Chapter 13 - THE HOUSE THAT LEARNED TO LAUGH
A year passed.
The Moretti estate changed.
The security remained professional.
But the household became less rigid.
Staff members had clearer rights and procedures.
The servants' hall was renovated.
And children were no longer treated as inconveniences.
Sophie visited regularly.
She loved the gardens.
The library.
And the enormous kitchen.
Dante learned to make pancakes.
Badly.
Sophie laughed every time he burned one.
Elena teased him.
“You can manage a shipping company but not breakfast?”
Dante looked offended.
“Breakfast is complicated.”
Sophie giggled.
One morning, she climbed onto a chair beside him.
“Mr. Dante?”
“Yes?”
“Can I call you something else?”
He paused.
“What would you like to call me?”
Sophie thought.
Then smiled.
“Dante.”
He laughed.
“You already do.”
She shook her head.
“No. I mean just Dante.”
He nodded.
“Of course.”
Sophie smiled.
Then she leaned closer.
“Maybe someday I can call you Dad.”
Dante froze.
Elena stood near the doorway.
Her eyes filled.
Dante crouched beside Sophie.
“Sweetheart.”
She looked nervous.
“Is that okay?”
He swallowed.
“If your mother agrees, and if that's what you want, I'd be honored.”
Sophie smiled.
Then she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Dante closed his eyes.
For years, he'd believed his family's name was something people inherited.
May you like
Now he understood.
Family could also be something people chose.
