Chapter 11 - The Aftermath
Two months later.
The mansion was quiet, the afternoon sun casting long, golden shadows across the nursery floor.
Leo and Luca were sitting on a plush rug, laughing as they banged wooden spoons against a set of small drums.
Their rhythm was chaotic, but it was beautiful.
They were entirely healed. The neurotoxin had left no lasting damage, thanks to the early intervention.
I sat on the couch, watching them, a bittersweet feeling blooming in my chest.
My contract was officially over.
Damien had kept his word. My debts were gone. My medical license had been fully restored, my name cleared in the press. I had offers pouring in from top hospitals across the country.
I was a free woman with a bright future.
So why did I feel like crying?
Damien and I hadn't spoken about us since the night of the Gala. He had been busy restructuring his empire, eliminating Vincenzo's remaining loyalists, and solidifying his power.
He was a mafia boss. I was a therapist. We belonged to two different worlds.
I packed my bags that morning.
I walked over to the twins, kissing their soft, chubby cheeks one last time. "Be good, my brave boys," I whispered, tears spilling over.
I picked up my suitcase and walked downstairs.
The grand foyer was empty. The guards opened the front door for me, nodding respectfully.
A sleek black car was waiting in the driveway to take me to my new apartment in the city.
I took a deep breath of the crisp autumn air and stepped outside.
"You're leaving without saying goodbye?"
I froze.
Damien stepped out from the shadows of the porch.
He wasn't wearing a suit. He wore a simple black sweater, looking tired but incredibly handsome.
"I... I left a note on your desk," I stammered, gripping my suitcase handle. "My job here is done. The boys are healthy. I have my life back."
May you like
"Is that what you want?" he asked, walking slowly toward me. "Your old life?"
"It's what makes sense," I said, my voice breaking.
