Chapter 11 - THE UNEXPECTED DINNER
The sun began to set, casting golden light across the Chicago skyline. Luca invited Dr. Lorenzo Bianchi and a few trusted colleagues over for a quiet celebration dinner. There were no fifty strangers this time. No fake engagement parties. Just genuine people who cared about Sofia's recovery. We sat around the large dining table. Laughter filled the room. Sofia sat beside her father, happily eating her favorite pasta. “Emily,” Lorenzo said, raising his glass of wine. “To your incredible instincts.” “If you hadn't understood Italian, we might never have uncovered the truth.” I raised my water glass. “Thank you, Doctor.” “I just did what any decent person would do.” “More than decent,” Luca added, his dark eyes locking onto mine across the table. “Extraordinary.” A warm flush spread across my cheeks. I looked away, focusing on my plate. After dinner, while the guests moved to the terrace, I stayed behind to clear the table. The kitchen was quiet. I loaded the dishwasher, humming softly to myself. Suddenly, a shadow fell across the counter. I turned around. Luca stood leaning against the doorway. He had removed his suit jacket. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing the faint ink of tattoos along his forearms. “You don't need to do that,” Luca said. “The staff can handle it.” “I like keeping busy,” I replied, wiping my hands on a towel. “Emily.” “Yes?” He stepped into the kitchen. He stopped just a few inches away from me. “Sofia asked me a question today.” My heart skipped a beat. “What did she ask?” “She asked if you were going to stay with us forever.” I swallowed hard. “What did you tell her?” Luca reached out. His warm fingers gently brushed a stray lock of hair behind my ear. “I told her,” Luca whispered, “that it depends entirely on whether you want to.”
