Chapter 10 - A Bright Yellow Future
Six months later.
The sun shone brightly over the lush, sprawling estate gardens. The dark shadows that had once hung over the Castalano name were completely gone. Victor Vance and his associates were serving life sentences in federal prison, and Vincent’s legitimate shipping enterprise was thriving like never before.
Laughter echoed across the manicured green lawn.
I sat on the white stone patio terrace, wearing a beautiful floral summer dress, watching the scene in front of me with a heart so full it felt like it might burst.
Down on the grass, Vincent—dressed casually in a white linen shirt with his sleeves rolled up—was running around in circles, chasing three-year-old Mia. She was screaming with joyful laughter, holding a bright yellow toy airplane high in the air.
"I'm gonna catch you!" Vincent shouted, pretending to lumber like a giant monster.
"You can't catch me, Mr. Vincent!" Mia squealed, ducking behind a rose bush.
Vincent dove onto the soft grass, grabbing her around the waist and tossing her gently up into the air before pulling her into a massive bear hug, tickling her until she gasped for breath.
Renzo walked up to the terrace, holding a silver tray with fresh glasses of iced lemonade. He looked down at his boss rolling around in the dirt with a toddler, shaking his head with a warm grin.
"If someone told me a year ago that Vincent Castalano would be playing tag in a rose garden on a Sunday afternoon, I would have had them committed to an asylum," Renzo chuckled, setting the tray down on the table.
I smiled, taking a sip of lemonade. "He's a changed man, Renzo."
"No, Elena," Renzo corrected gently, looking at me with deep respect. "He's just finally the man he was always supposed to be. Thanks to you two."
A few minutes later, Vincent walked up the terrace steps, carrying a happy, tired Mia on his shoulders. He set her down near her drawing table, kissed her forehead, and walked over to where I was sitting.
He leaned down, pressing his lips softly against mine.
"How is my beautiful wife today?" he murmured, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind.
We had been married two weeks ago in a quiet, private ceremony in the estate's private chapel. It wasn't a grand mob affair—just us, Mia, Renzo, my sister, and a few close friends.
"I'm perfect," I replied, resting my head back against his sturdy chest. "Though I think your daughter is planning another surprise for you."
Vincent raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
Mia marched over to us, carrying a fresh piece of paper. She looked up at Vincent, folded her small arms, lowered her eyebrows, flattened her lips, and tilted her chin in that famous, terrifying expression.
"You do that face a lot," Mia announced, mimicking him perfectly.
Vincent burst into a loud, booming laugh that echoed across the entire estate. He dropped down on one knee, pulled a velvet box from his pocket, and opened it to reveal a small, beautifully crafted gold necklace featuring a dainty yellow sunflower.
"Well, little boss," Vincent smiled, clasping the necklace gently around Mia's neck. "As long as I have you and your mommy, I don't think I'll ever have a reason to make that face again."
Mia hugged his neck tightly, kissing his cheek. "I love you, Daddy."
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Vincent’s eyes shone with bright, happy tears as he held her tight, looking up at me and offering his hand. I took it, stepping into his embrace, surrounded by warmth, safety, and love.
The nightmare was over. The forbidden study was no longer forbidden. And the most feared man in the city had finally found his home.
