Chapter 5 - The First Day
Two weeks later.
The morning sun rose golden and clear over the gates of Saint Jude’s Academy—the most prestigious private primary school in Chicago.
A fleet of sleek black luxury sedans was parked along the curb, parents in designer coats dropping off their children.
A sleek silver Range Rover pulled smoothly to a stop near the front entrance.
Inside the car, Wren sat in the backseat wearing her brand-new Saint Jude's uniform—a clean navy pleated skirt, a crisp white collared shirt, and a red plaid jumper. Her dark hair was neatly braided, held with small red ribbons.
Beside her sat Maren, holding her small hand tightly.
In the driver's seat, Luca turned around, resting his arm over the headrest, looking back at his daughter with a warm, encouraging smile.
"How are you feeling, sweetie?" Luca asked gently.
Wren looked out the window at the tall brick school building. She saw Julian Vance and Carter Hayes standing near the entrance, surrounded by their usual group of friends. But when Julian looked over and saw the silver Range Rover, his face instantly turned pale, and he quickly walked inside without saying a word.
Wren pulled her small backpack onto her shoulders. She reached into her pocket and felt the small silver Navy Cross medal, which Luca had helped her mount on a small keychain attached to her zipper.
"I'm not scared anymore," Wren said softly, her hazel eyes bright and clear.
Maren smiled, a tear of joy swelling in her eye as she kissed Wren’s cheek. "Go get 'em, baby."
Luca got out of the car, opened the door for Wren, and held out his hand. Wren took it gladly, her small fingers wrapping around his large thumb as she stepped out onto the sidewalk.
As they walked toward the school entrance, dozens of parents turned to watch. The rumors of the Drake Hotel gala had spread through every social circle in the city. The man who had once been known as a reclusive, ruthless war-veteran billionaire was now walking his seven-year-old daughter to her classroom, holding her small pink lunchbox in his other hand.
At the front doors, Wren stopped and turned around.
"Dad?" she asked.
Luca instantly dropped to one knee, looking into her face. "Yes, Wren?"
Wren leaned in and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing a soft kiss onto his cheek. "Thank you for coming to get me."
Luca felt his heart swell with a joy so deep, so profound, that it washed away eight years of darkness in an instant. He wrapped his strong arms around her, holding her close against his chest.
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"I'll always come to get you, Wren," Luca promised, his voice thick with emotion. "Every single time."
Wren pulled back, smiled brightly at her mother, who was watching from the car window with tears streaming down her smiling face, and walked confidently through the double doors of Saint Jude's Academy.
