Chapter 35
~Elle~
My husband is like a chameleon, shifting seamlessly between many personas.
In the months we’ve been together, I’ve witnessed them all.
At times it’s hard to reconcile these different sides, yet they are what make him whole.
The ruthless killer who won’t hesitate to take a life to protect his loved ones and the Cosa Nostra.
The Don who rules with fairness, commands respect and shows no mercy to betrayal.
The man who refuses to tolerate harm against women or children.
And the devoted husband who will do anything to shield his wife.
I’ve come to accept that Dominic is a product of his world—and I love him, no matter the life he leads.
This isn’t the life I once imagined for myself, yet I’ve found purpose again.
Helping the women and children Dominic rescued has given me focus and meaning.
My husband offered one of his Brooklyn properties to be converted into a shelter and with Serafina’s help, we prepared it for use.
I reached out to a few former classmates in New York, and they offered their help
Since the attack on the mansion, Dominic has eased his grip, allowing me some freedom to leave. The catch is that I’m never alone—he insists on accompanying me, flanked by a team of bodyguards he’s personally vetted. Jimmy, now recovered from his injuries, is among them.
The first group of women and children we managed to rescue were carried into the mansion’s infirmary, their frail bodies trembling with exhaustion.
The sight of them nearly shattered my composure: grief and fury pressed against my chest, threatening to break through.
I forced myself to remain steady, though every glance at their hollow eyes was a battle against despair.
Doctor Samuel and Susie worked tirelessly at my side, tending to wounds and soothing fevers. Each patient bore the marks of captivity—skin parched, lips cracked, their strength drained from days locked inside shipping containers, treated as less than human.
Within days, Serafina and I transformed a nearby building into a sanctuary.
Its walls, once empty, now held the fragile hope of recovery.
Dominic accompanied me there after every rescue, his presence a quiet reassurance as we walked among the survivors.
Guards stood watch at every entrance, their vigilance a shield against the Albanians who might dare to reclaim what they had stolen.
In that place, surrounded by suffering and resilience, I felt the weight of both duty and rage. Yet beneath it all flickered a fragile light—the possibility of healing, and the promise that these women and children would never again be caged.
Tonight, a fundraiser will be held at Dominic’s newly opened nightclub, The Oasis. He chose to dedicate the grand opening to this cause, turning celebration into purpose. At Serafina’s suggestion, the evening will feature an auction to help raise funds.
I often think back to the night, about three months ago, when the first group was rescued.
Lying beside Dominic, we spoke quietly about the fate of the women and children.
At that moment, we made a promise: to stand by them, to ensure they had a chance at a better future.
That conversation has stayed with me ever since, and tonight is one step toward honoring it.
“Dominic, what are we going to do for these poor people?”
“We’ll reunite them with their families. And for those with nowhere to go… we’ll take care of them.”
“They’re traumatized, Dominic. They’ll need counseling—and a safe place to heal.”
“I own a building in Brooklyn that’s sitting empty. We could turn it into housing.”
“That’s perfect. Serafina can help me organize, and I’ll reach out to some of my old colleagues. Together, we can make it a shelter.”
“That’s a good plan, Angel.”
“Maybe we could even set up a charity—something lasting, to help victims of trafficking.”
Dominic’s gaze softened. “Whatever you decide, Angel… I’ll stand behind you.”
The thought of doing more to assist filled me with excitement.
Serafina proved invaluable in preparing the shelter, drawing on her extensive experience with charitable organizations.
It was her insight that led to the idea of hosting an auction—a strategy designed to attract wealthy benefactors and maximize support for the cause.