Chapter 18 - The Forever Promise
“You know,” Roman said softly, pulling her down to sit comfortably on his lap, “I still have that dark business card you threw away on the first day.”
Clare laughed, resting her head against his broad shoulder. “Why did you keep it?”
Roman pulled the sleek card from his jacket pocket. Written on the back in his neat cursive handwriting was a new sentence written weeks ago:
“Contract terms: Lifetime partnership. No expiration date.”
Clare’s heart swelled with deep, overwhelming happiness as tears of joy glinted in her eyes. She looked into his dark eyes, seeing the man who had protected her family’s legacy, saved his niece’s spirit, and given her a love stronger than any storm.
“I accept those terms, Mr. Duca,” Clare whispered softly, leaning in to press a warm kiss against his lips.
Lily walked over, carrying two glasses of fresh strawberry lemonade, setting them down on the table with a bright, radiant smile.
“No more business contracts in this house!” Lily giggled happily. “Only cake!”
Roman and Clare laughed together, holding each other tight in the warm, sunlit bakery that had brought them all back to life.
May you like
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How deeply did Roman’s secret love for his niece and his devotion to protecting Clare touch your heart?
