Chapter 2 - The Sanctuary on the Hill
The ride to the Romano estate was quiet, save for the rhythmic patter of rain against the tinted windows of the armored Maybach.
Abigail sat in the plush leather backseat, wrapped tightly in Matteo’s dark wool coat. Across from her sat Isabella, who hadn't stopped holding Abigail’s hand since they left the hotel. Matteo sat beside Abigail, his presence commanding yet surprisingly comforting.
"Where are you taking me?" Abigail asked softly, looking out at the city lights fading into the dark, forested hills north of the city.
"To my estate in Lake Forest," Matteo replied, his hazel eyes fixing on her face. "It is safe. It is private. You need medical attention, rest, and a proper meal."
"Mr. Romano, I appreciate what you did back there," Abigail said, her jaw tightening with a touch of stubborn pride. "I really do. But I don't need charity. I've taken care of myself my whole life."
"It isn't charity, Abigail," Isabella spoke up gently, her eyes shining in the dim interior light. "Eight years ago, I was dying. My father had just passed away, and Matteo was fighting rival families to keep our lives intact. If you hadn't stayed in that clinic for three hours to donate blood, I would have died. You gave us our family back. Let us take care of you now."
Abigail looked down at her lap. For the past seven months, her life had been a nightmare. The father of her baby—a cowardly lower-level accountant named Marcus Vance—had abandoned her the moment she tested positive on a pregnancy test. He had emptied their joint savings account and disappeared, leaving her with thousands in medical bills, a tiny basement apartment, and three jobs just to keep food on the table.
She was exhausted. Her body hurt, her pride was bruised, and the memory of Vanessa’s hand striking her face still burned.
"My things..." Abigail whispered, tears threatening to spill over again. "My apartment..."
"Lucas has already secured your apartment," Matteo said smoothly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Your personal belongings will be brought to the estate tonight. Tomorrow, my personal physicians will examine you and the baby to ensure the fall didn't cause any complications."
The Maybach pulled through a set of massive forged-iron gates, ascending a long, winding driveway lined with ancient oak trees. At the top of the hill stood the Romano estate—a breathtaking stone manor overlooking Lake Michigan, surrounded by high walls and subtle, heavy security patrols.
The car stopped under the grand portico. Matteo stepped out first, extending his hand to help Abigail down. As she stepped onto the stone pavement, a sharp pain shot through her lower back, making her gasp and stumble slightly.
Instantly, before she could touch the ground, Matteo reached out. With practiced ease, he lifted her into his arms, carrying her effortlessly against his broad chest.
Abigail gasped, her hands flying to his shoulders. "Mr. Romano! Put me down, I'm too heavy—"
"You weigh almost nothing, Abigail," Matteo murmured, looking down at her with an unreadable intensity. "And call me Matteo."
He carried her through the grand foyer, past marble columns and soaring ceilings, taking her straight up the grand staircase to a massive, sun-filled master suite on the second floor. A fire was already crackling softly in the hearth, throwing warm golden light across a king-sized bed made with white silk linens.
May you like
He placed her down gently on the bed as if she were made of delicate glass.
"Mrs. Gable, my head of housekeeping, will bring you dinner," Matteo said, stepping back slightly, though his eyes lingered on her bruised cheek. "Rest now, Abigail. In this house, no one can ever hurt you again."
