Chapter 9 – [THE LETTER IN THE FLOORBOARDS]

“Luca.”

My voice broke the quiet intimacy of the room.

I pointed down at the floorboard.

Luca stepped back, his brow furrowing. He knelt down, slipping his fingers into the crack, and pried the loose board upward.

He pulled out the blue envelope.

It was covered in a thick layer of dust. The wax seal on the back was cracked but unbroken.

Written on the front, in elegant, swirling cursive, were two words.

For Emma.

My stomach dropped to my knees.

“What?” I whispered, taking a step back. “That’s impossible.”

Luca stood up, wiping the dust from the paper. He looked at the handwriting, then at me. His expression was a mixture of shock and profound reverence.

“This is my mother’s handwriting,” Luca said.

“Your mother?” I stammered. “But your mother died five years ago. I didn’t start working here until nine months ago. How could she possibly leave a letter for me?”

Answer one. Open two.

I had secured my place in the family. The conflict with Vanessa was over.

But now, a ghost was reaching out from the past, calling my name.

Luca handed me the envelope.

My hands were shaking so badly I could barely break the seal.

I pulled out the single sheet of heavy stationery.

My Dearest Emma,

If you are reading this, it means my prayers were answered. It means you found your way to my son.

I know you are confused. You believe you took a random housekeeping job at a random estate. But nothing in this life is random.

Twenty-seven years ago, before the money, before the mafia, I had a best friend. Her name was Sarah. She was the kindest, bravest woman I ever knew. When my husband’s enemies came to our small apartment to send a message, Sarah stood in front of me. She took the bullet meant for my heart.

I stopped breathing.

Sarah.

My mother’s name was Sarah. She had died when I was an infant. My father always told me she was killed in a random robbery at a grocery store.

I looked up at Luca, tears blinding me.

“My mother,” I choked out. “She saved your mother’s life.”

Luca’s eyes widened. He took a step toward me, bridging the gap between us.

I looked back down at the letter.

Sarah died protecting me. And because of her, I lived to raise my son. I swore on her grave that I would watch over her daughter. I funded your education through anonymous scholarships. I made sure your father got the promotions he deserved.

But when I became sick, I knew I couldn’t protect you from afar anymore. I knew Vanessa was dangerous. I knew my husband’s world was ruthless. I needed someone with Sarah’s fire to save my son from the dark.

I left a file with a trusted placement agency before I died. I instructed them to recruit you when Luca needed you most.

You were never just a maid, Emma. You are the daughter of my savior. You are the light I sent to guide my son home.

The letter fell from my hands, fluttering to the rug.

I couldn’t process it. My entire life—the scholarships, the random luck, the specific job placement that brought me to this mansion—it had all been orchestrated by a dying mother trying to save her son.

I felt my knees give out.

But I didn’t hit the floor.

Luca caught me.

His strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me tightly against his chest. He buried his face in my hair, holding me as if I were the most precious thing in the world.

“Your mother saved mine,” Luca whispered, his voice cracking. “And you saved me.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck, finally letting the tears fall.

We stayed like that for a long time, holding each other in the quiet library, the ghosts of our mothers finally at peace.

“Emma,” a small voice called out.

We pulled apart gently, turning toward the doorway.

Leo was standing there, wearing oversized pajamas, holding the wooden horse.

“Nonna says dinner is ready,” Leo said, rubbing his eye. “Are you coming to eat with us?”

Luca looked down at me. He wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb.

“Yes, buddy,” Luca said. “We’re coming.”

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