Chapter 10 - The Family Estate
One year later.
The Vale estate was no longer the cold, silent fortress of dark secrets and guarded corridors.
The heavy iron gates were framed with blooming white roses. Sunlight poured through the high glass windows of the renovated estate, filling the halls with light, warmth, and the joyful sound of children’s laughter.
Out on the sprawling green lawn behind the manor, a grand white marquee tent had been set up for a private celebration.
It was Noah’s second birthday.
Balloons in shades of gold and blue drifted in the light breeze. Long tables were laden with delicious food, fresh cakes, and colorful presents. Members of the security detail, hospital directors, and close friends walked across the grass, laughing and chatting in complete peace.
Noah, dressed in a adorable blue dungaree outfit, was running across the grass, chasing a golden retriever puppy that Dominic had bought him for his birthday.
"Slow down, little buddy!" Marko laughed, jogging lightly behind the toddler to make sure he didn't tumble over.
Near the edge of the terrace stood Dominic and Evelyn.
Evelyn looked stunning in a flowing yellow summer dress, her skin glowing with radiant health. Her dark hair was styled loosely, and on her hand, the emerald-cut diamond ring caught the bright afternoon sunlight.
Dominic stood behind her, his arms wrapped securely around her waist, his chin resting gently against her shoulder as they watched Noah play on the lawn.
"He’s running so fast now," Evelyn murmured softly, resting her back against Dominic’s broad chest. "His lungs are completely clear. The doctors at the center gave him a clean bill of health yesterday."
"Thanks to you," Dominic whispered, kissing the side of her neck gently.
Evelyn smiled, turning her head slightly to look at her husband. "Dominic... there’s something else."
Dominic paused, his dark eyes meeting hers with sudden curiosity. "What is it, sweetheart?"
Evelyn took his large, warm hand, slowly bringing it down to rest over her stomach.
Dominic froze. His breath hitched in his throat as he looked down at her hands, then back up into her glowing, tear-filled eyes.
"Are you...?" Dominic whispered, his voice trembling with an emotion so powerful it made the great mob prince's knees weak.
"Noah is going to be a big brother," Evelyn whispered, a bright, radiant smile illuminating her face. "In seven months."
Dominic let out a breathless, joyful laugh. He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her up and spinning her around on the terrace grass as she laughed happily in his arms.
He set her down gently, cupping her face in his hands, pressing his forehead against hers.
"I love you, Dr. Evelyn Vale," Dominic whispered, his voice thick with tears of absolute gratitude. "More than my life. More than my empire."
"I love you, Dominic," Evelyn replied, resting her hands over his chest, feeling the strong, steady beat of his heart. "We built a home out of the storm."
Down on the lawn, Noah ran toward them, giggling happily, holding his tiny hands up. "Mommy! Daddy! Look!"
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Dominic reached down, scooping the little boy up into his arm while keeping his other arm tightly wrapped around Evelyn.
They stood together on the sunny terrace—a family reborn from tragedy, protected by truth, bound by an unbreakable love, looking out over a future bright, peaceful, and endless.
