Chapter 5 - The Wedding That Was Supposed To Be Fake Became A Real Vow
The surveillance footage was discovered two days later.
The camera had been installed by one of Nico's own security contractors.
The contractor vanished before police arrived.
Adrian was close.
Too close.
Nico wanted Rachel moved abroad.
She refused.
"I won't spend the rest of my life running."
"I won't risk you."
"You already did."
He looked wounded.
She softened.
"I don't mean because you lied."
"I know."
"I mean because you fell in love with me."
He stared at her.
She smiled.
"That's the risk."
The next morning, Nico proposed.
Not because of protection.
Not because of business.
Not because of Salvatore.
He knelt in the kitchen.
Rachel was making coffee.
She nearly spilled it.
"Rachel Hail."
"That's ominous."
"Nineteen months ago, I hired you to pretend."
She laughed.
"You're really bringing that up during a proposal?"
"I want you to know exactly what I'm asking."
He held out a simple ring.
"I don't want six months."
She stared.
"I don't want a contract."
He swallowed.
"I don't want a fake wife."
Rachel's eyes filled.
"I want you."
She dropped to her knees in front of him.
"You're supposed to let me answer first."
"I thought I should get it out before you change your mind."
She laughed through tears.
"Yes."
He froze.
"Yes?"
"Yes."
She kissed him.
They married privately three weeks later.
Only close friends attended.
Salvatore walked Rachel down the aisle.
That surprised everyone.
When he reached her, he whispered:
"I'm sorry."
Rachel looked at him.
"You can't undo it."
"No."
"But you can stop repeating it."
He nodded.
"I will."
The ceremony was simple.
No business contracts.
No family agreements.
No hidden motives.
Just promises.
Nico said:
"I spent most of my life believing love was a weakness."
Rachel smiled.
"And now?"
"Now I know it is the only thing that ever made me strong."
They kissed.
For the first time, Rachel wasn't pretending to be his wife.
She was.
But three days later, the attack came.
A convoy carrying Salvatore was ambushed.
His driver was killed.
Salvatore survived but was critically injured.
Adrian sent a message.
THE FAMILY BELONGS TO ME.
Nico understood.
Adrian wanted the Sabatini empire without destroying it.
He wanted control.
The final battle would happen at the old Brooklyn port.
Rachel insisted on going.
"No."
"You promised no more lies."
"This isn't a lie."
"It's a decision you're making for me."
He stared at her.
She stepped closer.
"You didn't fall for a woman who obeys."
A faint smile crossed his face.
"That's why I married you."
They went together.
The old port was empty.
Too empty.
Nico knew it was a trap.
Adrian appeared on the warehouse balcony.
Older.
Calmer.
Almost smiling.
"My nephew."
Nico stepped forward.
"You're finished."
Adrian laughed.
"Do you think evidence matters when people fear power?"
Rachel stepped beside Nico.
"It matters when the whole city sees it."
Adrian's smile disappeared.
Her phone was recording.
Behind her, police vehicles arrived.
Diane had already transmitted the evidence to federal investigators.
Adrian reached for his weapon.
Nico raised his gun.
"Don't."
Adrian stopped.
"You're not going to kill me?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because I want you alive long enough to hear the truth about what you destroyed."
Police arrested Adrian.
The Sabatini empire survived.
But it changed forever.
Nico sold the businesses tied to illegal operations.
He dissolved the criminal network.
He turned the legitimate parts of Sabatini Holdings into a private hospitality and shipping company.
Salvatore retired.
Rachel became chairman of the family foundation.
May you like
The fake marriage was over.
The real one had begun.
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