Chapter 186: Chapter 186

The music was soft at first . I heard the violins, a low hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter that filled the evening air.

Our reception was exactly what I wanted it to be: simple, elegant, and warm. No gold thrones or crystal chandeliers this time. Just love.

The garden lights shimmered over white roses and candles floating in glass bowls, casting everything in a soft golden glow. Guests were scattered across tables, toasting, chatting, smiling like they’d all waited for this as much as we had.

I was standing near the dance floor, still dazed by everything that had happened. The ceremony, the vows, the kiss that left me lightheaded with all of it was swirling around me like a dream that had finally come true.

Then I felt him before I saw him.

Jace’s hand slipped around my waist, fingers settling over my hip like they belonged there.

"You look like you’re still somewhere else," he murmured near my ear.

I smiled, leaning back against his chest. "I’m just trying to take it all in. It feels like a dream."

He pressed a kiss to my shoulder. "It’s real, Mrs. Romano."

I turned around, still not used to hearing that again. "You know, the first time I was called that, I was terrified."

"Now..." I smiled faintly, touching his jaw. "Now it feels like a promise."

He looked at me in that way that always made my pulse trip, he looked at me the way that said I was the only person in the room.

Before either of us could say anything else, Roberto appeared beside us with a teasing grin. "Alright, lovebirds, save the staring for later. Some of us would like to eat before midnight."

I laughed. "You’re lucky you’re family, or Jace would’ve thrown you out by now."

"I’m not scared of him," Roberto said confidently — but his grin faltered when Jace raised an eyebrow. "Okay, maybe a little."

The laughter that followed felt so good. To see my husband and brother finally getting along felt like a dream come true.

We took our seats for dinner, surrounded by the people who had seen us through the worst of everything — Donna Carmela, looking radiant and proud; Tomas, cracking jokes with the staff

Cecilia, was busy as usual. I saw her floating all over the place. At least she would rest after today, I thought.

When the waiter poured champagne, Jace stood, his glass raised.

The music softened again.

"To second chances," he said simply.

"To love that doesn’t quit," I added, raising mine too.

The glasses clinked, and for a moment, everything felt suspended — peaceful, golden, and still.

I’d been to a hundred celebrations in my life. More than half of them were extravagant, the rest meaningless.

I couldn’t stop looking at her.

Every time Mira laughed, something in me eased. Every time she brushed her hair back or reached for my hand, I remembered why I fought so hard to make it here.

The band shifted to a slower tune, and Tomas clapped me on the shoulder. "Go on, boss. Time for the first dance before your wife gets stolen by someone else."

I rolled my eyes but stood, holding out my hand to Mira. "Come here, mia cara."

She smiled and placed her hand in mine.

As soon as I pulled her close, the rest of the world disappeared again. Her hand rested against my chest, and I could feel her heart beating in sync with mine.

"You know," she whispered, "I think I’ve seen you smile more tonight than in the last four years combined."

"That’s because I’ve never had this much reason to," I murmured.

Her eyes glistened under the warm lights. "You’re allowed to be happy, Jace."

"I am," I said quietly. "With you, I finally am."

We swayed to the music, and she laughed when I spun her around. It was the kind of laughter that felt free, light, and unguarded. People around us started clapping, and I caught Roberto recording us on his phone, pretending not to be misty-eyed.

Donna Carmela leaned in toward a table of guests, saying proudly, "See? That’s my son. Took him years to figure out love isn’t a battlefield."

I shook my head, smiling against Mira’s temple. "She’s never going to let me live that down."

"Good," Mira teased softly. "You need someone to keep you humble."

"Is that a challenge?"

By the time dessert was served — a vanilla and raspberry mousse cake that Jace insisted on cutting with me, everyone had moved from teary speeches to full-on laughter.

Tomas gave a surprisingly sentimental toast that ended with, "To the woman who somehow survived this man...you deserve a medal."

The room erupted in laughter again, and Jace just smirked. "She already got one. It’s called the Romano name."

I elbowed him under the table, pretending to glare. "Behave."

I rolled my eyes, but my heart was full.

When the music picked up again, we both joined the dance floor one last time , barefoot this time, shoes forgotten, her gown swaying like a cloud around her legs.

I caught Donna wiping her eyes again, whispering to Roberto, "Now all that’s left is a grandchild."

He chuckled, "You should tell them that." Follow current novᴇls on novel·fiɾe·net

Jace leaned close to my ear. "You heard her?"

I blushed. "Don’t you dare start."

He grinned, that dangerous, beautiful grin I’d fallen in love with. "Too late, Mrs. Romano."

As the night wound down and the last song played, I watched her — hair tousled, cheeks flushed, smiling at something Tomas said — and all I could think was how far we’d come.

This wasn’t the ending.

It was the beginning of the peace we’d both fought for.

When we finally slipped away from the crowd, I took her hand, leading her toward the balcony overlooking the city. The lights glittered below like stars scattered across the earth.

She rested her head on my shoulder, sighing. "You did it, Jace. You finally gave us forever."

I kissed the top of her head. "No, Mira. We did."

She looked up at me then, her eyes soft and full of everything I’d ever wanted.

And in that quiet moment, with the city humming beneath us and her hand warm in mine, I realized something simple and profound—

The ghosts were gone.

And this love our love had finally found its peace

But maybe I was wrong.