Chapter 9 - The Restoration
The summer sun shone brilliantly over the grand courtyard of the Moretti estate.
The heavy black iron gates were thrown wide open. Flowers bloomed in bright pink, white, and red along the manicured stone pathways, and the sound of children laughing echoed from the rear garden.
It was the annual Sofia Moretti Charity Gala—an event dedicated to raising funds for medical debt relief for low-income families across Chicago.
Over two hundred guests filled the lawn, enjoying live orchestral music, fine wine, and delicious food.
I stood near the marble fountain, wearing a flowing blue silk dress, chatting happily with my mother, who sat comfortably in a wheelchair, looking healthy, radiant, and happy.
“Look at you, Emma,” my mother smiled, squeezing my hand with tears in her eyes. “I am so proud of you, sweetheart.”
“Thanks to you, Mom,” I smiled, kissing her forehead. “For teaching me to always hold onto what’s right.”
Luca walked over through the crowd, looking impossibly handsome in a black tuxedo. He greeted my mother warmly before sliding his arm around my waist, pulling me close to his side.
“Everything is running smoothly, Mrs. Chairwoman,” Luca whispered in my ear, his breath warm against my neck.
I laughed softly, leaning against his shoulder. “Are all the guests taken care of, Mr. Moretti?”
“Every single one,” he smiled, looking down at me with hazel eyes overflowing with love.
He gently reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, black velvet box.
My breath caught in my throat.
The surrounding music seemed to fade away. The crowd, the garden, the fountain—everything dissolved until it was just Luca and me standing under the golden summer sun.
Luca dropped to one knee on the smooth marble path.
The guests around us went quiet, a collective gasp echoing through the courtyard as everyone turned to watch.
Luca opened the box, revealing a breathtaking, brilliant-cut diamond ring set upon a band of white gold carved in the shape of delicate lily petals.
“Emma Reed,” Luca said, his deep voice carrying clearly across the silent garden, full of passion, devotion, and absolute certainty. “You saved my soul when I was lost in darkness. You gave me back my mother, my truth, and my future. I want to spend every second of the rest of my life loving you, protecting you, and standing beside you.”
He looked up into my tear-filled eyes. “Will you marry me?”
Tears of pure, overwhelming joy ran down my cheeks. I didn't hesitate for a single second.
“Yes!” I cried out, my voice ringing clear across the lawn. “Yes, Luca! A thousand times yes!”
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Luca stood up, sliding the ring onto my finger, and pulled me into his arms, dipping me gently as he kissed me deeply under the bright blue sky!
The entire courtyard erupted into thunderous applause, cheers, and celebrations, the music swelling high into the warm afternoon air!
