Chapter 9 - Whispering Ashes
A month later, the autumn leaves in Lake Forest were a brilliant canopy of deep red and gold.
The heavy limestone gates of the former Moretti estate were gone, replaced by open, light-filled wooden arches. Luca had ordered a complete architectural renovation of the property—tearing down the cold, oppressive walls his mother had built and transforming the grounds into an open, warm sanctuary with wide gardens, play structures, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Nia walked along the stone path leading down toward the private lake. The evening air was fresh and cool.
In the distance, on the expansive lawn, Eli and Mara were running around with Frank’s golden retriever, their joyous laughter echoing across the water.
Luca stood near the dock, hands in his coat pockets, watching the children. Hearing her footsteps, he turned around.
He didn't wear a formal suit today. He wore a simple dark sweater and jeans, looking younger, relaxed, and freer than Nia had ever seen him in his entire life.
"They love the dog," Nia said softly, coming to stand beside him.
"Frank says we can adopt one of her puppies next month," Luca replied, a soft smile playing on his lips. He looked at her, his dark eyes searching her face. "How are you holding up? The legal team told me the name change paperwork went through today. They are officially Eli and Mara Carter-Moretti."
"It feels surreal," Nia admitted, looking out over the calm water. "For six years, I thought I was alone against the world. I thought I had to protect them from everything, including you."
"You did protect them, Nia," Luca said, stepping closer to her, his voice thick with emotion. "You gave them a wonderful, peaceful life filled with love. I am the one who owes you everything."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, worn velvet box.
Nia’s breath caught in her throat. "Luca..."
"This isn't a proposal," Luca said quickly, opening the box to reveal a simple, delicate gold band set with two tiny blue sapphires flanking a brilliant diamond. "This was my grandmother’s ring. She gave it to me when I was eighteen and told me to give it to the woman who showed me what unconditional love meant."
Luca took Nia’s hand, his fingers warm and steady as he slid the ring onto her right hand.
"I know I can't erase the six years I missed," Luca whispered, stepping close enough that his chest brushed hers, his thumb gently wiping a stray tear from her cheek. "I know I can't undo the night I walked out that door. But I promise you, on my life, on my soul, that for every day we have left, you and our children will never know a single second of doubt, pain, or solitude again."
Nia looked down at the ring, then up into the stormy blue eyes that she had loved since she was twenty-two years old. The anger was gone. The grief had burned away into ashes. All that remained was the deep, undeniable truth that they belonged together.
"You're an idiot, Luca Moretti," Nia whispered, a watery smile breaking across her face.
May you like
Luca laughed softly, a sound of pure relief. "I know."
Nia stepped into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck, and buried her face into his chest. Luca locked his arms around her waist, lifting her slightly off her feet, holding her against his heart as if he would never let go again.
