Chapter 11 - THE MATRIARCH
Two years later.
The morning sun streamed through the massive bay windows of the estate, catching the dust motes dancing in the air. The heavy iron gates outside were still manned by guards, but the house itself felt entirely different. It was no longer a fortress; it was a home.
I sat at the kitchen island, nursing a cup of coffee, reviewing the latest quarterly reports for Moretti Enterprises—a fully legitimate corporate empire that I now helped run as Chief Financial Officer.
Footsteps patted against the hardwood floor, and a five-year-old Leo sprinted into the kitchen, wearing a superhero cape over his pajamas. He threw his arms around my legs. "Morning, Mom!"
My heart swelled, just as it did every time he called me that. "Good morning, my brave explorer," I laughed, lifting him into my lap.
Ricardo walked in moments later, dressed in a crisp suit, though his tie hung loose around his neck. He looked relaxed, the heavy burdens of his past life finally lifted from his shoulders. He walked over, pressing a kiss to Leo’s head before leaning down to capture my lips in a slow, lingering kiss.
"Are you ready for the board meeting today, Mrs. Moretti?" he murmured against my cheek.
May you like
"I was born ready," I smiled, tracing the line of his jaw.
Ricardo looked at me, then at Leo, who was happily dunking a cookie into a glass of milk. The terrifying mafia boss who used to strike fear into the heart of New York had found his peace. We had built a sanctuary out of the ruins of our pasts, proving that sometimes, the most dangerous leap of faith is the one that brings you home.
