Chapter 8 – NOT JUST A MAID

“To pack my things, Mr. Romano,” I said softly. “The danger is over. You don’t need a maid anymore.”

Gabriel stood up. He still held Lily’s hand.

“You’re right,” he said. “I don’t need a maid.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the silver bracelet Cassandra had stolen. He clasped it around Lily’s wrist.

Lily smiled, touching the silver charms. “My mom’s bracelet.”

Then Gabriel stepped closer to me.

“I don’t need a maid, Natalie. But this house needs a heart. Lily needs someone who actually cares about her. And I…” He paused, searching my eyes. “I need the woman who risked her life for my daughter.”

My breath hitched. “Gabriel…”

“Stay,” Lily begged, tugging my shirt. “Please, Natalie. Be my family.”

I looked at the little girl who had suffered so much, and the powerful man who had just dismantled his own empire to save her.

“Okay,” I whispered. “I’ll stay.”

Gabriel pulled me into a fierce, warm embrace. For the first time in years, the Romano mansion felt like a home.

Six months passed. The Commission handled Raymond and Cassandra. We never heard their names again.

Lily started smiling. She started playing the piano in the living room. She no longer slept with the lights on.

And Gabriel and I slowly learned how to love each other.

It was a beautiful, quiet life.

Until one rainy Tuesday, when a knock came at the front door.

I opened it to find an elderly woman holding a small boy.

“Are you Natalie?” she asked.

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