Chapter 8 - The Oath of the Moretti Family
Two days later, the rain had stopped, giving way to a crisp, radiant autumn afternoon.
The grand courtyard of the Moretti estate was bathed in golden sunlight. The atmosphere in the house had completely transformed. The heavy dread that had hung over the estate for three years—the ghost of Alejandro’s past tragic loss—seemed to have cleared alongside the storm.
In the formal dining hall, a massive feast was laid out on the long mahogany table. Silver platters held roasted meats, fresh pastas, warm breads, and mounds of delicate pastries.
At the head of the table sat Alejandro Moretti. To his right sat Sarah Carter, wearing an elegant dark blue silk dress that Alejandro had personally ordered for her from Manhattan. Next to her, sitting in a high chair boosted by three plush velvet cushions, was four-year-old Emma.
Emma was wearing a brand-new yellow dress, her pigtails tied with bright blue ribbons. She was happily eating a slice of chocolate cake, her face thoroughly smeared with icing, completely oblivious to the fact that her photo was now quietly revered by every lieutenant in the North American syndicate.
Bruno stood behind Alejandro, a warm, genuine smile on his usually scarred and stern face.
"Don Alejandro," Bruno said, handing him a thick leather-bound portfolio. "The paperwork is finalized. The legal team completed everything this morning."
Alejandro took the portfolio, opened it, and slid it gently across the table to Sarah.
Sarah looked down at the documents, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Mr. Moretti... what is this?"
"That," Alejandro said, leaning back in his chair with a calm, warm smile, "is the title deed to a four-acre estate in Greenwich, Connecticut. It comes with a fully funded trust account in Emma’s name, sufficient to cover her living expenses, her medical needs, and whatever university she chooses to attend when she grows up."
Sarah’s eyes widened in utter disbelief. She shook her head rapidly, pushing the portfolio back. "No... no, Mr. Moretti, I can't take this! It's too much! I was just doing my job, and Emma... Emma was just being a sweet child. We can't accept a home like this!"
"Sarah," Alejandro said, his voice soft yet commanding. "You are not taking it as charity. You are accepting it because you are family now."
Sarah froze, looking at him with tears welling in her soft brown eyes.
"For three years," Alejandro continued quietly, his gaze drifting to the far wall where a portrait of his late wife and daughter hung, "this house was a tomb. I lived in it, but I was dead inside. I built walls, shut off cameras, and let hatred run my life. Two days ago, your daughter didn't just save my physical life with that needle... she saved my soul. She brought air back into a room that had been silent for far too long."
He looked at little Emma, who offered him a cake-covered grin and held up her stuffed rabbit.
May you like
"You and Emma will never work as servants again," Alejandro stated firmly. "If you wish to stay here at the estate, you will stay as guests and family. If you wish to move to Connecticut, the house is yours. But wherever you go, you will have the full protection of the Moretti name. Anyone who ever seeks to harm either of you will have to answer to me."
Sarah wiped a tear from her cheek and smiled through her tears, reaching out to grasp Alejandro’s hand. "Thank you, Alejandro... thank you."
