Chapter 10 – THE WIFE’S SECRET

Tears blurred my vision as I read the final line of Elena’s letter.

Answer one: The sealed envelope Vanessa gave me originally belonged to Elena. Elena had left instructions for a future woman in Luca’s life to inherit her personal, untraceable jewelry collection—worth millions. Vanessa had found the letter, realized the jewelry was in the vault, and orchestrated the entire fake-elevator-crash to steal it before the wedding.

“She wanted you to move on,” I whispered, looking up at Luca.

Luca wiped a tear from his face, letting out a heavy, emotional breath. “I spent five years feeling guilty for surviving her. Feeling guilty for bringing Vanessa into this house because I thought Mateo just needed a mother figure, even if I didn’t love her.”

He stepped closer, taking the letter from my hands and placing it on the cedar chest.

“But she was right,” Luca said, his dark eyes locking onto mine. “Mateo needed someone brave. And so did I.”

He reached out and gently pulled me into his arms. I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady, strong beat of his heart.

“You don’t have to carry the guilt anymore, Luca,” I murmured. “We’re safe now.”

“I know,” Luca kissed the top of my head. “Because of you.”

Suddenly, we heard the sound of small, rapid footsteps running down the hallway.

Mateo burst into the closet room, holding a large, colorful box.

“Claire! Dad! Look what came in the mail!” Mateo yelled excitedly.

It was a custom-built model airplane kit we had ordered together a week ago.

“That’s awesome, buddy,” Luca smiled, the heavy emotion of the moment instantly lifting at the sight of his son’s joy.

“Can we build it now?” Mateo asked, looking at me with big, hopeful brown eyes.

“Of course we can,” I smiled, taking his hand.

As we walked down the stairs to the living room, I realized that the lingering shadows of the Moretti mansion were completely gone. The house wasn’t a fortress anymore; it was a home.

TITLE: THE NEW BEGINNING

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