Chapter 12 - THE FINAL STRIKE
I didn't scream.
I turned and ran back into the library, slamming the heavy oak doors shut. I fumbled for the lock in the dark, my hands shaking violently.
Just as the lock clicked, a massive blow hammered against the wood.
"Open the door!" Anthony screamed, swinging the crowbar.
Smash.
The wood splintered.
I backed away, searching the room for a weapon. The fire poker. I grabbed the heavy iron rod, gripping it with both hands.
Smash.
A hole broke through the center of the door. Anthony reached a bloody hand through, trying to reach the lock.
"Luca!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.
"He's busy outside!" Anthony laughed hysterically. "I cut the power grid! His guards are scrambling in the dark!"
Anthony unlocked the door and kicked it open.
He stepped into the library. He looked horrific. Half his face was scarred, his eyes wild with vengeance.
"You ruined everything," he sneered, raising the crowbar.
He lunged at me.
I swung the fire poker as hard as I could.
The heavy iron connected with his knee. Anthony howled in pain, dropping to the floor.
I tried to run past him, but he grabbed my ankle, yanking me down onto the expensive rug.
"You're going to pay!" Anthony screamed, raising the crowbar above his head.
I squeezed my eyes shut.
But the blow never came.
Instead, a deafening gunshot shattered the library windows.
Anthony froze, his eyes widening. He looked down.
A red stain began to spread across his chest.
He collapsed sideways, hitting the floor with a dull thud.
I scrambled backward, gasping for air.
Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the flash of lightning outside, was Luca.
He was breathing heavily, his handgun still raised.
He didn't look at Anthony's body. He looked at me.
He dropped the gun, ran across the room, and pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.
"I've got you," Luca whispered into my hair, his voice breaking. "I've got you. It's over."
I held onto him, sobbing into his chest as the storm raged outside.
It was finally, truly over.
We didn't stay in the mansion. The next morning, Luca sold the estate. We bought a beautiful, modern home in the suburbs, far away from the shadows of his past.
Leo graduated college. Rachel's bakery expanded to three locations.
And a year later, on a quiet beach with just our family present, the maid became the wife of the man who chose love over power.
We left the darkness behind.
May you like
And walked into the light.
(END OF STORY)
