Chapter 10 - The Queen of the Estate
One year later.
The Romano estate was no longer dark, cold, or silent.
The heavy velvet curtains had been replaced by sheer linen that let the golden sunlight flood every hallway. The gardens were filled with blooming white roses, and the sound of laughter echoed through the grand marble foyer.
It was a warm Saturday afternoon.
Tessa stood on the East Wing terrace, wearing a beautiful floral summer dress. Her hair was styled simply, catching the gentle breeze. She was months away from graduating as a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, heading the new Romano Children’s Health Foundation.
Down on the lawn, Sarah’s younger brother was playing catch with Paulie, who had somehow transformed from a terrifying enforcer into a remarkably patient uncle figure.
Arms wrapped gently around Tessa’s waist from behind.
Victor pulled her back against his broad chest, pressing a soft kiss to the side of her neck.
"You're thinking again," Victor murmured, his hand resting lovingly over her waist.
"I was just remembering," Tessa turned in his arms, wrapping her hands around his neck, smiling up at her husband. "Four years ago, I was wringing out a mop in the kitchen at three in the morning, terrified of making a sound."
Victor chuckled—a deep, rich sound that warmed her soul.
"And now?" he asked, his amber eyes burning with endless love.
"And now," Tessa said, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his lips gently, "I am married to the most incredible man in the world, and this house is finally full of light."
Victor held her tight against his heart—the same heart she had fallen asleep on during that fateful, bloody night.
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"They thought you were just a maid, my love," Victor whispered softly into the breeze, looking out over their peaceful home. "They didn't know you were the queen who was coming to claim my heart."
Under the bright blue sky, surrounded by peace, safety, and love, Tessa and Victor held each other, knowing that their story was no longer written in dark shadows, but in everlasting grace.
