Chapter 12 - THE ASHES WASHED AWAY BY THE RAIN
Six months later.
The Moretti estate was unrecognizable.
The dark, heavy curtains that had trapped the gloom inside for thirty years were gone. Sunlight poured through massive bay windows, illuminating the polished marble floors.
The smell of cigar smoke and whiskey was replaced by the scent of fresh lilies and baking bread.
I stood in the kitchen, chopping vegetables.
Not because it was my job. Because I enjoyed it.
I wore a simple pair of jeans and a white sweater.
The silver bracelet—the one the FBI had dredged from the koi pond to use as the final nail in Patrick Donnelly’s coffin—was resting safely in a museum vault, donated in my father’s name.
Laughter echoed from the back patio.
I looked out the window.
My mother, Sarah, was sitting at the patio table, playing a fierce game of cards with Elena Moretti.
They were arguing over the rules, laughing like teenagers.
Two women whose lives had been stolen by cruel men, finally taking them back.
Vincenzo, Marcus, and Patrick were all serving consecutive life sentences in a federal supermax. The syndicate was dismantled, their assets seized, their power completely broken.
Luca had walked away from the business entirely.
He surrendered the illegal holdings, paid the fines, and transitioned his massive wealth into legitimate real estate and philanthropy.
Strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind.
Luca rested his chin on my shoulder, kissing my cheek.
“You’re supposed to be relaxing,” he murmured, his voice deep and warm.
“I am relaxing,” I smiled, leaning back against his chest.
He reached around and gently took the knife from my hand, setting it on the cutting board.
He turned me around to face him.
He looked different now. The heavy, dark burden that used to weigh down his shoulders was gone. He looked younger. Happier.
“I have a question for you,” Luca said softly.
“Okay.”
He reached into his pocket.
He pulled out a small velvet box.
My breath caught in my throat.
He opened it.
Inside wasn’t a massive, gaudy diamond bought with blood money or blackmail.
It was a simple, elegant sapphire, surrounded by tiny diamonds.
“My mother helped me pick it out,” Luca said, his dark eyes locking onto mine. “She said you prefer things that are real.”
Tears instantly pricked my eyes.
“Emma,” Luca whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “You didn't just save my mother. You saved me. You pulled me out of the dark.”
He didn't kneel. He stood right in front of me, holding my hands.
“I don’t want to be a boss anymore. I just want to be your husband. If you’ll have me.”
I looked at the ring.
Then I looked at the man who had fought through fire, betrayal, and hell to protect me and my family.
I smiled, a tear slipping down my cheek.
“Yes,” I whispered.
Luca slipped the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly.
He pulled me in, kissing me deeply, pouring every ounce of his love and gratitude into it.
Outside, on the patio, I heard Elena and my mother cheer.
We broke apart, laughing.
I looked around the bright, warm kitchen.
May you like
The past was finally dead. The ghosts were buried.
And for the first time in my life, the future looked absolutely beautiful.
