Chapter 15 - THE FORTY-SECOND FLOOR
Two years after Nora climbed forty-two floors to save Raphael's life, they returned to Corsetti Tower.
The building had changed.
The criminal operations were gone.
The executive offices had been reorganized.
And the forty-second floor had been converted into a foundation supporting victims of violence and people recovering from serious injuries.
Nora stood beside Raphael as the new sign was unveiled.
THE LUCA CORSETTI FOUNDATION
Raphael looked at the name.
His eyes filled.
Nora took his hand.
“He'd be proud.”
Raphael nodded.
“I hope so.”
After the ceremony, they walked down the familiar hallway.
The carpet was new.
The walls had been repainted.
But the black walnut office door remained.
Nora stopped.
Raphael looked at her.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded.
“Just remembering.”
He followed her gaze.
Two years earlier, she'd stood in that doorway bleeding, barely conscious, apologizing for being late.
He had caught her before she hit the floor.
And nothing had ever been the same.
Raphael took her hand.
“There's something I need to ask you.”
Nora smiled.
“You look nervous.”
“I am.”
She laughed.
“Raphael Corsetti? Nervous?”
He reached into his pocket.
Then lowered himself onto one knee.
Nora froze.
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
Elegant.
Beautiful.
Nothing extravagant.
“Nora Pell,” he said, his voice trembling, “you climbed forty-two floors because you believed my life was worth saving.”
Her eyes filled.
He swallowed.
“But you did more than save my life.”
A tear slipped down her cheek.
“You taught me how to live it.”
Nora covered her mouth.
Raphael continued.
“I can't promise I'll always be easy to love.”
She laughed through her tears.
“You definitely won't.”
He smiled.
“But I promise I'll never take your courage, your kindness, or your love for granted.”
His eyes shone.
“Will you marry me?”
Nora nodded.
“Yes.”
Raphael closed his eyes.
Then laughed.
“Yes?”
“Yes, you impossible man.”
He stood and slipped the ring onto her finger.
She kissed him.
And for the first time in his life, Raphael Corsetti felt completely at peace.
Later that evening, they stood beside the enormous glass windows overlooking Manhattan.
The city glittered beneath them.
Nora leaned against his shoulder.
“Do you ever think about that night?”
Raphael looked at her.
“Every day.”
She smiled sadly.
“I thought I was going to die.”
He wrapped an arm around her.
“I know.”
“I just wanted to get to you.”
Raphael closed his eyes.
“You did.”
She looked up.
“And now?”
He smiled.
“Now you never have to climb another staircase to reach me.”
Nora laughed.
“That's a very specific promise.”
Raphael kissed her forehead.
“It's one I intend to keep.”
They stood together in the quiet office.
Two people who had survived betrayal.
Violence.
Grief.
And the kind of fear that changes a person forever.
But they had also found something neither expected.
Love.
Trust.
A second chance.
And a future that belonged to them.
Nora Pell climbed forty-two floors with broken ribs and a shattered ankle because she refused to let Raphael Corsetti die.
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But when she finally reached him, she did more than save his life.
She gave him a reason to live.
