Chapter 9 - Shadows of the Past
Six months later.
The summer sun shone brilliantly over the rolling green hills of the Varric estate’s private grounds.
In the estate's private courtyard, a small gathering of close friends, former security staff who were now legitimate corporate employees, and local neighbors were enjoying a bright afternoon celebration. It was Nico’s first birthday.
A large multi-tiered cake decorated with blue icing and small sugar bear figures sat on a long white table. Streamers and golden balloons floated in the gentle breeze.
Liana stood by the table, looking radiant in a sweeping emerald green summer dress. She was talking with Julian, who was now the chief of corporate security for Varric Logistics.
"He’s getting so fast, Miss Liana," Julian chuckled, watching Nico toddle across the grass after a golden retriever puppy Matteo had bought him for his birthday. "I have to assign two guards just to keep up with his crawling!"
Liana laughed warmly. "He gets his energy from his father."
Her eyes drifted toward the open terrace, where Matteo was standing with three international shipping executives, finalizing a deal that would secure clean energy transport contracts across North America. He looked commanding, brilliant, and completely at peace.
As Matteo finished his conversation and shook the executives' hands, his eyes swept across the lawn, instantly finding Liana. A bright, genuine smile transformed his handsome face as he walked down the terrace steps toward her.
"How is the birthday boy doing?" Matteo asked, wrapping his arm smoothly around Liana’s waist and kissing her shoulder.
"He's currently trying to feed his cake to the puppy," Liana smiled, leaning back against his chest.
"A generous young man," Matteo chuckled, resting his chin on her head, inhaling the sweet scent of lavender in her hair. "Just like his mother."
Liana turned in his arms, looking up at him, her dark eyes glittering with happiness. "His mother?"
Matteo looked down at her, his amber eyes filled with a deep, unwavering devotion. "Elena gave birth to him, Liana. But you are his mother. You are the one who loved him when he was screaming in the dark. You are the one who stayed when everything was burning down around us."
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box—this time, a different one.
Liana’s heart skipped a beat.
Matteo slowly dropped to one knee on the soft green grass beneath the shade of the ancient oak tree.
The chatter across the courtyard died down as everyone turned to watch the former mafia boss look up at the woman who had transformed his world.
Matteo opened the box, revealing a breathtaking, flawless yellow diamond ring that sparkled like sunlight in the afternoon air.
"Liana Graves," Matteo said, his voice ringing clear and strong through the quiet garden. "A year ago, you walked into my house in a red maid's uniform, carrying a broken heart. You saved my son. You saved me. I don't want to live another day in this world without you by my side."
He looked into her tear-filled eyes, his voice softening into a raw whisper. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you let me love you for the rest of our lives?"
Liana covered her face with her hands, tears of pure joy spilling over her fingers. She didn't need to think. She didn't need to hesitate.
"Yes!" she sobbed happily, dropping to her knees on the grass and throwing her arms around his neck! "Yes, Matteo! A thousand times yes!"
The courtyard erupted into cheers and applause! Julian whistled loudly, while the capos raised their glasses of champagne in a joyful toast!
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Nico came waddling over, giggling, and threw his little body right between them, wrapping his sticky, cake-covered arms around both of their necks!
Matteo laughed loudly, pulling both Liana and Nico into a tight, warm embrace, kissing Liana deeply as the summer sun bathed them in golden light.
