Chapter 10 - The Queen of the Estate
Three weeks later.
The spring sun shone brightly over the grand estate in Lake Forest, Illinois. The dark timber and stone mansion, which had once felt like an intimidating, cold fortress, was now filled with life, warmth, and the sweet sound of children's laughter.
The war with the Bellini family was over.
In a single, terrifying night, Luca Moretti had completely dismantled the Bellini syndicate, seizing their shipping terminals, dismantling their illegal operations, and driving Antonio Bellini into permanent exile in Europe. The city of Chicago belonged entirely to the Moretti family—and everyone in the underground knew that the kingpin’s household was completely untouchable.
In the grand dining room, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating a long mahogany table covered with fresh flowers, warm pastries, and silver teacups.
Matteo sat in his chair, wearing a bright yellow t-shirt, happily swinging his legs as he ate his breakfast.
I stood beside him, wearing an elegant cream-colored silk dress—no longer a maid's uniform, no longer an apron. My right hand was fully healed, leaving only a faint, neat silver scar across my palm as a reminder of the night that had changed my life forever.
"Airplane," Matteo giggled, holding up a small piece of pancake on his fork.
I smiled, leaning down to kiss his cheek. "Captain Matteo, altitude approved."
Footsteps sounded in the archway.
Luca walked into the room, dressed in a sharp charcoal suit. But the dark, terrifying shadow that used to hang over him was gone. His eyes softened the second they landed on us.
He walked up to the table, leaning down to kiss Matteo's head. "Morning, champ."
"Morning, Daddy!"
Then, Luca turned to me. He wrapped his arm firmly around my waist, pulling me close against his chest, and leaned down to press a deep, loving kiss against my lips in front of the entire house staff.
The staff—who had once lowered their heads in fear—smiled warmly, discreetly going about their duties.
"Good morning, Mrs. Moretti," Luca whispered against my lips, his dark eyes shining with intense, unbreakable love.
I smiled, resting my hand against his cheek, feeling the warm beat of his heart beneath his suit jacket.
Six months ago, I had walked into this mansion as a desperate, nameless maid, praying I wouldn't be noticed, trying to survive in a world of shadows.
Now, I stood as the protected, cherished, and undisputed queen of Luca Moretti’s heart and home.
"Good morning, my King," I whispered back.
May you like
Luca smiled—a real, brilliant smile that illuminated his handsome face—and pulled me close as our family sat down together to enjoy the morning light.
The End.
