Book 2–The end
The hospital room was eerily silent, the machines beeping softly as Lorenzo lay motionless on the bed. He looked pale, weak, his injuries
severe.
I stood at the doorway with Penelope beside me, my heart pounding in my chest.
“Is… Is he going to wake up?“}
I swallowed hard. “I don’t know. But he would want to see you. Even if he can’t respond.”
Penelope hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, her small fingers curling around the edge of the hospital bed.
I watched as she stared at Lorenzo’s face, her expression unreadable.
She looked so much like him.
And he didn’t even know she existed.
Darius‘ voice broke the silence. “She deserves to know the truth, Valeria.”
I turned my gaze toward him, my lips pressing into a thin line. “She does. And she will.”
He nodded before changing the subject. “There’s something else you should know.”
I glanced at him, waiting.
“Dante–Isabella’s son–was adopted,” Darius revealed. “An American family took him in. He’s living a good life now. Safe, happy.”
I exhaled, feeling a strange weight lift from my chest. “That’s good. I hope he grows up never knowing the kind of monsters his mother and aunt were.“}
“You don’t regret what you did to Isabella, do you?” Darius asked, studying me carefully.
I didn’t hesitate. “No, She was evil. Just like Miranda. They were twisted twins, feeding off their own cruelty. I don’t regret ending them.“> Darius didn’t argue.
Because we both knew–some people didn’t deserve redemption.
****
Days passed, and the storm finally settled. The chaos, the bloodshed, the years of revenge–it all led to this moment.” Lorenzo finally woke up.
When I entered his hospital room, he was already sitting up, looking at Penelope like she was the most precious thing in the world. His hands trembled as he reached out to her, his voice hoarse with emotion.
“I have a daughter…” His eyes glistened as he cupped her face. “Penelope, my sweet girl… I never knew.“}
Penelope nodded, tears welling up in her own eyes. “I… I didn’t know either,” she whispered.>
And just like that, they broke down.
Lorenzo pulled her into a tight embrace, his shoulders shaking. “I will never let anything happen to you again. I swear it.“}
“Dad…”
I watched in silence, my chest tightening. For all the pain Lorenzo had caused me, for all the lies, he had one undeniable truth now–he had a daughter to love and protect.}
When he finally turned to me, his expression softened with something close to regret. “Valeria,” he murmured. “I lied to you. I hurt you in ways I can never undo. And yet, you still saved Penelope. You still…” He sighed, looking down. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I want you to know–I won’t ever cross your life again. No more lies. No more interference.“}]
For a long moment, I just looked at him. Then, I extended my hand.
‘Let’s be friends, Lorenzo.“”
His lips parted slightly in surprise before he let out a soft, almost relieved chuckle. Then, he took my hand, shaking it firmly.
Penelope wrapped her arms around me one last time. I held her just as tight.”
“Be happy, Penelope,” I whispered.”
She nodded against my shoulder. “You too, Mom.”
And then–our paths finally parted.
THE WEDDING DAYE
The wedding was a grand celebration, but for me, the most beautiful moment was the quiet one–standing outside on the balcony with Darius, away from the crowd, watching the city lights.
Tleaned against the railing, feeling the cool breeze against my skin. Darius stood beside me, his hand resting on my waist as he looked
down at me with a rare softness in his usually unreadable eyes.!!
“You finally got what you wanted,” he murmured. “No more war. No more revenge. Just… this.”
I turned to him, tilting my head ‘And what exactly is ‘this‘?”
His lips curled slightly “Happiness Peace. A life without looking over your shoulder.”
I let out a small laugh. “Took me long enough, didn’t it?”
Darius cupped my chin, making me look at him. “Doesn’t matter. You made it‘ He paused, “We made it‘
–
A
D
I reached up, placing my hand over his. “I wouldn’t have done it without you.“}]
He smirked. “I know. I’m glad I got my memories back.“}]
Before I could roll my eyes, the door behind us slammed open, and a small figure rushed out, nearly tripping over his own feet.
“Mom! Dad!” Dorotheo’s voice was filled with excitement as he ran toward us. “You have to see what Uncle Ronan is doing! He’s trying to teach my dog Becky how to arm–wrestle, but she’s winning!”
Darius groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Ronan is a terrible influence.“>
I laughed. “Let them have fun.”
Dorotheo pulled at my hand. “Come on, come on! You have to see!“}
I crouched down, fixing his little bow tie. “In a minute, baby.” I tapped his nose. “Did you have fun today?“}
His face lit up. “The best! I got to eat cake, play with Becky, and Uncle Ronan even let me sit on his shoulders!“}
Darius crossed his arms. “And where was I when this happened?“}
Dorotheo grinned mischievously. “Dancing with Mom.”
Darius narrowed his eyes at him. “Smartass.”
I stood up, placing a hand on Darius’s chest. “Be nice to our son, Mr. Romano.“}
Darius sighed dramatically. “Fine. But only because it’s our wedding day.”
Dorotheo beamed, then suddenly threw his arms around both of us, hugging us tightly. “I love you, Mom. I love you, Dad.“}
I felt my heart swell as I hugged him back. “We love you too, baby.“}
Darius ruffled his hair, a rare fond smile on his face. “More than anything.”
As I held my son and my husband, feeling the warmth of their love, I knew–this was the true victory.
Not revenge.§
Not power.
But family.
And for the first time in my life… I was truly, completely happy.
- N. D
