Chapter 5 - A Moment of Calm
Three weeks had passed since the night of the Grand Astoria gala, and the Romano estate had transformed into a sanctuary of quiet luxury for Abigail.
Under Dr. Vance’s careful supervision and the attentive care of the house staff, Abigail’s health had improved dramatically. The dark circles under her eyes had vanished, her skin radiated a healthy pregnancy glow, and the chronic back pain that had plagued her for months was significantly managed through daily physical therapy sessions in the warm indoor pool.
The Sinclair empire was no more. As Matteo had promised, Sinclair Enterprises had collapsed under the weight of lost contracts, legal investigations, and pulled bank loans. Richard Sinclair had been forced into early bankruptcy, and Vanessa had fled the city to escape the endless social humiliation and media scrutiny.
Yet, despite the chaos swirling in the high-society tabloids, life inside the compound remained remarkably peaceful.
It was a crisp afternoon in early autumn. Sunlight filtered through the golden canopy of maple trees surrounding the estate garden. Abigail sat in a comfortable, cushioned armchair on the sunlit terrace, wearing a soft cream cashmere sweater dress. She was sketching in a thick leather notebook—a gift from Isabella—drawing peaceful landscapes of the estate's rolling hills.
"You have a delicate touch."
Abigail looked up, a warm smile gracing her lips as Matteo walked out onto the terrace. He had discarded his usual formal suit for a simple charcoal sweater and dark trousers, looking relaxed and strikingly handsome.
"It's just a rough sketch," Abigail said, feeling a slight flush flutter across her cheeks as he sat down in the chair beside her. "I haven't drawn in years. I used to love art class in high school, but... life got in the way."
"You should pursue it," Matteo said smoothly, taking a quiet moment to admire her drawing. "You have real talent, Abigail. Anything you want to pursue—art classes, private tutors, setting up your own studio—just say the word."
Abigail chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Matteo, you’ve already given me far too much. A private suite, round-the-clock care, a wardrobe worth more than my past five years of rent... I don't need a studio."
"You deserve far more than what I’ve given you," Matteo replied softly, his dark eyes fixing onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "You saved my sister’s life, Abigail. You gave my family a future when we thought everything was lost. There is nothing in this world I could offer that would ever truly equal what you gave us."
Abigail looked down at her hands, feeling a swell of emotion in her chest. "I didn't do it for a reward, Matteo. I just saw a young girl in need."
"I know," Matteo murmured gently. "And that is precisely why you deserve everything."
He reached into his sweater pocket and pulled out a small, elegant velvet box, placing it gently on the small table between them.
Abigail frowned slightly, looking at the box. "What is this?"
"Open it," Matteo encouraged quietly.
Abigail carefully lifted the lid. Resting inside on a bed of black velvet was a breathtaking platinum necklace. Suspended from the delicate chain was a flawless, tear-shaped ruby that glowed like a drop of liquid fire under the sunlight.
Abigail gasped, her hand instinctively flying to her chest. "Matteo... no. This is... this is far too expensive. I can't take this."
"It belonged to my mother," Matteo revealed softly, his voice tinged with quiet nostalgia. "Before she passed away, she told me to keep it for someone who represented true strength and selflessness. For eight years, it sat in my safe because I found no one worthy of it. Until now."
Abigail stared at the glowing stone, her eyes brimming with tears. "Matteo..."
"Please, Abigail," Matteo requested softly, taking the delicate necklace from the box. "Let me put it on you."
Abigail turned slightly, lifting her soft hair away from her neck. Matteo stepped closer, his warm hands brushing lightly against the sensitive skin of her neck as he fastened the delicate clasp. The slight touch sent an electric shiver through her entire body, making her heart beat frantically against her ribs.
When he finished, his hands lingered on her shoulders for a second longer than necessary before he stepped back. The vibrant red ruby rested perfectly against her collarbone.
"It looks stunning on you," Matteo said, his voice deep and dark with unspoken emotion.
"Thank you, Matteo," Abigail whispered, her fingers softly touching the cool gem. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever owned."
Their eyes locked, and for a long, breath-taking moment, the distance between them seemed to evaporate completely. The unspoken bond that had grown between them over the past three weeks felt almost palpable—a quiet, powerful warmth that ran far deeper than simple gratitude.
Before either of them could speak, the heavy glass doors of the terrace opened, and Isabella burst out, holding a tablet in her hand.
"Matteo! Abigail!" Isabella exclaimed, though her face was pale with worry. "You need to see this."
Matteo instantly shifted back into his authoritative persona, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward his sister. "What is it?"
Isabella handed the tablet to her brother. "A legal firm just filed an urgent petition with the family court an hour ago. Someone is making a formal claim regarding Abigail's baby."
Abigail’s heart dropped into her stomach like a lead weight. "What? Who?"
Matteo stared at the screen, his face hardening into an expression of pure, lethal fury. His jaw set so tight that the muscles twitched violently.
"Julian Vance," Matteo spat, his voice laced with venom. "Your ex-fiancé."
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Abigail felt the color drain completely from her face. She stumbled back a step, her hand dropping from the ruby necklace to rest protectively over her pregnant belly.
Julian Vance—the man who had abandoned her three months ago, leaving her broke, pregnant, and homeless—was suddenly back. And he was claiming full legal custody of her unborn child.
