Chapter 26 - the evening terrace
The evening breeze swept gently across the marble terrace of the Russo estate, carrying the sweet scent of blooming white roses and damp earth. Soft rain glistening against the glass walls mirrored the golden city lights in the distance.
Maya stood near the railing, gazing out over the sprawling manicured lawns. She held a warm cup of herbal tea between her slender hands, feeling profoundly grateful for the miraculous journey that had brought her to this peaceful sanctuary.
Footsteps echoed softly behind her. Dante walked out onto the terrace, holding his signature dark suit jacket over one massive shoulder, his subtle black tattoos gleaming faintly under the golden lamps.
"You're quiet tonight, Maya," Dante observed softly, leaning against the marble railing beside her. His piercing pale-gray eyes softened as he looked down at her delicate, porcelain-fair features.
"I was just thinking about how fragile life is," Maya confessed quietly, her enormous hazel eyes reflecting the city lights. "A single crayon, a rainy alley, a terrifying night... and everything changed forever."
Dante gently placed his warm hand over hers, his powerful fingers locking securely with hers. "You changed everything, Maya. You didn't just save my daughter; you saved my soul from the darkness."
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A tender silence fell between them, filled with a deep, unspoken understanding that bridged the vast chasm between the underground mafia king and the fragile, courageous baker.
👉 read part 27 to see sophia plan a wonderful surprise.
