Chapter 8 - The Clearing of the Garden
The aftermath of the Council meeting was swift and absolute.
Marco Duca was banished from New York forever, stripped of every cent he had embezzled, under threat of immediate execution if he ever crossed the state line. Don Antonio Moretti was forced to pay a massive restitution fee to the Duca family, effectively breaking his control over the docks and ruining his family's standing in the Syndicate.
By Friday afternoon, the dark storm clouds that had hung over the Duca estate for years seemed to completely vanish.
Olivia stood in the estate’s grand greenhouse—a massive glass structure that had been neglected and overgrown since Gabriel's late wife had passed away.
She wore her old denim apron over her clothes, soil on her fingers once again, but this time her hands were warm, her spirit was light, and her heart was completely whole.
The heavy glass doors opened, and the twins ran inside, carrying small plastic watering cans.
"Olivia! Look!" Emma giggled, holding up a bouquet of bright yellow daffodils she had picked from the warm indoor beds. "We watered them just like you showed us!"
"They look beautiful, Emma," Olivia smiled, kneeling down on the stone path to adjust Ella’s coat. "You two are becoming master florists."
"Will you teach us how to make the big rose arrangements for the house?" Ella asked, her gray-blue eyes sparkling with joy.
"I will teach you everything I know, sweetie," Olivia promised, pulling both girls into a warm hug.
Behind them, the door clicked again.
Gabriel walked into the greenhouse. He had shed his heavy suit jacket, wearing only a dark charcoal vest and rolled-up white shirt sleeves. He looked younger, relaxed, and deeply at peace.
The twins immediately ran to their father, wrapping their arms around his legs.
"Daddy! Olivia said we can help decorate the grand hall!" Emma cheered.
Gabriel laughed—a rich, deep, warm sound that filled the entire greenhouse—and picked up both girls in his arms, kissing their cheeks until they squealed with laughter.
He set them down gently. "Maria has fresh hot chocolate waiting for you in the kitchen. Go on."
The girls didn't need to be told twice. They dashed out of the greenhouse, their cheerful laughter echoing through the glass garden.
Gabriel walked over to Olivia, stepping close enough to feel the warmth radiating from her body.
"They haven't laughed like that in three years," Gabriel said softly, reaching out to brush a speck of soil from her cheek.
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"They just needed love, Gabriel," Olivia replied, looking up at him. "And a home where they felt safe."
"So did I," Gabriel whispered.
