Chapter 13 - AFTERMATH AND HEALING
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Two weeks had passed since the night of the failed coup.
Life in Chicago had returned to an uncanny state of normalcy, though the power dynamics had shifted forever.
The Bellini family assets were liquidated and absorbed into the Moretti foundation.
Clara Hayes had been moved into a magnificent two-bedroom garden apartment owned by the Moretti trust in Lincoln Park.
The building had private doormen, twenty-four-hour concierge service, and an elevator.
Her shoulder surgery was scheduled for next week with the top orthopedic surgeon in the Midwest, fully paid for by Luca.
I stood in my new office on the second floor of the mansion, organizing the upcoming charity gala invitations.
The room was bright, filled with fresh flowers, and overlooked the eastern rose gardens.
Yet, despite the luxury and my new title, an ache was growing inside my chest.
I knew I didn't belong in this world.
I was a cleaner from the South Side whose mother scrubbed office floors at night.
Luca Moretti was a king in an empire of shadows, a man destined to marry someone of noble birth and immense power.
Every time Luca looked at me with those burning dark eyes, my heart betrayed me.
I had fallen deeply, completely in love with him.
And that was the most dangerous mistake I could ever make.
I picked up a sealed white envelope from my desk.
Inside was my formal letter of resignation.
I walked down the winding marble staircase toward Antonio’s private study to say my goodbyes.
I knocked softly on the heavy mahogany door.
“Come in, Emma!” Antonio’s cheerful voice called out.
I entered the study.
Antonio was sitting near the window, a polished chessboard set up on the table before him.
He was wearing both of his hearing aids, whistling a classical Italian melody.
“Ah, just in time,” Antonio smiled, gesturing to the chair across from him.
“Sit down and play black. Luca claims he is too busy with business today.”
My throat tightened as I walked toward the table, holding the envelope behind my back.
“Mr. Antonio,” I began softly, my voice wavering.
Antonio looked up, his warm smile fading when he saw the somber expression on my face.
“What is that in your hand, child?” he asked gently.
I placed the white envelope on the edge of the chessboard.
“It’s my resignation, sir.”
Antonio stared at the envelope as if it were a venomous snake.
“Your resignation? Why on earth would you resign?”
“You’ve been more generous to me and my mother than anyone in our entire lives,” I explained, tears welling in my eyes.
“But the Bellinis are gone.”
“Your name is cleared.”
“The household is secure.”
I looked down at my hands.
“I don't belong in a mafia palace, Mr. Antonio.”
“People are already talking about why a former maid is running the Moretti estate.”
“I don't want to bring scandal to your family.”
Antonio didn't get angry.
He simply leaned back in his chair and sighed deeply.
“You truly believe that’s why you’re leaving, Emma?”
May you like
Before I could answer, a deep, commanding voice spoke from the open doorway behind me.
“She isn't leaving anywhere.”
