Chapter 12 - THE DIAMOND NECKLACE
Standing on the sidewalk under the streetlamp was a delivery driver holding a small velvet box.
I unlocked the door. “Can I help you?”
“Delivery for Nora Vargas,” the driver said, handing me the box and turning away.
I closed the door, confused. I looked at the box, then back at Dante, who had followed me to the front of the shop.
“Is this from you?” I asked.
Dante shook his head, looking equally puzzled. “Open it.”
I popped the velvet lid.
Inside, resting on black satin, was a stunning diamond necklace. A delicate silver chain holding a single, flawless teardrop diamond.
Tucked behind it was a small white card with elegant handwriting.
To new beginnings. And knowing when to say no. — Sofia & Lily.
I let out a breathless laugh, tears pricking my eyes. “It’s from Sofia. It’s beautiful.”
“She owes you a lot more than a necklace,” Dante said, smiling softly.
I took the necklace out of the box. It sparkled in the warm light of the tailor shop.
“Here,” Dante murmured, stepping behind me. “Let me.”
I handed him the necklace and lifted my hair. Dante’s warm fingers brushed the nape of my neck as he clasped the silver chain. A shiver ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the cold.
He didn't step back immediately. He stood behind me, looking at our reflection in the front window glass.
A former mafia boss who gave up an empire. A coat-check girl who got her family back.
“It suits you,” he whispered, his hands resting lightly on my waist.
“It’s a bit much for pinning hems,” I joked, though my voice was slightly breathless.
Dante turned me around so I was facing him.
“Then take it off for work,” he said, his eyes dropping to my lips before rising back to meet my gaze. “And wear it to dinner with me tonight.”
My heart soared. There were no secrets left. No ledgers, no trackers, no danger. Just a man asking a woman on a date.
I looked at the man who had protected my family from the shadows, and finally stepped into the light.
“I’d love to,” I said.
May you like
Dante smiled, leaning down to press a soft, lingering kiss to my forehead.
Outside, the city hummed with life, completely unaware of the empire that had fallen. But inside the little shop in Queens, a new one was just beginning to be built. One stitch at a time.
