Chapter 10 - The Garden of Dreams
As twilight settled over the estate, the wedding guests moved to the grand pavilion for dinner and dancing.
Roman walked away from the crowd for a quiet moment, stepping down the stone path toward the greenhouse garden. He carried two adoption documents bearing the seal of the Supreme Court of Illinois.
Sitting on the stone bench by the sparkling fountain was Sofie, wearing a warm cardigan over her flower girl dress, softly swinging her small feet while watching the colored lights dance in the water.
Roman sat down beside her on the bench.
“Are you tired, little one?” Roman asked softly, wrapping his arm around her shoulder to shield her from the cool evening breeze.
Sofie shook her head, leaning her small head against his ribs. “No, Daddy. I’m happy.”
Roman felt a warm surge of pride and emotion wash over his chest every time she called him Daddy.
He opened the leather folder, showing her the official court document stamped with gold foil.
“Do you know what this paper says, Sofie?” Roman asked gently.
Sofie looked at the big letters, then looked up at him with her large brown eyes. “Does it say I can have another puppy?”
Roman laughed softly, his eyes shining with deep love. “It says something even better. It says that from today on, your name is officially Sofie DeLuca. It means I am legally your daddy forever, and no one in this world can ever separate us.”
Sofie stared at the gold seal, then touched the paper with her tiny thumb.
“Forever?” she whispered softly.
“Forever and ever,” Roman promised, his voice trembling with sincerity.
Sofie threw her tiny arms around his neck, hugging him with all the strength in her little body. Roman picked her up, holding her close against his chest as he stood up from the bench.
Maya walked down the stone path, her ivory dress glowing under the lantern light, a loving smile on her face as she saw her husband holding their daughter.
May you like
She walked up to them, wrapping her arms around Roman’s waist, leaning her head against his chest.
Together, the three of them stood in the peaceful garden—a family that had survived the flames, torn down an empire of shadows, and built a legacy of unconditional love that would last for generations.
