Chapter 14 - An Ultimatum of the Heart
One month later, the city of Boston was completely transformed.
With the Valenti syndicate utterly dismantled, Dominic consolidated total control over the region. The streets were quiet, the ports ran smoothly, and the Moretti name stood unchallenged.
On a warm June morning, Dominic called Chloe into his private study.
On the desk sat a black leather briefcase and a blue passport with Chloe’s name on it.
Chloe felt a sudden, icy drop in her stomach. “What is this?”
Dominic stood up, walking toward the grand window overlooking the sunlit ocean. His face was uncharacteristically solemn.
“Inside that briefcase is five million dollars in bearer bonds, the deed to a villa in Florence, Italy, and a clean identity,” Dominic said quietly, without turning around. “The war is over. Valenti is dead. There is no one left seeking revenge on you. You are completely safe.”
Chloe stared at the briefcase, her chest tightening so hard she could barely draw breath.
“You’re sending me away?” she asked, her voice shaking.
Dominic turned around. His eyes were filled with profound sorrow and unconditional love.
“I am giving you your life back, Chloe,” Dominic said softly. “You never asked to be thrown into this world of guns, blood, and shadows. You deserve sunlight. You deserve a peaceful life where you don't have to look over your shoulder every time a car backfires. If you want to leave, Leo will escort you to the private airstrip right now.”
Chloe walked slowly toward the desk. She looked at the passport, then at the millions of dollars that could buy her any dream she had ever imagined.
Then, without hesitation, she closed the briefcase, picked up the passport, and dropped it into the roaring fireplace behind the desk.
The paper caught fire instantly, curling into ash.
Dominic’s eyes widened in sheer astonishment. “Chloe... what did you do?”
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Chloe walked straight up to him, grabbing the lapels of his jacket and pulling him down until their lips were inches apart.
“I don't want a peaceful life in Florence without you, Dominic Moretti,” she declared, her eyes blazing with fierce, unwavering devotion. “My home isn't an invisible studio apartment or a villa in Italy. My home is right here, by your side. I chose you the night I wrote that note, and I choose you every single day for the rest of my life.”
