Chapter 18 - Beyond the Vow|
I turned to look at him, the wind rustling my dark hair.
"What happens now?" I asked. "The Syndicate is gone. Victor Lane is in prison. My family is safe. Your debt is paid."
Alexander turned to face me fully, his storm-gray eyes softening in a way I had never seen before.
"Is that all this was to you?" he asked softly. "Just a debt?"
My breath caught in my throat.
"Alexander..."
"I looked for your father’s family for six years because I wanted to honor a sacrifice," Alexander said, taking a step closer, his hand reaching out to gently touch my fingers on the stone railing. "But over the last two weeks, watching you fight, watching you protect your family, watching the grace you carry... I realized something."
He looked directly into my eyes, his touch warm against my skin.
"I didn't just find my savior's daughter, Sophia. I found the only person in this world who sees me for who I actually am—not the mafia boss, not the billionaire, but just me."
My heart pounded rapidly against my ribs, but for the first time in my life, it wasn't out of fear or survival.
"I spent six years hiding who I was," I whispered, looking up at him. "I thought I was keeping a promise to my father by burying the past. But you showed me that I don't have to hide anymore."
May you like
Alexander smiled—a real, genuine smile that lit up his entire face.
"Then stay," he said softly. "Not as a guest. Not because of a debt. Stay with me because you want to."
