Chapter 14 - THE HOME THAT NO LONGER NEEDED GUARDS
Two years after the wedding, Lorenzo sold the old estate.
Not because he hated it.
But because he wanted a different life.
He and Elena moved to a smaller property near the coast.
There were olive trees.
A garden.
A little school nearby.
And a beach where Mia could run with Biscuit.
Lorenzo continued overseeing legitimate businesses under independent compliance structures.
He no longer wanted the power that had once defined him.
Elena became a teacher.
She loved her work.
Mia loved her school.
And Biscuit loved everyone.
One evening, Lorenzo stood on the terrace.
Elena joined him.
“Thinking?”
He smiled.
“Always.”
She leaned against him.
“About what?”
He looked toward the garden.
Mia was playing with Biscuit.
“About how different everything is.”
Elena smiled.
“Do you miss the old life?”
He considered.
“No.”
She looked at him.
“Not even a little?”
He shook his head.
“I miss my brother.”
Her expression softened.
Lorenzo continued.
“But I don't miss the world that took him.”
Elena took his hand.
They stood together in silence.
Then Mia shouted from the garden.
“Papa!”
Lorenzo turned.
“Yes?”
“Biscuit ate my sandwich!”
Lorenzo sighed.
“Again?”
Mia nodded.
“He was hungry.”
Elena laughed.
Lorenzo smiled.
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And for the first time in his life, he realized that peace wasn't boring.
It was beautiful.
