Chapter 8 - The New Path
Six months later.
The autumn air in Chicago was crisp and golden.
On the campus of Northwestern University, students were walking between historic stone buildings, carrying textbooks and coffee cups.
Emma stood outside the medical library, wearing a navy blue medical scrub top, black trousers, and a white coat with her name embroidered on the pocket: Emma Carter, Student Nurse.
She held a heavy textbook under her arm, but she wasn't sleepy. She was energized, happy, and completely free of the crushing anxiety that had ruled her life for three years.
A sleek black sedan pulled up quietly to the curb near the library entrance.
The rear door opened, and Dante stepped out. He wore a crisp gray suit, looking impeccably handsome, a dark leather briefcase in his hand.
Several students turned to look at him, whispering among themselves at his commanding presence, but Dante ignored them all. His eyes were fixed solely on Emma.
Emma smiled, walking down the stone steps to meet him.
"How was your exam?" Dante asked, taking her heavy textbook from her arm effortlessly and placing it in his briefcase.
"I got a ninety-eight," Emma said proudly, sliding her arm through his.
Dante chuckled, leaning down to press a soft kiss against her lips right there on the campus sidewalk. "I never doubted you for a second."
"Where are we going?" Emma asked as he opened the passenger door for her.
"My mother wants you at the estate for dinner," Dante said, stepping around to the driver's seat. "Lucas is cooking."
Emma laughed. "Lucas is cooking? Is it safe?"
"He took a three-month culinary course in Tuscany while recovering," Dante grinned, starting the engine. "He promises no vanilla panna cotta."
May you like
As they drove along the Lake Shore Drive, watching the waves crash against the stone barrier under the golden afternoon sun, Emma looked at her reflection in the side mirror.
The tired, invisible waitress who had hidden behind frosted glass panels at Belladonna was gone. In her place was a strong, confident woman who had chosen courage over fear, and who had found a family where she was truly seen, protected, and loved.
