Chapter 7 - The Sanctuary
Lily was fast asleep in Mrs. Gable’s living room, clutching her worn-out stuffed rabbit, Barnaby. When I lifted her into my arms, she stirred, resting her warm cheek against my collarbone.
"Mommy?" she mumbled sleepily. "Is the wedding over?"
"Yes, baby," I whispered, kissing her forehead. "It's over."
When we walked back into the hallway, Giovanni was waiting. I watched him closely, wondering how this ruthless billionaire would react to a five-year-old in fleece pajamas.
To my astonishment, the harsh lines around his eyes softened instantly. He quietly took Lily’s small backpack from my hand, his movements gentle and careful.
"Is that Barnaby?" Giovanni asked in a soft, low voice, looking at the rabbit.
Lily blinked her big hazel eyes at him, then nodded shyly. "He has an ear that’s broken, but Mommy stitched it."
"A very brave rabbit," Giovanni said gravely. "Would you like me to carry your bag to the car, Lily?"
"Okay," she whispered, burying her face into my neck.
An hour later, we arrived at Giovanni’s private residence: a sprawling two-story penthouse atop the highest tower in the financial district. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the glowing skyline. The interior was sleek marble and dark wood, but warmth came from a roaring fireplace in the expansive living room.
A woman in her fifties wearing a neat gray uniform stepped forward, greeting us with a warm, respectful bow. "Welcome home, Mr. Fierro. The master suite and the adjoining guest bedroom have been prepared as requested."
"Thank you, Martha," Giovanni said. "This is Jessica, and this is Lily."
After Martha helped me tuck Lily into the plushest, softest bed she had ever slept in, I stood by the window of the adjoining room, watching the rain streak down the glass. The sheer luxury felt unreal, like a dream that would vanish at dawn.
"She is safe here," Giovanni’s voice came from the doorway.
He had removed his tie and rolled up his sleeves, revealing muscular forearms etched with dark tattoos and faint scars.
"Why do you care so much, Giovanni?" I asked, turning to face him. "This isn't just about stopping an arranged marriage. You could have chosen anyone. Why protect a mother and her child?"
Giovanni looked down at his glass of water, his jaw clenching slightly.
"Because twenty years ago, my mother was cast out by the Fierro family with nothing," he said quietly. "I spent my childhood watching her work three jobs while my father lived in a palace. I swore that if I ever gained control of this empire, no woman or child under my watch would ever be discarded."
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For the first time, I didn't see the feared titan or the cold billionaire. I saw the scarred boy who had fought his way to the top of the mountain.
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