Chapter 5 - The Weight of Forgiveness
An hour later, the guests had been quietly escorted to their cars by Moretti security. The grand hall was empty, saved for the heavy scent of crushed lilies and expensive wine.
In the private study upstairs, Sophia sat on a leather sofa, wrapped in a warm cashmere blanket. Standing beside her was her younger brother, Leo, bruised and shaken, but completely unharmed.
"Leo..." Sophia wept, holding her brother tightly. "I'm so sorry... I thought I was protecting you."
"It's okay, Soph," Leo whispered, his voice trembling. "Aleandro’s men... they came out of nowhere. They saved me."
The heavy oak door opened, and Aleandro walked into the room. He had removed his suit jacket, his crisp white shirt rolled up at the sleeves.
Leo stood up immediately, bowing his head in deep respect and fear. "Mr. Moretti... thank you for my life."
Aleandro offered a short, firm nod. "Matteo will drive you to a safe house in Switzerland tonight, Leo. You will be provided with a university education and a new identity. You will never have to fear the Camorra again."
Leo looked at his sister, then back at Aleandro. "Thank you, sir."
When the guards escorted Leo out, the study fell into a heavy, quiet stillness.
Sophia stood up slowly, her head lowered. She reached up to unclasp the diamond earrings Aleandro had given her, placing them gently on the desk alongside her engagement ring.
"You don't have to banish me, Aleandro," she said softly, tears coursing down her pale cheeks. "I know I failed you. I didn't trust you enough to tell you the truth from the beginning. I will leave tonight."
Aleandro walked over to the desk. He picked up the silver ring, turning it over in his hand.
"You lied to me," Aleandro said quietly.
"I was terrified," she whispered. "I thought if I told you, you would kill Leo to protect yourself."
Aleandro stepped closer to her, his shadow falling over her small frame. He reached out, taking her chin in his fingers, forcing her to look up into his eyes.
"Then that is my failure, Sophia," he said, his voice dropping into a tender, fierce sincerity. "If the woman I love believes I would sacrifice her family to protect my own skin, then I have failed to show you who I really am."
Sophia gasped, her breath catching in her throat. "You... you aren't angry at me?"
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"I am furious that you carried this nightmare alone for two weeks," Aleandro said softly, his thumb gently wiping away a tear from her cheek. "I am furious that you didn't realize that my power, my men, and my life belong to you. When you marry me, my enemies are crushed, and your family is protected. Always."
He picked up the engagement ring and slid it firmly back onto her finger.
