Chapter 10 - A Future of Light
Two years had passed since the night the masks fell and the truth finally came to light.
Today was Martina’s tenth birthday. The mansion was filled with cheerful decorations, sweet-smelling floral arrangements, and the joyful chatter of her school friends running around the garden during her afternoon birthday party.
I stood on the second-floor balcony, holding a glass of sparkling cider, watching the vibrant celebration unfold below. Rosa was standing near the buffet table, making sure every child had a slice of cake and a smile.
Footsteps approached softly behind me, and a moment later, Daniela appeared beside me, resting her small hands on the wrought-iron railing. She had grown so much taller over the past two years, her posture straight, her eyes bright and full of confidence.
“Are you having a good time, sweetheart?” I asked, wrapping a protective arm around her shoulders.
“The best time, Dad,” Daniela smiled brightly, looking up at me with absolute adoration. Then, she leaned her head against my arm. “Dad? Do you remember when you used to go away on those long 'business trips'?”
I smiled, feeling a quiet pang of bittersweet memory, but my heart remained entirely at peace. “I remember, Dani.”
“I’m really glad you came back early that day,” she whispered softly, her grip on my arm tightening affectionately. “Even though it was scary at first... it brought you back to us for real.”
May you like
I kissed the top of her head, pulling her just a little closer against my side as we looked down at the sunlit garden, where laughter echoed into the bright, clear afternoon sky.
“Me too, my love,” I murmured, watching Rosa hand a slice of cake to Martina as the other children sang Happy Birthday. “Me too.”
