Chapter 10 - Where the Sun Touches the Oak
Five years later.
The summer sun shone brightly over the Hudson River. The ancient oak tree, now over two centuries old, stretched its vast canopy across the lush green lawn of the Vitale estate.
Damiano lay flat on his back in the cool grass beneath the tree's heavy branches, eyes closed, listening to the rustle of leaves in the warm wind. On his wrist, his father’s silver pocket watch ticked away—no longer sounding like a dangerous countdown, but like a steady, peaceful heartbeat.
He didn't wake up startled when he felt small footsteps approaching across the lawn. He didn't reach for a gun. He simply smiled.
A six-year-old Lily climbed onto his chest, followed by her two-year-old baby brother, Domenico Jr.
"Daddy! Wake up!" Lily giggled, poking his cheek. "Mommy made peach cobbler!"
Damiano opened his eyes, taking in the sight of his two children laughing above him. Beyond them, standing near the garden fountain, was Isabel, her hair blowing in the summer breeze, looking at them with unmitigated love and happiness.
May you like
Damiano sat up, lifting both children into his arms and standing tall beneath the oak tree. The shadows of the past were completely gone, replaced by the warmth of a life rebuilt on love, trust, and family.
For twenty years, the mafia boss had never slept near another soul. But today, surrounded by the people who had saved him, Damiano Vitale was finally at peace.
