Page 34

But Dante didn’t stop. He didn’t even flinch. He headed straight upstairs, disappearing into his room and slamming the door shut, leaving her fuming in silence.
***
Anya stepped into the Carter estate, the soft click of her heels echoing through the grand entrance. She made her way to the backyard, where Charles usually spent most of his time.
Behind the house stretched a vast, beautifully maintained garden, acres of green land and trees swaying gently in the wind.A sunroom with tall glass windows overlooked the entire view—it was the most serene part of the property.
Charles had once told her that her mother had insisted on building that garden before even constructing the house. Now, it was a haven of peace and memory.
Anya stepped into the sunroom and found Charles seated on a plush couch, gazing out at the land with quiet reflection. Across from him sat Luca, deeply engaged in conversation.
Her footsteps caught Charles’s attention. He turned toward her and his face lit up instantly. “My child is back.”
Anya smiled at his words. She was twenty now, but Charles still called her his child every chance he got. And she didn’t mind — not at all. It was as if calling her that made up for all the years he’d missed, for all the times he hadn’t been there to say it before. The love in his voice whenever he said it made her feel at peace.
“Daddy,” she said sweetly and walked over to him, settling down on the couch beside him.
“Sit closer. Come here,” he said, patting the space next to him.
She shifted and snuggled right up next to him. He stroked her hair affectionately, then added, “Luca brought you a gift.”
She turned to Luca with a curious smile. Over the past few weeks, she'd grown used to him. He was a gentleman—respectful, patient, polite, and so genuinely kind that it made her wonder how a man like him stayed so patient and gentle in a world like theirs.
Luca smiled from the single-seater chair next to them.
“I didn’t have time to get you anything when we first met. I was too busy searching for you,” he said with a soft grin. “So, this is a little something I bought for you now. I hope you like it.”
He reached into his coat and pulled out a small blue box. Handing it to her, he watched as she opened it.
Inside was a delicate necklace—gold, with tiny ruby stones encircling a small, flower-shaped pendant. Vines and leaves wrapped elegantly around the chain, giving it a soft, yet intricate beauty.
Her breath hitched.
“It’s stunning,” she whispered, staring at it in awe.
“I remember that your mom loved trees, flowers, all things green,” Luca said gently. “So, I thought this might make you happy.”
“Iamhappy,” Anya said immediately, her eyes wide with wonder. “It’s so beautiful. Thank you, Luca. I love it.”
Hearing her words made Luca’s face brighten. He reached out his hand. “Let me see if it fits.”
Without hesitation, she turned around, and he stepped behind her, gently fastening the necklace around her neck. Luca then returned to sit on the couch, his gaze lingering on her for a moment.
She stared at the pendant, her fingers brushing over it as a soft smile played on her lips. It felt like wearing a piece of her mother’s soul—calm, green, and filled with love.
Charles smiled as he watched the exchange. He ran his hand affectionately over her hair and then spoke with quiet intent.
“Anya, if you don’t like Dante… Luca’s a good man too,” he said, making her eyes widen in surprise.
“He works with me and manages most of our operations. His father and I built this company together. After his parents passed, I’ve been like family to him. He’s smart, loyal, and kind. If you want… you can give him a chance.”
Anya blinked, flustered. She glanced at Luca, who now looked slightly tense, then back at her father.
“Dad!” she protested gently. “I never said I don’t like Dante. I actually came to tell you something.”
The moment her words fell, Luca shifted uncomfortably in his seat. His fingers tightened, and his posture stiffened.
Charles tilted his head curiously.