Chapter 10 - The Final Checkmate
Three years later, the snow was falling heavily over Chicago once again, dusting the iron gates of the Moretti estate in a blanket of pristine white.
Inside the grand music room, a cheerful fire crackled in the marble hearth. A two-year-old boy with dark curls and sharp, striking eyes sat on the Persian rug, banging wooden blocks together with enthusiastic abandon.
Naomi stood by the grand piano, turning the pages of a vintage music book as Isabella played a slow, beautiful melody with both hands fully functional and steady.
The heavy double doors opened, and Luca walked in, shaking the melting sleet from his heavy black wool coat. He loosened his tie, dropped his briefcase on the side table, and walked straight toward the piano.
Without a word, he wrapped his arms around Naomi’s waist from behind, burying his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in the familiar scent of vanilla and rain.
"A message just came through from the federal prosecutor’s office," Luca murmured against her skin, a low, satisfied smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "Vivien Cole’s final federal appeal was denied. Twenty-five years in maximum security. No early parole."
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Naomi leaned back against his chest, resting her hands over his arms. She looked down at the gold band shining on her left ring finger, then across the room at Isabella laughing as little Luca dropped a wooden block across her shoe.
"Good," Naomi whispered, turning slightly in his embrace to look up into his dark, devoted eyes. "Tell her the maid says hello."
