Chapter 9 - A NEW DAWN AT THE MORETTI TABLE
Three weeks later, the grand dining room of the Moretti mansion looked entirely different.
The heavy, suffocating tension that had poisoned the air during that dreadful engagement dinner was gone. In its place, warm candlelight danced across the polished mahogany table, and the sound of children's laughter echoed from the courtyard outside through the open French doors.
There were no fifty high-society guests tonight. No fake socialites, no scheming fiancées, and no forced lies.
There was only family.
At the head of the table sat Luca, wearing a comfortable charcoal button-down shirt with his sleeves rolled up, laughing as little Leo enthusiastically explained the rules of a new board game he had won at school.
To his right sat Sofia, looking radiant in a soft floral dress, wearing her mother’s silver rose locket resting brightly against her collarbone. She looked happier and more at peace than she had in years, surrounded by the safety and unconditional love of her brother and children.
And at the other end of the table, sitting comfortably among them as an honored guest and trusted executive of the estate, sat me.
My mother had spent the afternoon visiting the mansion for the first time, marveling at the gorgeous gardens and crying tears of pure joy when Luca personally showed her the newly renovated sunroom where she could drink her morning tea in peace.
“Emily,” Luca called out, raising a crystal glass sparkling with sparkling cider across the table.
I paused, looking up from my plate.
“To new beginnings,” Luca said, his dark eyes meeting mine with a steady, profound warmth. “And to the people who remind us that truth is worth more than any diamond in the world.”
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“To new beginnings!” Sofia echoed warmly, raising her glass with a bright smile, while Leo and Mia cheered and clinked their milk cups together in the air.
I raised my glass, feeling the warm glow of the candlelight wash over my face. The debt was paid, the past was healed, and for the first time in my life, I wasn't just working in a house—I was part of a home.
