Chapter 9 - LA FAMIGLIA
A year had passed since the night the truth shattered the silence of the Moretti mansion. It was a warm evening in late summer. The courtyard of Luca’s estate was strung with thousands of fairy lights, illuminating the long wooden tables set for a massive outdoor feast. But this wasn't an engagement dinner filled with stiff, wealthy strangers. This was family. The tables were filled with the people who mattered. My parents sat at the head of one table, my father looking strong and healthy, his physical therapy a complete success. He was laughing loudly at a joke Marco had just told. Leo, now seven and missing a front tooth, was running through the grass with Luca’s golden retriever, his green eyes shining with pure joy. He was safe, loved, and entirely home. I stood on the stone terrace, watching the scene, holding a glass of red wine. I wore a simple, elegant emerald-green dress. I was the Director of Operations for the Moretti Foundation, managing millions of dollars in community grants, but tonight, I was just Emma. Strong footsteps sounded on the stone behind me. Luca slipped his arms around my waist from behind, resting his chin softly on my shoulder. “You're quiet,” he murmured, his breath warm against my neck. “Just thinking,” I smiled, leaning back against his solid chest. “About how much can change in a year.” “Everything changed the moment you spoke Italian in my dining room,” he said softly. He turned me around in his arms. The dark, intimidating mafia boss the city feared was gone. In his place was a man deeply in love, his eyes filled with a tenderness reserved only for me. “Emma,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. He reached into his pocket. My breath hitched. He didn't pull out a gold pocket watch this time. He pulled out a small velvet box. He opened it, revealing a stunning, understated diamond ring that caught the light of the fairy stars above us. “You taught me that true loyalty isn't demanded. It’s given freely,” Luca said, his eyes locking onto mine. “You protected my people when you had nothing. I want to spend the rest of my life protecting you, when we have everything.” Tears pricked my eyes. “Luca…” “Marry me, Emma,” he whispered. “In Italian, in English, in any language you want. Just say yes.” I didn't hesitate. “Sì,” I whispered, a brilliant smile breaking across my face. “Yes.” He slipped the ring onto my finger, pulling me flush against him and kissing me deeply under the summer sky. A loud cheer erupted from the courtyard below. We broke apart to see Marco, my parents, and little Leo clapping wildly from the tables. Luca laughed, a rich, full sound I had grown to love, and wrapped his arm securely around my waist. We walked down the stone steps together, joining the people we loved. I had walked into this mansion carrying folded napkins and the weight of the world on my shoulders. I was walking into my future carrying nothing but love, dignity, and the unshakable strength of a woman who knew her worth. La famiglia non è chi ti ha cresciuto. È chi ti protegge. Family isn't just who raised you. It’s who protects you. And we would protect each other, forever.
