Chapter 10 - The True Heir

One year later.
The Moretti estate was once again filled with music, laughter, and bright sunlight.
It was a crisp Saturday afternoon in spring. The grand gardens were blooming with white roses, lavender, and sweet-smelling jasmine, the lawns manicured to perfection.
In the center of the lawn, a small white marquee had been set up for an intimate family gathering—not a cold, political networking party for three hundred fake friends, but a real celebration attended only by true loved ones, trusted capos, and loyal staff members.
I stood near the rose bushes wearing an elegant dark emerald silk dress, my dark hair styled in soft waves over my shoulders.
A beautiful diamond ring glittered on my left ring finger.
Alessandro walked up behind me, wrapping his strong arms around my waist and resting his chin gently on my shoulder. He smelled of clean cedarwood and warm sun.
“What are you thinking about, my love?” he whispered into my ear, pressing a sweet kiss against my temple.
“I was just thinking about how different this place feels,” I answered, leaning back against his warm chest. “A year ago, I was standing behind a marble column, terrified of losing my job. And today... I’m your wife.”
Alessandro chuckled softly, a low, contented rumble in his chest. “You were never meant to stand behind columns, Elena. You belong at the center of my life.”
Across the lawn, four-year-old Emma was running happily in a bright yellow sundress, chasing a golden retriever puppy Alessandro had bought her for her birthday.
Marco sat on a nearby wooden bench, laughing as the puppy jumped into his lap, untying his shoelaces.
Suddenly, Emma stopped running, looking down at the grass near the edge of the fountain.
She picked up a small, smooth white river stone and ran over to where Alessandro and I were standing.
“Look, Daddy!” Emma beamed, holding up the stone with absolute pride.
It was the first time she had called him Daddy.
Alessandro froze for a fraction of a second, shock washing over his handsome features, followed instantly by the radiant, breathtaking smile of a man who had just received the greatest treasure on earth.
He dropped down onto both knees in the soft grass, completely unconcerned with his tailored trousers, and took the small stone from her hand.
“It’s a beautiful stone, Emma,” Alessandro said, his voice thick with emotion as he pulled her into a tight, loving embrace.
Emma wrapped her small arms around his neck, giggling softly against his shoulder.
I knelt down beside them, wrapping my arms around both of my loves, resting my head against Alessandro’s chest as the warm afternoon sun bathed us in golden light.
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The false heir and the pillow had started a war.
But the truth had built a fortress of love that would last for generations to come.