Chapter 8 - The Vance Legacy
One year later.
The summer sun streamed brightly across the manicured green lawns of the Vance estate in Long Island. Ocean waves crashed softly against the high stone cliffs below, sending a cool, refreshing breeze through the surrounding pine trees.
A large white pavilion was set up on the grass, draped in soft silk banners and filled with fresh white roses.
Music drifted through the air—a slow, beautiful violin melody played by a live quartet sitting near the garden fountain. Dozens of guests in elegant attire stood around the perimeter, including high-ranking Syndicate lieutenants, business partners, and city officials who had come to pay their respects.
I stood near the edge of the terrace, wearing a simple, breathtaking ivory lace gown that flowed gently around my feet. My hair was styled in soft waves, and my cheeks were full, healthy, and glowing with life.
Beside me, running around in small white leather shoes, were Maya and Hope.
They were fourteen months old now—vibrant, healthy, and full of endless, mischievous energy. Maya had inherited my dark hair, while Hope had striking, bright grey-blue eyes that mirrored the man who raised them.
"Maya, don't chase the swan!" I called out with a soft laugh, bending down to catch Hope as she wobbled toward me on her tiny legs, lifting her into my arms.
"Let her chase it," a deep, familiar voice rumbled behind me.
I turned around to see Elias stepping out onto the terrace.
He looked impossibly handsome in a tailored black tuxedo, his dark hair neatly styled, his steel-gray eyes shining with a warmth that was reserved exclusively for us. He walked over, wrapping his broad arm around my waist, and pulled me close against his side, kissing the top of my head before taking Hope into his arms.
Maya came running back, giggling hysterically, and slammed her tiny hands against Elias's leg. Elias bent down smoothly, scooping her up with his other arm, holding both of his daughters against his chest with effortless grace.
"They're getting too fast for you, Mrs. Vance," Elias teased gently, his dark eyes dimpling at the corners.
Mrs. Vance.
We had been married two months ago in a private ceremony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Elias had legally adopted both Maya and Hope, giving them his name, his protection, and his legacy.
"They're getting fast because their father encourages them to be wild," I replied, leaning my head against his shoulder as we looked out over the ocean.
"They are Vances," Elias said, looking down at our daughters with unshakeable pride. "They will never be small, quiet, or afraid. They will own this city one day."
Marcus walked up the stone steps, holding a glass of champagne. He dipped his head respectfully. "Boss. Mrs. Vance. The guests are waiting for the toast."
Elias nodded. "We'll be right there, Marcus."
As Marcus walked back toward the pavilion, Elias turned to face me. He shifted both girls into one arm—a skill he had perfected over the past year—and pulled me close with his free hand, his dark eyes searching my face.
"Are you happy, Ava?" he asked softly, his voice dropping into that quiet, intimate register that always made my heart flutter.
I looked at the man who had pulled me out of the frozen gutter when I was bleeding to death. I looked at my daughters, who were healthy, safe, and loved beyond measure. I looked at the incredible, strong life we had built together from the ashes of betrayal.
"I have everything I ever prayed for, Elias," I whispered, reaching up to gently touch his lapel. "You saved us."
Elias shook his head, his gray eyes shining with deep, profound emotion.
May you like
"You saved me, Ava," he said softly, leaning down to press a tender kiss against my lips while our daughters babbled happily between us. "You brought light into a house that only knew shadows."
He straightened up, taking my hand in his, and together, we walked down the stone steps toward the warm sunlight and the bright, endless future waiting for our family.
