Chapter 10 - The New Life
Three years later.
The morning sunshine swept across the iconic green courtyard of Columbia University in New York City. Autumn leaves of deep crimson and gold danced in the cool breeze as hundreds of students in dark green academic robes gathered outside the historic stone library.
Nia Lewis stood near the grand fountain, adjusting the velvet hood of her medical school graduation gown.
She looked radiant. Her dark hair was styled beautifully, her skin glowing with health and happiness. She was twenty-seven now, holding a Master of Science in Clinical Pharmacology and graduating top of her class from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Her apartment downtown was spacious, filled with sunlight, books, and green indoor plants. Her mother’s debts were a distant memory. Her life was entirely her own.
"Dr. Lewis!" a deep, familiar voice called out across the plaza.
Nia turned, a brilliant smile instantly lighting up her face.
Walking up the wide stone steps was Matteo Costa.
He looked magnificent. He wore a sharp, custom-tailored navy suit, walking with a strong, confident stride, looking every bit the healthy, formidable head of his empire.
Beside him walked Enzo, looking as sharp and watchful as ever, holding a massive bouquet of rare white orchids.
Behind them stood two discreet security guards, keeping a respectful distance as students and families milled around the courtyard.
"Mr. Costa!" Nia exclaimed, stepping forward to give the older man a warm, respectful hug.
Matteo embraced her warmly, patting her back like a proud father. "Look at you, Doctor. Graduating summa cum laude. I told you those Harvard professors didn't know half of what you knew."
Enzo handed her the massive bouquet of white orchids. "Congratulations, Nia. Proud of you."
"Thank you, Enzo," Nia smiled, taking the flowers, their sweet, clean scent filling the cool autumn air.
Matteo looked at her with deep, genuine pride shining in his dark eyes.
"The new research wing at New York Presbyterian Hospital opens next month," Matteo said smoothly, pulling a small gold key from his pocket and placing it in her hand. "The Costa Foundation fully funded the Integrative Toxicology Department. It’s yours to lead, Dr. Lewis."
Nia looked down at the gleaming gold key in her palm, then up at Matteo.
Three years ago, she was an invisible girl scrubbing baseboards in a gray dress, holding her breath in the shadows of dangerous men, terrified that she wouldn't survive the night.
Today, she stood in the sunlight, a healed healer, backed by the most powerful protection in the city, ready to save lives instead of just watching them fade.
"Thank you, Matteo," Nia said softly, her voice filled with quiet, unbreakable strength. "For everything."
Matteo smiled, taking her arm as they walked together down the grand stone steps toward the waiting motorcade.
May you like
"No, Dr. Lewis," Matteo said warmly as the autumn sun shone bright above them. "Thank you. Now, let's go celebrate. I had the kitchen prepare a feast... and I personally checked every single tea bag myself."
Nia laughed—a bright, clear sound that carried across the university green, completely free, completely safe, and entering a bright, limitless future.
