Chapter 14 - The Night Chicago Trembled
Late that night, after the last guest had departed and the ballroom lights were dimmed, Luca and I walked down the stone path leading to the private cemetery at the edge of the estate.
The night air was sweet with the scent of blooming lilacs.
At the center of the manicured lawn stood a polished white marble headstone.
Engraved in gold letters was the name:
SARAH SULLIVAN
A Mother by Choice, A Hero in the Shadows.
May Her Courage Echo Forever.
We had moved Sarah's remains from the crowded public cemetery on the south side to rest here, in the sunniest corner of the estate.
I laid a bouquet of white roses against the cold stone.
“Thank you, Mom,” I whispered, touching the carved letters.
“Thank you for keeping me safe until they found me.”
Luca stood beside me in the quiet darkness, his head bowed in deep respect.
“She will never be forgotten here, Elena,” Luca said, his voice deep and solemn.
“Her name will stand as long as the Moretti blood flows.”
The cool spring breeze rustled the leaves of the great oak trees above us.
It felt like a gentle, reassuring touch against my cheek.
The long, bloody war was over.
May you like
The secrets were buried.
And the family was finally at peace.
