Chapter 15 - The Melody That Never Dies (The End)
One year later.
The grand ballroom was illuminated by hundreds of candles and thousands of white
gardenias.
Our wedding reception was filled with true friends, family, and the people of
Chicago who had found peace under Luca’s legitimate maritime leadership.
My mother sat in the front row in a soft lavender silk dress, her hands resting
comfortably in her lap, completely pain-free, smiling with tears of joy.
Isabella stood beside me as the maid of honor, looking radiant and strong.
In the corner of the ballroom stood Elena Moretti’s grand piano.
Its black lacquer gleamed like obsidian under the chandeliers.
The keys were pure, unbroken ivory and bone.
Luca took my hand, leading me to the instrument.
He sat beside me on the wide bench.
His hand rested warmly over my swollen belly.
Five months pregnant.
A baby boy.
We were going to name him Anthony, after his grandfather.
“Ready, Donna Emma?” Luca whispered with a grin.
“Always ready, Don Luca,” I smiled back.
Together, our fingers descended on the keys.
A triumphant, soaring waltz filled the grand hall.
The music swelled, wrapping around the guests, echoing through the halls of a
home that had conquered darkness with loyalty and love.
There were no more missing notes.
No more stolen keys.
No more tears shed in the dark.
The past was healed.
The melody was whole.
May you like
And the song would play on forever.
THE END
