Chapter 13 - THE FAMILY THAT WAS NEVER BROKEN
Two years after the morning Alessia was nearly fired, the Moretti family gathered for Christmas.
Emily arrived from California.
Sarah came with Carlo.
Alessia brought homemade cookies.
Dante stood beside the fireplace, watching everyone laugh.
For years, he'd believed his family history was something to be proud of.
Now he understood that pride had to be earned.
Not inherited.
Emily approached him.
"You're quiet."
Dante smiled.
"Just thinking."
She looked toward the room.
"About what?"
He swallowed.
"How much we missed."
Emily nodded.
"A lot."
She took his hand.
"But we're here now."
Dante smiled.
"Yes."
Across the room, Carlo was telling Sarah a story about Alessia as a child.
Alessia groaned.
"Dad, please."
Carlo laughed.
"She once tried to adopt six stray cats."
Sarah burst into laughter.
"Six?"
Alessia covered her face.
"They needed homes."
Dante smiled.
"That sounds like you."
Later, Emily pulled Dante aside.
"I need to ask you something."
He nodded.
"Anything."
She looked toward Alessia.
"Do you love her?"
Dante froze.
Emily grinned.
"That's a yes."
He laughed softly.
She touched his arm.
"Then tell her."
Dante looked toward Alessia.
She was laughing with Sarah.
He smiled.
"I will."
That evening, after the guests left, Dante found Alessia in the library.
She was standing beside the desk.
The same desk where she'd placed Bellini's cufflink.
He approached.
"Alessia."
She turned.
"Yes?"
He swallowed.
"I love you."
Her eyes widened.
For a moment, she didn't speak.
Then tears filled her eyes.
"Dante..."
He smiled nervously.
"You don't have to say anything."
She shook her head.
"I want to."
She stepped closer.
"I love you too."
May you like
He kissed her beneath the soft library lights.
And for the first time, the room that had once held secrets became a place of peace.
