Chapter 10 - The First Clear Morning
Three days later, a sleek, silver Mercedes SUV pulled up to the front doors of the estate.
Grace stood near the vehicle, wearing a beautiful navy coat and holding the hand of a freshly dressed Lily, who wore a small red beret and held Mr. Buttons firmly under her arm. The bear looked good as new, its belly tightly stitched with metallic gold thread that caught the sunlight whenever she moved.
Dominic walked down the front steps, carrying a small leather bag containing their travel documents and the keys to their new home in the mountains.
"Everything is waiting for you at the house, Grace," Dominic said, handing her the folder. "A local school has already been selected for Lily, and my men will be stationed at the gate twenty-four hours a day."
Grace looked at the powerful man who had gone from a terrifying figure of fear to their ultimate protector in seventy-two hours. She reached out and impulsively took his hand, squeezing it with deep, genuine emotion.
"Thank you, Mr. Russo," Grace said softly, her eyes shining with tears. "For everything."
Dominic smiled—a rare, genuine smile that transformed his stern face. "Thank you, Grace. For raising a daughter who isn't afraid to speak the truth."
He knelt down on one knee in front of Lily, bringing himself down to her level.
"Goodbye, little doctor," Dominic said gently. "Take care of Mr. Buttons."
Lily leaned forward and gave the feared mafia boss a quick, spontaneous hug around his neck, her small arms wrapping around his collar before pulling back with a big, dimpled grin.
"Goodbye, Mr. Russo!" Lily chirped happily. "If your arm hurts again, tell Mr. Buttons. He knows how to keep secrets!"
May you like
Dominic chuckled, standing up and opening the door for them. "I know he does, Lily. I know he does."
As the SUV drove down the long, tree-lined driveway toward the iron gates, Dominic stood on the porch, watching them go. The sun was high in the clear blue sky, warming the ancient stone of the mansion, and for the first time in fifteen years, the estate felt completely clean.
