Chapter 6 - A Mother’s Blessing
The kiss ended far too soon.
Damian pulled back, his breathing suddenly ragged.
He looked at her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
I have to go, he whispered roughly.
He stood up abruptly and walked toward the door.
Tessa felt a sudden wave of panic wash over her.
Where are you going? she asked, standing up quickly.
Damian stopped in the doorway and looked back at her.
His eyes were completely devoid of warmth again.
The Moretti family needs to learn that I do not tolerate treason.
I am going to burn their entire empire to the ground.
He left the room without another word.
Tessa spent the next week living in a state of absolute terror.
She watched the news constantly on the small television in her bedroom.
There were reports of massive explosions at warehouses across the city.
Several prominent businessmen tied to the Moretti family suddenly disappeared.
The city was engulfed in a shadow war.
Tessa focused entirely on caring for Beatrice to keep her mind from spiraling.
She fed her, bathed her, and read to her for hours on end.
The bond between the maid and the matriarch grew incredibly deep.
One evening, Beatrice looked up at Tessa with sudden, shocking clarity.
Her eyes were completely free of the fog of Alzheimer's for a fleeting moment.
He loves you, Beatrice whispered in a raspy voice.
Tessa froze, the hair brush pausing in mid-air.
What did you say? she asked softly.
My son, the old woman continued.
He is a monster to the world, but he loves you.
Beatrice reached out and grabbed Tessa's hand with surprising strength.
Do not let the darkness consume him.
You are the only light he has left.
Tessa felt tears well up in her eyes.
She squeezed the old woman's frail hand gently.
I promise, Tessa whispered.
Beatrice smiled a beautiful, peaceful smile.
She closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep.
That night, the heavy front doors of the estate swung open.
Damian walked into the grand foyer.
He was covered in dirt, soot, and blood.
May you like
He looked completely exhausted, but his eyes burned with fierce victory.
The war was over.
