Chapter 7 - The Marzano Estate
The Marzano Estate lay eight miles north of the city in the quiet, rolling hills of Hillcrest—a twenty-acre property surrounded by high stone walls, mature oak trees, and discreet security cameras hidden among the ivy.
The main house was a massive stone manor built in the 1920s, combining classic European architecture with modern, high-grade security features.
When the convoy pulled through the wrought-iron gates, Simone looked out the window of the SUV, her breath catching slightly in her throat.
This was not a house designed for show. It was a fortress disguised as a home.
The vehicle stopped before the broad stone steps of the main entrance. Marcus was already waiting at the door, two house staff members standing behind him in crisp dark uniforms.
“Welcome home, Miss Bellamy,” Marcus said with a deep, respectful bow as he opened her car door. “Mr. Bellamy’s wing has been prepared on the west ground floor. It has direct access to the garden terrace and full medical monitoring equipment.”
Simone stepped out, helping Nurse Clara guide her father’s wheelchair down the driveway ramp.
As they walked through the grand double doors of the west wing, Simone stopped in absolute amazement.
The room was vast, bathed in warm afternoon sunlight from six arched windows that opened onto a private rose garden. A specialized hospital bed, fully integrated with concealed medical monitors, stood near the center. Across from it was a plush leather sofa, a wide-screen television, a library wall stocked with historical books, and a private nurse’s desk equipped with a direct line to the city’s top trauma center.
Walter looked around the room, his chest heaving with deep, emotional breaths. For two years, he had been confined to a small, dark bedroom in the Oakridge house while Deline used his care money for her social parties.
He looked at Simone, his eyes brimming with tears, and tapped his tablet.
“Home,” the synthesized voice said softly.
Simone felt a tight knot in her chest finally snap. A single, hot tear spilled over her eyelashes, tracing a path down her cheek.
A heavy hand rested gently on her shoulder.
She turned to see Julian standing behind her, his coat removed, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing dark hair and heavy cords of muscle.
“Is it acceptable?” Julian asked quietly.
Simone wiped her cheek with her left hand, looking at him with a mixture of wonder and deep, overwhelming gratitude. “It’s... it’s more than acceptable, Julian. It’s perfect.”
Julian nodded once, his hand lingering on her shoulder for a second longer than necessary before dropping back to his side.
“Your room is upstairs,” Julian said, gesturing toward the central staircase. “The master suite on the east side. Marcus has placed your personal belongings in the dressing room.”
Simone looked at him, her brows pulling together slightly. “The master suite? Together?”
Julian’s mouth twitched. “It is a four-room suite, Simone. Two private bedrooms, a shared sitting room, and two separate bathrooms. You will have absolute privacy behind locked doors whenever you desire it.”
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He leaned down slightly, his voice dropping into that dark, intimate register that made her heart skip a beat.
“I am a man of my word,” Julian said. “I promised you protection, not captivity. You hold the key to your own door.”
