and quiet moments as they began planning their future together. They kept their engagement a secret, savoring this new, beautiful chapter just for themselves. The days turned into weeks, and soon they were standing in front of the old chapel they had chosen for their wedding.

On the morning of the ceremony, Evangelina felt a mix of nervousness and joy that was almost overwhelming. As she looked at herself in the mirror, dressed in a simple, elegant gown, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. This was right. This was where she was meant to be.

Meanwhile, Aemilio stood at the altar, his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for her. He wore a classic black suit, his expression a mixture of excitement and quiet determination. When the doors finally opened and Evangelina stepped into the chapel, he felt his breath catch. She was radiant, her eyes shining with happiness as she walked toward him.

As she joined him at the altar, they exchanged a look filled with a depth of understanding that only they shared. The officiant began to speak, but Aemilio could barely focus on the words. His world had narrowed to the woman standing before him, the one person who had truly seen him, flaws and all, and chosen to stay.

When it was time for the vows, Aemilio took her hands in his, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "Evangelina, you are my light, my hope, and my peace. I promise to be there for you, through every joy and every hardship. I will protect you, support you, and love you for as long as I live."

A tear slipped down her cheek as she smiled, her voice trembling slightly as she replied, "Aemilio, you taught me what it means to be strong, to face the world with courage. You are my home, my heart, and my forever. I promise to stand by your side, to love you fiercely, and to create a life filled with love and laughter together."

As they exchanged rings, sealing their promises, the chapel seemed to glow with warmth and light. The officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and Aemilio leaned forward, capturing her in a kiss that was tender, filled with the promise of everything that lay ahead.

Later, as they danced together under the soft lights at their small reception, Evangelina leaned her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "I never thought we'd end up here," she whispered, a smile in her voice.

Aemilio tightened his arms around her, his lips brushing her hair. "Neither did I. But I wouldn't trade it for anything."

They stayed there, wrapped in each other's arms, lost in a moment that felt like forever. The music, the laughter of their friends and family, the soft glow of the evening—all of it faded as they looked into each other's eyes, knowing that this was just the beginning of a life they would build together.

In that moment, Aemilio realized that his past, with all its pain and darkness, no longer had a hold on him. He had found his peace, his love, and his future. And he knew, deep in his heart, that he would never let it go.