Chapter 13 - THE NEW ERA
Spring arrived in Chicago with a fierce, thawing rain that washed away the last lingering patches of winter slush.
The Vitale estate had transformed.
The grand ballroom, once filled with corrupt politicians and whispering capos, was now converted into a sunlit nursery painted in soft shades of cream and sage green.
Emily sat in her carved walnut chair by the window, her hand resting comfortably over her six-month baby bump, watching the robins dart across the blooming cherry blossoms in the garden.
The door opened quietly.
Alessandro walked in, his suit jacket removed, his shirtsleeves rolled up to his elbows, carrying a small silver tray with sliced strawberries and sparkling water.
He set it down on the table, knelt beside her chair, and pressed his ear gently against her swollen stomach.
Inside, as if recognizing its father's voice, the baby gave a distinct, energetic kick against his cheek.
Alessandro chuckled—a deep, resonant sound of pure, unadulterated joy.
"She's going to have your stubborn temper," Alessandro murmured, kissing her belly through the soft cotton dress.
"Or your terrible habit of taking over every room you enter," Emily smiled, running her fingers through his dark hair.
The telephone on the mahogany desk buzzed.
Alessandro didn't move. He kept his head resting against her, ignoring the ring.
Emily reached over, picking up the receiver. "Vitale residence."
"Emily? It's Sara," came the voice from the speaker, crisp and amused. "I'm checking in from the Canadian border. Just wanted to let you know your husband’s former associates in New York are officially tearing each other apart over the frozen shipping accounts."
Emily glanced down at Alessandro, who was smiling up at her like a man who had won the entire world and cared about nothing else.
"Let them fight, Sara," Emily said smoothly. "We're done with wars."
May you like
She hung up the phone, leaning back in her chair as the afternoon sunlight flooded the nursery in a golden embrace.
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