Chapter 18 - A Mother’s WisdomBack at the sprawling seaside estate, Sunday mornings were sacred.
There were no board meetings, no security briefings, and no threats lurking in the shadows. Just the sound of crashing waves against the rocks and the joyful laughter of a little boy running across the emerald-green lawn.
Sophie sat on the shaded patio, sipping a warm cup of coffee while Leo chased a soccer ball across the grass.
Matteo walked out of the French doors carrying a plate of fresh fruit and pastries, setting them down on the white wrought-iron table before sitting across from her.
"You're quiet today," Matteo observed, a gentle, knowing smile on his lips. "What are you thinking about?"
Sophie looked out across the lawn, watching Leo kick the ball toward one of the bodyguards, who playfully pretended to block it before letting it roll past him into the "goal."
"I was thinking about Bellamy’s Cafe," Sophie said softly, a nostalgic smile touching her lips. "About that rainy morning five years ago. When my tray crashed to the floor, and I thought my life was completely over."
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Matteo reached across the table, covering her hand with his own strong, warm palm. "Your life didn't end that day, Sophie. It finally began."
"I know," she whispered, squeezing his hand. "And I wouldn't change a single second of the pain that brought me to you. Because without the storm, I never would have found my anchor."
