Chapter 8 - The Reckoning
One month later.
Winter had returned to New York, dusting the Mancini estate in a thick blanket of pristine white snow.
The grand dining room was decorated with glowing fairy lights, a massive fourteen-foot Christmas tree stood in the corner, and the smell of roasting turkey and gingerbread filled the warm air.
Tonight was a special night.
Arya’s neighbor from Queens, old Mrs. Gable—who had watched Mia when Arya was broke—was invited as a guest of honor, sitting alongside Gabe, Cook Marisol, and the children.
At seven o'clock, Dante stood up at the head of the table, holding a glass of vintage red wine.
The table went quiet. The children looked up at their father with wide, excited eyes.
“Two years ago,” Dante began, his voice deep and full of rich emotion, “this house was cold. It was dark. I thought my job as a father was simply to protect my sons from the world outside these gates.”
He looked down at Arya, who sat at the opposite end of the table, glowing in a simple, stunning red dress.
“I was wrong,” Dante continued, his eyes locked onto hers. “Protection isn't enough. Children don't just need walls; they need warmth. They need laughter. They need a mother who isn't afraid to throw bacon at their faces when they’re acting stubborn.”
The children erupted into giggles.
Dante walked down the length of the table, stopping right beside Arya’s chair.
He set his wine glass down. Then, to the absolute shock and delight of the entire room, the most feared former mob boss in New York dropped down onto one knee.
Arya covered her mouth with both hands, tears instantly springing to her dark eyes.
Dante pulled a velvet box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a breathtaking five-carat cushion-cut diamond ring, surrounded by three smaller sapphires representing the triplets, and one bright pink diamond representing Mia.
“Arya Penelope,” Dante said, his voice trembling with rare, beautiful vulnerability. “You refused to fear my house. You loved my grieving sons as if they were your own. You gave me a reason to become the man my children needed. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you be the Queen of this home forever?”
Before Arya could even answer, the four children leapt out of their chairs, crowding around them.
“SAY YES, MOMMY!” Mia cheered, jumping up and down.
“PLEASE SAY YES!” Leo shouted.
“WE WANT YOU TO STAY FOREVER!” Matteo and Enzo yelled together.
Arya let out a tearful, joyful laugh, dropping to her knees right in front of Dante, wrapping her arms tightly around his broad neck.
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“Yes!” Arya sobbed happily against his lips. “Yes, Dante! A thousand times yes!”
Dante slipped the magnificent ring onto her finger, pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss, and lifted her high into his arms as the entire room erupted into loud cheers, applause, and happy tears.
