Chapter 5 - The Return to the Estate
Two weeks later, the morning sun poured through the massive arched windows of the DeLuca estate, illuminating the polished mahogany floors and the vibrant green gardens outside.
The dark, oppressive gloom that had hung over the mansion for two months was completely gone.
In the grand foyer, little Emma Parker was sitting on the floor with Bruno, feeding the dog small pieces of dog biscuit while giggling uncontrollably as the massive black lab licked her nose.
Sophia walked down the grand staircase carrying a fresh pitcher of lemonade, smiling warmly as she watched her daughter play.
In the private study upstairs, Isabella stood by the piano—the instrument that had remained closed and silent for sixty days. Her fingers hovered over the ivory keys for a moment before pressing down a soft, beautiful chord that echoed gently through the high-ceilinged room.
Lorenzo stood behind her, his arms wrapped securely around her waist, resting his chin gently on her shoulder.
“You know,” Isabella murmured, leaning back against his chest, “out of all the high-priced security guards, hitmen, and capos you pay millions of dollars to protect this estate... it took a four-year-old girl with a crayon drawing to save my life.”
Lorenzo smiled, kissing the top of her head.
“Emma gets a pony,” Lorenzo said matter-of-factly. “And Sophia is now the head estate manager with a college trust fund set up for Emma’s education.”
Isabella turned around in his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement and deep affection.
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“Just a pony?” she teased softly. “I think the little detective deserves at least a pony and a castle.”
Lorenzo chuckled, a rich, genuine sound that he hadn't made in years, and pulled her closer, sealing his lips against hers as the sunlight wrapped them both in warmth and absolute peace.
