Chapter 16 - Shadows of the Past
Four months passed.
Autumn arrived in Westchester with a breathtaking display of crimson, gold, and amber leaves across the rolling hills. The air turned crisp and fresh, and the estate’s fireplaces were lit every evening, filling the stone halls with the comforting aroma of burning pine.
Elena was now nine months pregnant. Her belly was large and heavy with the twin boys Dr. Aris had confirmed two months earlier. Despite her size, she remained active, walking through the glass conservatory every morning with Nona and checking on the estate’s preparations for the nursery.
The third floor of the main mansion had been completely transformed into a world of softness and comfort. Two handcrafted wooden cribs made from Italian walnut stood against the wall, surrounded by warm, cream-colored wool rugs, stuffed animals, and hand-painted murals of the Tuscan countryside painted by Nona herself.
One evening, while Dante was reviewing late-night financial reports in the library, Michael walked in carrying two glasses of apple cider.
"Late night, boss?" Michael asked, handing a glass to Dante.
"Just finalizing the trust funds for the boys," Dante said, resting his pen on the mahogany desk. "I want everything locked into non-revocable family accounts before they take their first breaths."
Michael sat in the chair across from Dante, looking at his brother-in-law with deep respect. "You know, Dante... when Elena first brought you into our lives after that terrible night in Manhattan, I was terrified of you. I thought you were just another dangerous man who would end up hurting my sister."
Dante raised his eyes, looking at Michael quietly. "I was a dangerous man, Michael. I won't pretend otherwise."
"Maybe you were," Michael smiled warmly. "But you saved us. You gave Nona the medical care she needed to survive. You paid for my education. And most importantly... you love my sister with every beat of your heart. I couldn't ask for a better brother."
Dante looked at the young man, a rare, genuine softness in his dark eyes. He reached across the desk, clapping his hand firmly on Michael’s shoulder.
"You did the work yourself, Michael. I merely provided the platform. You are a true Moretti now."
Before Michael could answer, the estate’s internal alarm chimed softly—a gentle, rhythmic pulse that signaled an medical alert, not a security breach.
Dante sprang out of his chair in a second. He rushed out of the library and bolted up the marble staircase toward the master suite, Michael right on his heels!
When Dante burst through the doors of the suite, he found Dr. Aris standing beside the bed, where Elena was lying back against the pillows, her face flushed, holding her stomach, taking steady, measured breaths.
"Dante..." Elena gasped out, a breathless smile breaking through her pain. "I think... I think it’s time."
Dante was at her side in a heartbeat, taking her hand into his broad palm. "Aris?"
"Her water broke five minutes ago," Dr. Aris said calmly, adjusting his medical gloves. "The contractions are four minutes apart. Everything is proceeding perfectly, Dante. The medical suite in the east wing is fully prepped."
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Dante leaned down, pressing a firm, passionate kiss to Elena’s sweat-beaded forehead. "I’m right here, mia cara. I’m not leaving your side for a single second."
Elena tightened her grip on his hand so hard her knuckles turned white. "You better not, Dante Moretti. We built this together!"
