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Elio gestures toward a quieter corner. “Come,facciamo due chiacchiere(let’s have a chat).”
We step aside but I’m close enough to hear them.
Ezra clasps Elio’s shoulder before speaking in Italian. “Allora, è vero(So, it’s true).Hai lasciato tutto(You left it all).”
“Sì(Yes).” Elio’s voice is steady, as if whether Ezra approves of his decision or not, he’s proud for choosing me over the mafia. “Era ora(It was time).Non potevo continuare su quella strada e avere una vita con lei. (I couldn’t continue on that path and have a life with her).” He looks back at me and I give him a small smile.
Ezra tilts his head slightly, the toddler in his hand squirming for attention. “Capisco(I understand).Ma dimmi, è l'impero della famiglia al sicuro(But tell me, is the family’s empire safe)?”
Elio nods. “Cortez è pronto(Cortez is ready).Sarà un buon capo(He’ll be a good leader).”
Ezra exhales, rubbing his jaw. “Bene(Good).È importante che qualcuno di fidato tenga tutto sotto controllo(It’s important that someone trustworthy keeps everything in check).”
Elio smirks slightly. “Pensavo che mi avresti detto che ero pazzo a mollare tutto(I thought you’d tell me I was crazy for giving it all up).”
Ezra chuckles, shaking his head. “Forse qualche anno fa l’avrei fatto(Maybe a few years ago, I would have).Ma ho visto abbastanza sangue(But I’ve seen enough blood).At some point, you realize peace is worth more than power.”
Elio nods in agreement. “Hai mai rimpianto di aver lasciato(Have you ever regretted leaving)?”
Ezra’s gaze flickers to his wife, then back to Elio. “Never.” He claps Elio on the back. “Congratulations, Brother. You made the right choice.”
Elio nods, looking towards me again with a content smile. “I know.”
As Ezra, his wife, and kids move on, I look up at Elio, seeing the way his expression has softened, every sign of tension gone.
“You really did make the right choice,” I murmur as he walks over to encircle me with his arms. Elio turns to me, brushing astrand of hair from my face. “I know,” he says, his voice lower, meant only for me. “Because I chose you.”
***
Four Months Later
The pain is unbearable.
I grip the sheets, gasping as another sharp contraction hits. The room is a blur of bright lights and hurried voices, but all I can focus on is Elio’s hand gripping mine. His knuckles are white, his face tight with worry.
“You’re doing great,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to my sweaty forehead. “Just a little more.”
I shake my head, panting. “I can’t...”
“Yes, you can, Princess.” His voice is firm and steady. “You’re the strongest person I know. You’ve got this.”
A nurse counts down, encouraging me to push. I scream through clenched teeth, every muscle in my body burning with effort. And then, finally…
A cry.
A sharp, piercing cry that makes my entire world shift.
Tears spill down my cheeks as the doctor holds up a tiny, wriggling baby.Mybaby.
I barely hear the words “It’s a boy!” over the sound of my own sobs. Elio’s grip on my hand tightens before he releases me, standing quickly as the nurse places our son in his arms.
My heart is thudding heavily as I watch Elio stare down at the small, pink bundle. His expression is unreadable for a moment… he looks stunned, overwhelmed… and then it softens into something indescribable.
Love. Pure, unfiltered love.
He turns to me, his voice thick when he speaks. “Aria… he’s perfect.”
I reach for our baby, and the moment he’s in my arms, everything else fades away. His tiny fingers curl against my chest, his eyes barely opening as he lets out a small, content sigh.