Chapter 8 - The Heart of the Duca Empire
Six months later.
Spring had arrived in Upstate New York. The private Duca family estate in the Hudson Valley was surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms, green rolling hills, and a serene, crystal-clear lake.
The dark rumors surrounding Alessandro Duca had vanished from the headlines, replaced by stories of his massive corporate restructuring, his philanthropic foundations, and his complete takeover of the tri-state shipping routes.
I stood on the wide stone porch of the manor, wearing a simple white sundress, watching Mia—who was now over a year old—giggling as she waddled across the soft green lawn, chasing a yellow butterfly.
Footsteps sounded behind me.
Alessandro walked out onto the porch, wearing a navy linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up, holding two glasses of fresh iced lemonade.
He set the glasses on the iron table and walked up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling my back against his chest. I leaned my head back against his shoulder, letting out a long, contented sigh.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked softly, resting his chin on top of my head.
"I was thinking about nine months ago," I admitted, turning slightly in his arms to look up into his dark, beautiful eyes. "When I was sitting in that dark laundry closet, holding my breath every time a door opened, terrified that you would find us."
Alessandro smiled—a real, breathtaking smile that transformed his stern face into something radiant and handsome.
"Finding Mia on my office rug was the best moment of my life, Elena," he murmured, his thumb reaching up to stroke my jawline. "She saved me from becoming the monster everyone thought I was."
He let go of my waist, stepping back slightly, and reached into his pocket.
My heart stopped.
Alessandro Duca dropped down onto one knee on the stone porch.
He pulled out a velvet box, opening it to reveal a magnificent, flawless five-carat cushion-cut diamond ring that caught the spring sunlight in brilliant flashes of fire.
"Alessandro..." I gasped, tears instantly springing to my eyes.
"Elena," he said, his voice deep, steady, and filled with a emotion so profound it made my soul ache. "Nine months ago, you brought light into a house that was dead. You and Mia gave me a reason to build something clean, something lasting. I don't just want to protect you. I want to love you, honor you, and stand beside you for the rest of my days."
He looked over at Mia, who had waddled over to the porch stairs, holding onto the wooden railing, watching us with big, bright brown eyes.
"I want to officially adopt Mia," Alessandro continued, his eyes returning to mine with fierce intensity. "I want to give her my name, my empire, and my heart. Will you marry me, Elena?"
I didn't wait another second.
I threw myself into his arms, knocking him back slightly against the stone floor as I kissed him with everything I had.
May you like
"Yes!" I sobbed happily against his lips. "Yes, Alessandro! A thousand times yes!"
Mia let out a joyful squeal, toddling over to us and throwing her little arms around Alessandro’s leg, giggling as he pulled both of us into his lap, holding his entire world in his arms under the bright, warm spring sun.
