Chapter 8 – [THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS]

I threw the deadbolt back and pulled the door open.

Dominic stood there, covered in dust and breathing heavily, but unharmed.

Leo was right behind him, lowering his weapon.

“It’s over,” Dominic said. “My men intercepted them at the perimeter. The police turned back when they heard the shots. The Rossis are in custody.”

I dropped the lamp and threw my arms around Dominic’s neck.

He caught me, pulling me tight against his chest. I buried my face in his shoulder, inhaling the scent of smoke and expensive cologne.

“You’re safe,” he murmured into my hair. “I’ve got you.”

When I pulled back, the room was filled with quiet tears of relief.

Grace was holding Evelyn’s hand. For the first time in twenty-three years, they were sitting side by side, mother and daughter.

“We have a lot to talk about,” Grace whispered to her.

Evelyn smiled through her tears. “We have all the time in the world now.”

Leo walked over to my mother, Helen, and hugged her again. “Thank you for saving me, Helen. For giving me a home when I had none.”

Helen wiped a tear from her cheek. “You were always my son, Arthur. Leo. Whoever you want to be.”

Dominic stepped into the center of the room.

He looked at all of us.

“Tomorrow, the papers will have a field day,” he said. “The wedding is canceled. Margaret Harrington will be exposed for the monster she is. And the Moretti family will be forever changed.”

He turned to Leo. “You’re taking your rightful place as co-head of the estate, brother.”

Leo smiled, a true, genuine smile. “I think I’d just like to start by seeing the garden.”

Dominic laughed, clapping him on the shoulder.

Then, he turned to me.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.

My heart skipped a beat.

“Sophie,” he said softly, stepping closer. “Tonight, you risked your life for my family. You stood up to Margaret when no one else would. You protected my sister, and you helped save my brother.”

He opened the box.

Inside was a beautiful, simple diamond ring. Not the ostentatious rock he had bought for Grace under Margaret’s pressure, but something elegant. Real.

“I know this is fast,” Dominic said, looking deep into my eyes. “But I also know that I don’t want to spend another day of my life without you by my side. Not as my maid. But as my partner.”

I stared at the ring, then up at the man who had turned my world upside down in a single evening.

I looked at my mother. She was beaming.

I looked at Grace, who nodded encouragingly.

“Yes,” I whispered, tears of pure joy spilling over. “Yes, Dominic.”

He slid the ring onto my finger, careful not to brush against my bandaged wrist. Then he pulled me in and kissed me.

It was a kiss that promised safety. Love. And a future.

The nightmare was over.

The secrets were out.

And for the first time in my life, I knew exactly where I belonged.

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