Chapter 13 - THE LAST SHADOW OF THE DUCA EMPIRE
Lorenzo's case continued.
Financial records exposed a network of fraudulent transactions involving charitable assets and redevelopment contracts.
Several associates faced charges.
The threat against Serena was examined through witness testimony and communications evidence.
Roman provided relevant records and accepted scrutiny of his own businesses.
The process was painful.
His reputation suffered.
Some legitimate ventures lost contracts.
But he refused to return to the old methods.
One evening, Roman received a message from a former associate.
You could make this disappear.
Roman stared at the screen.
For years, that would have been an invitation.
A problem to solve through intimidation.
A person to silence.
A threat to neutralize.
Now he deleted nothing.
He forwarded the message to his attorney.
And preserved the evidence.
Serena learned about it later.
She called him.
“Roman?”
“Serena.”
“I heard what happened.”
He sighed.
“News travels.”
She smiled faintly.
“You did the right thing.”
Roman was silent.
Then whispered, “I'm trying.”
Serena looked toward the window.
For years, she'd wanted him to become the man he used to be.
Now she realized that wasn't enough.
The old Roman had loved her.
But he had also built a world where fear seemed necessary.
She didn't want that world back.
She wanted something new.
The following week, Serena invited Roman to dinner.
At her apartment.
He arrived carrying flowers.
Not orchids.
Not expensive roses.
Yellow tulips.
Her favorite.
She smiled.
“You remembered.”
He nodded.
“I've been trying to remember a lot of things.”
They cooked together.
Laughed.
Talked about work.
And for the first time in years, Roman asked questions without checking his phone.
After dinner, they sat on the balcony.
Serena looked at him.
“I still love you.”
Roman went completely still.
She continued.
“But I'm not ready to move back.”
He nodded.
“I understand.”
“And I need us to rebuild trust slowly.”
“Yes.”
She swallowed.
“I need honesty. Respect. And a marriage where I don't disappear.”
Roman took a breath.
“Then that's the marriage I want to build.”
Serena looked at him.
“Not because you're afraid of losing me?”
He shook his head.
“Because I finally understand what loving you should mean.”
She smiled through her tears.
Then reached for his hand.
Roman looked down.
He didn't pull away.
May you like
He turned his palm upward.
And held hers gently.
