Part 11
Two weeks later.
The Sylvestri estate had been repaired.
The shattered glass was replaced, and the signs of war were completely erased.
The sun was shining brightly over the Sicilian coast.
Lucia stood on the balcony, watching the courtyard below.
Tomaso was down there.
He was throwing a soccer ball with Matteo and Leo.
The boys were laughing loudly, their small voices filling the courtyard.
Tomaso looked completely different.
The cold, ruthless mafia boss was running around the grass, letting the boys tackle him into the ground.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
One of the house staff entered, carrying a silver tray.
On it was a thick manila envelope.
"The Don asked me to give this to you, Ma'am," the servant said, bowing before leaving.
Lucia opened the envelope.
Inside were three brand new passports.
One for her, and two for the boys.
The names were their real names.
Beneath the passports was a bank document showing an account in Switzerland with enough money to ensure she and the kids would never have to work a day in their lives.
And a small handwritten note from Tomaso:
"The threat is gone. You are officially free."
"The cars are waiting at the gate if you wish to leave."
"The choice is yours, Lucia. I will not stop you."
Lucia held the papers, her heart pounding.
This was what she had wanted for five years.
Freedom.
An escape from the violence and the shadows of his world.
She looked back down at the courtyard.
Tomaso had Leo on his shoulders, while Matteo was holding his hand, pointing at the sky.
Tomaso looked up at the balcony.
He saw her holding the envelope.
His smile faded, replaced by a look of profound, quiet acceptance.
He was ready to let her go if it made her happy.
Lucia took a deep breath.
She tore the bank documents in half.
She walked down the grand staircase, out into the warm Sicilian sun.
The boys ran to her immediately. "Mommy! Look how high Daddy can throw the ball!"
Lucia looked at Tomaso.
The man who had destroyed her world, and the man who had rebuilt it.
She walked up to him, took his hand, and closed the distance between them.
"We are staying," she said softly.
Tomaso’s eyes flared with an intense, burning emotion.
May you like
He pulled her into his arms, his lips meeting hers in a deep, desperate kiss that sealed their fate forever.
The mafia boss had finally brought his family home.
