Chapter 9 - Two Beds in the Nursery
Two weeks later, the sun shone brightly over the Moretti estate, turning the green lawns into shimmering emeralds.
The dark, oppressive atmosphere that had hung over the limestone mansion for three years had vanished entirely. French doors were thrown open, letting the warm summer breeze sweep through the grand hallways. The smell of fresh flowers filled the foyer.
Upstairs, in the grand nursery of the east wing, work had just been completed.
The single white wooden crib in the center of the room had been moved against the far wall. Beside it, crafted from matching white oak, stood a small toddler bed with soft pink linens and tiny lace pillows.
At 1:00 PM, Alessandro stood in the doorway of the nursery, wearing a crisp navy suit without a tie, his hands resting casually in his pockets.
Beside him stood Elena, wearing a bright yellow sundress that caught the afternoon light, her hair falling softly over her shoulders. She looked healthy, radiantly beautiful, her eyes completely free of the dark circles that had haunted her for months.
Inside the nursery, fourteen-month-old Sophia was sitting on the soft carpet, clapping her tiny hands together and giggling hysterically.
Beside her, Mia was sitting cross-legged, holding a small plastic teacup, carefully pouring imaginary tea for two guests: Mabel the one-eared rabbit, and a brand-new stuffed bear that Alessandro had bought for Sophia.
“Here you go, Sophia,” Mia said proudly, handing the tiny cup to the baby. “Drink your tea. It’s warm.”
Sophia took the plastic cup, put it directly into her mouth, and let out a delighted squeal, tumbling backward onto the carpet. Mia giggled, rolling over to tickle the baby’s stomach.
Alessandro watched the two girls, a deep, genuine smile gracing his handsome face—a smile his security team hadn't seen in over four years.
He reached down, his fingers sliding between Elena’s, locking their hands tightly together.
Elena looked up at him, smiling softly, resting her head against his arm. “She really loves her sister.”
Alessandro froze slightly at the word, then looked down at Elena, his dark eyes brimming with a soft, profound warmth.
“Sister,” he repeated quietly, testing the word on his tongue.
“If that’s okay with you,” Elena murmured, blushing slightly.
Alessandro turned toward her, pulling her hand up to his lips, pressing a warm kiss against her knuckles.
“It is more than okay,” Alessandro whispered softly. “Next month, my legal team is filing the adoption papers for Mia. She will officially carry the Moretti name.”
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Elena gasped softly, her eyes glistening with happy tears. “Alessandro...”
“No one will ever question where she belongs,” Alessandro declared with quiet absolute certainty. “And no one will ever question where you belong, Elena. You are the mistress of this house now.”
