Chapter 6 - THE FAMILY WE CHOSE
One Year LaterSpring had returned to the Valente estate. The gardens were bursting with vibrant cherry blossoms and fresh green lawn.
The estate gates stood open, welcoming guests for a grand afternoon celebration. Staff members, business partners, and family friends gathered on the wide sunlit terrace overlooking the valley.
Sophie, now four years old and wearing a beautiful white flower-girl dress, was running across the lawn, chasing butterflies with a giant smile on her face. Her white rabbit toy was tucked securely inside a tiny leather backpack Dominic had custom-made for her.
I stood near the marble fountain in a tailored cream silk gown. Dominic walked up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin softly on my shoulder.
"Everything is set for the reception, Mrs. Valente," Dominic whispered playfully against my ear.
I giggled, turning around in his arms to look at my husband.
We had been married two weeks prior in a quiet ceremony surrounded by those who cared for us most. Marcus was serving a long sentence in federal prison, Julian Moretti’s syndicate had been completely dismantled, and the Valente name was now associated with legitimate enterprise, philanthropy, and unbreakable family loyalty.
Sophie came running up to us, her pink shoes clicking against the stone path.
"Daddy! Mommy! Look!" she shouted excitedly, holding up a brand-new crayon drawing.
Dominic immediately dropped onto one knee, taking the drawing from her hands with the utmost care.
On the paper, she had drawn three figures standing in front of a big sunlit house under a rainbow: a tall man in a navy suit, a woman in a long white dress, and a little girl holding a rabbit.
"Who is this tall man, Sophie?" Dominic asked, a brilliant smile lighting up his face.
"That's you, Daddy," Sophie squealed, wrapping her little arms tightly around his neck. "You're the good man who stays forever."
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Dominic lifted her into his arms, kissing her cheek before pulling me into the group hug.
The dark rain of the past had completely cleared. In its place stood an enduring light—a family built on protection, trust, and a love that turned a dark estate into a warm, true home.
