The Maid Who Struck the King: Bound to New York’s Deadliest Billionaire

A year later.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral was filled to capacity with two thousand guests.

There were no weapons drawn. There were no hidden poisons, no shadows, and no fear. Outside the cathedral, thousands of New York citizens cheered along Fifth Avenue, holding banners and flowers. Over the past twelve months, Victor had completely dismantled the Syndicate's illegal operations, transforming the Romano empire into the city's largest legitimate logistics and charitable foundation, funding hospitals and schools across all five boroughs.

The massive brass doors swung open, and the organ swelled with a magnificent, triumphant melody.

I walked down the white aisle on the arm of my little brother, Daniel, who stood tall and proud in his tailored black suit.

I wore a magnificent custom lace gown that trailed ten feet behind me, sparkling with thousands of subtle pearls under the stained-glass sunlight. My mother sat in the front row, crying tears of pure joy, holding hands with the doctors who had saved her life.

At the end of the altar stood Victor Romano.

He was breathtaking. He wore an immaculate white tuxedo, his eyes locked onto me with a fierce, burning devotion that silenced the entire world around us.

When Daniel placed my hand into Victor's, Victor leaned down and whispered to my brother in sign language: I will love her for eternity.

Daniel beamed and took his seat.

Victor took both of my hands into his. His fingers were warm, strong, and steady.

"Lena," Victor spoke, his deep voice carrying across the silent, awe-struck cathedral without a microphone. "A year ago, I was a man living in the dark, waiting for a bullet to end my empty life. You crashed into my world like thunder. You broke my jaw, saved my soul, and taught me what it means to be human."

He slipped a magnificent platinum ring set with an emerald and diamonds onto my finger.

"I give you my name, my fortune, my empire, and every beat of my heart. You are my savior, my partner, and my only queen."

Tears spilled freely down my cheeks as I looked into the eyes of the man who had become my entire world.

"Victor," I whispered, sliding a matching platinum band onto his finger. "I spent my whole life cleaning up other people's messes, wishing someone would see me. You saw me. You protected my family, gave me your strength, and gave me a love I never thought I deserved. I will stand by your side through every battle, for the rest of our days."

"By the power vested in me," the Archbishop declared with a warm smile, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Victor didn't wait. He wrapped his strong arms around my waist, lifting me slightly off the marble floor, and pulled me into a deep, passionate, breathtaking kiss.

The entire cathedral erupted into a deafening roar of applause and cheers. Rose petals rained down from the high vaulted ceilings, filling the sunlit air with sweet fragrance.

As Victor pulled back, his forehead resting gently against mine, a wicked, familiar smirk played on his handsome lips.

"So, Mrs. Romano," he whispered playfully against my lips. "Are you ever going to punch me again?"