Chapter 15 - The Real Lady of the Moretti Dynasty
One year later.
The summer sun was setting over Lake Michigan, painting the sky in breathtaking hues of gold, crimson, and lavender.
The Moretti estate was alive with laughter and the sound of music.
The Moretti Charitable Foundation had just opened its tenth community veterinary and low-income medical clinic in the greater Chicago area, bearing the name The Sofia & Bruno Foundation.
On the back terrace, a long wooden dining table was set with exquisite food, fresh flowers, and vintage wine.
My mother Clara was sitting at the head of the table, laughing warmly as she fed tiny pieces of cooked chicken to Bruno, who was happily snoozing on an orthopedic down mattress beneath the shade of the flowering apple tree.
The heavy glass French doors of the master suite opened.
Luca walked out onto the terrace, carrying two glasses of sparkling apple cider. He looked rested, vibrant, and utterly fulfilled.
He walked up behind me as I leaned against the stone balustrade, wrapping one strong arm around my waist while his hand rested gently against the pronounced, beautiful curve of my pregnant belly.
"How are our two most precious treasures doing?" Luca murmured, kissing the curve of my neck.
I leaned back against his solid chest, smiling as I felt our baby kick gently against his palm. "He’s as stubborn as his father. He hasn't stopped moving all afternoon."
Luca chuckled, a deep, rich sound of pure contentment. He rested his chin on my shoulder, looking out over the peaceful estate.
Down on the grass, Bruno let out a soft, contented sigh, his gray muzzle resting safely between his front paws, entirely surrounded by love, warmth, and family.
"Do you remember that night at the engagement dinner?" I asked softly, looking down at the sparkling emerald ring on my finger. "When you told me to turn around?"
Luca’s arm tightened gently around me.
"I remember thinking that the woman standing before me had the bravest heart I had ever encountered in my life," Luca said softly. "I didn't know it then... but my mother sent you to that kennel gate to save all of us."
I turned in his arms, wrapping my hands around his neck and looking into the dark, loving eyes of the man who had given me the world.
"We saved each other, Luca," I whispered.
May you like
He smiled, leaning down to press his lips against mine as the golden sun dipped below the horizon, sealing a life of peace, honor, and unbreakable love.
THE END
