Chapter 5 - The Villa on the Lake
Six months later.
The spring sun hit the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps, reflecting off the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zurich like a million tiny diamonds.
The Villa Romano was a magnificent stone property surrounded by manicured gardens, blooming apple trees, and high stone walls covered in sweet-smelling ivy.
On the wide stone terrace overlooking the water, Genevieve sat in a comfortable wicker armchair, sipping a cup of hot chamomile tea.
A few feet away, lying on a thick quilt spread across the green grass, was Clara. At seven months old, she was a chubby, happy baby with a mop of dark curls and a laugh that could melt the hardest heart.
The terrace doors opened.
Alessandro stepped out, wearing a simple white linen shirt and dark trousers, carrying a tray with fresh croissants and honey. Gone was the sharp, deadly tension that had defined his posture for two decades in New York. His face was relaxed, his skin tanned from afternoon walks along the lakeside, his dark eyes filled with a quiet, profound peace.
“She’s awake?” Alessandro asked, setting the tray on the table.
“She’s been trying to grab that butterfly for ten minutes,” Genevieve laughed, pointing toward a blue butterfly hovering over the clover.
Alessandro walked over to the blanket, dropped to his knees, and scooped Clara up into his arms, lifting her high above his head. Clara let out a loud, delighted squeal, her small hands grabbing at her father’s nose.
“Look at you,” Alessandro grinned, blowing a raspberry against her belly, making the baby giggle hysterically. “The terror of Zurich.”
Genevieve watched them, her heart overflowing with a happiness she had once believed was impossible for someone like her.
Alessandro walked over to her chair, sitting down on the wide stone wall beside her, keeping one arm securely wrapped around Clara, who settled contentedly against his chest, playing with the buttons of his linen shirt.
“Mateo called this morning,” Alessandro noted casually.
Genevieve raised an eyebrow. “Oh? How are things in New York?”
“Boring,” Alessandro smiled. “The Costa crew folded after the federal indictments hit Vincenzo’s network. Mateo has converted three of the old warehouses into community centers in Queens. He says he misses my lectures on accounting.”
Genevieve set her tea cup down and leaned her head against Alessandro’s shoulder, wrapping her arm around his waist.
“Do you miss it?” she asked quietly. “The noise? The power?”
Alessandro looked down at his wife, then at his daughter, who was currently yawning, her tiny eyelashes fluttering against her rosy cheeks.
May you like
He reached out, wrapped his large hand around Genevieve’s, and pressed a soft kiss against her hair.
“I have everything I ever wanted right here,” Alessandro whispered.
