Chapter 15 - The Return to the East Wing
Back at the Duca estate, the twilight sky painted the stone walls in shades of deep amber and violet.
Lorenzo stepped out of the black sedan, walking briskly up the marble front steps. The heavy iron gates, once a symbol of isolation and grief, now stood open wide, welcoming a new era. When he reached the third-floor private suite, he pushed open the oak door softly, half-expecting to find Lucas asleep.
Instead, the room was filled with the sound of laughter.
Maria, the head housekeeper, was sitting on the edge of the bed, feeding Lucas a warm bowl of pasta while little Leo toddled around the rug, proudly wearing a paper crown that Lucas had crafted with his crayons.
When Lucas saw his father walk in, his face lit up like the morning sun.
"Daddy! Look! I finished my whole bowl!" Lucas cheered, holding up his empty spoon.
Lorenzo walked over, scooped his son up into his arms, and buried his face in the boy’s soft dark hair. For the first time in three years, the crushing weight on Lorenzo’s chest was completely gone. The poison was out of his blood. The murderers were behind bars. The fortress was safe.
"I’m proud of you, buddy," Lorenzo whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Tomorrow, we’re planting new roses in the garden."
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"Can we plant red ones?" Lucas asked eagerly. "Just like the ones Mommy liked?"
"The red ones," Lorenzo promised, smiling as he looked out the window toward the courtyard below, where the first green shoot was already reaching toward the stars.
