Chapter 9 - The New Master of the House
Six months later, the Moretti estate was filled with bright afternoon sunshine.
The dark, sterile marble hallway that had once felt like a cold museum was now alive with warmth, flowers, and open windows. The heavy, oppressive tension that had hung over the property for years was completely gone.
Dolores stood in the grand foyer, holding a clipboard, directing two footmen who were hanging a massive oil painting near the fireplace.
The painting showed Grace sitting on the stone porch steps in a bright yellow summer dress, smiling warmth into the camera, with Titan and Nero resting their massive heads peacefully across her lap, and Matteo standing right behind her, his hand resting lovingly on her shoulder.
Grace walked down the grand staircase, wearing a simple blue sundress, holding a basket of fresh cut roses from the garden. Her waist was still soft and curvy, her smile was still bright and practical, but she carried herself with the quiet, effortless grace of a woman who was completely loved.
The heavy front doors opened.
Matteo walked into the foyer, returning from a morning business meeting. He had shed his suit jacket, tossing it casually onto a chair, his eyes scanning the room instantly until they landed on Grace.
The moment he saw her, his face lit up with that breathtaking, rare smile that was reserved only for her.
He crossed the foyer in long, eager strides, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist and lifting her slightly off her feet, pulling her into a deep, lingering kiss that made Grace’s toes curl inside her sandals.
“Welcome home, Mr. Moretti,” Grace teased softly against his lips as he set her down.
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“Home is only where you are, Mrs. Moretti,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
From the sunroom, Titan and Nero came trotting out, their tails wagging happily as they trotted over to join their family.
