Chapter 11 - THE SAFE HOME
The diamond caught the early morning sunlight, sparkling with a bright, clean promise.
Answer one: Luca wasn't asking me to be a mistress or a convenient cover like Vanessa. He was asking me to be his true partner, his wife, to help him build the legitimate life he desperately wanted.
I stared at the ring, my breath catching in my throat.
"Luca," I whispered, overwhelmed. "I'm just a girl from the South Side. I don't know how to run an estate or navigate high society."
"I don't care about high society," Luca said fiercely, reaching out to gently cup my face. "I care about the woman who stood up to a mob boss to protect her mother. I care about the woman who saved my daughter's life. You are the strongest person I know, Hannah."
He slid closer, his thumb tracing my cheekbone.
"Say yes," Luca pleaded softly. "Let me take care of you, the way you've taken care of everyone else."
I looked into his eyes. The fear and intimidation I had felt when I first started working here were completely gone. In their place was a deep, undeniable love for this complex, fiercely protective man.
"Yes," I smiled, tears spilling over my lashes. "Yes, Luca."
He slipped the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly.
Then, he leaned in and kissed me. It wasn't a rushed, desperate kiss born of adrenaline. It was slow, tender, and incredibly deep, sealing a promise of safety and forever.
When we finally broke apart, we heard a soft throat clear behind us.
Teresa was standing in the terrace doorway, leaning on her cane, a wide, knowing smile on her face.
"It's about time," Teresa teased, her voice growing stronger by the day.
The next six months were a whirlwind of beautiful change.
Luca stayed true to his word. The illegal operations were dismantled, handed over to the authorities in blind drops, and the Moretti family transitioned into a powerhouse of legitimate Chicago real estate.
My mother moved into a beautiful, secure cottage on the estate grounds, her health flourishing in the peaceful environment.
I spent my days not cleaning floors, but redesigning the mansion to let the light in, removing the heavy, dark curtains and replacing the grim portraits with vibrant art and photographs of our new family.
Sophie blossomed. Without the toxic presence of Vanessa, she became a happy, energetic little girl who loved baking cookies with me and reading stories in the library.
It was a crisp autumn afternoon. We were hosting a small, private dinner to celebrate our upcoming wedding.
I was standing in the kitchen, laughing as Sophie helped me frost a cake.
"More sprinkles, Hannah!" Sophie demanded, giggling.
"You got it, boss," I laughed, handing her the jar.
Luca walked into the kitchen, wearing a casual sweater, looking relaxed and deeply happy. He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, pressing a kiss to my neck.
"How are my two favorite girls?" Luca murmured.
"We are making a masterpiece," I smiled, leaning back into his solid chest.
Suddenly, the kitchen door swung open. Daniel, the head of security, stepped in holding a small, wrapped package.
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"Mr. Moretti," Daniel said, his tone professional but relaxed. "A package arrived for you at the front gate. Sent from Montreal."
TITLE: THE FINAL GIFT
