Chapter 10 - The Unseen Queen
Five years later.
The grand ballroom of the Lumina restaurant was completely transformed.
It was closed to the public, reserved entirely for the Valenti family celebration.
The gold-leaf ceilings sparkled above us, the jazz quartet played a lively tune, and the room was filled with laughter.
I stood near the VIP velvet booths, wearing a stunning red designer gown.
I looked down at the exact spot where I had thrown myself over Leo all those years ago.
It felt like a lifetime had passed.
"Mommy!" a cheerful voice called out over the music.
Leo, now eleven years old and growing into a handsome young man, ran up to me.
He was wearing a miniature tuxedo and holding the hand of a tiny, dark-haired toddler.
"Mia is trying to eat the cake again," Leo laughed, picking up his three-year-old little sister.
I smiled, taking my beautiful daughter from his arms.
"Thank you for watching her, Leo," I said, kissing his cheek.
Enzo walked up behind us, looking devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit.
He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed the top of Mia's head.
"My beautiful girls," Enzo murmured, his eyes filled with absolute adoration.
"Are you having a good time, Mrs. Valenti?"
"I am having a wonderful time," I replied, leaning back into his embrace.
The men who used to sit in these booths and command terror were still here.
But they no longer looked at me as an invisible waitress.
They looked at me with profound respect, bowing their heads slightly when I walked past.
I was the wife of the boss, the mother of his children, and the queen of his empire.
I had earned my place in this dangerous world through blood, sacrifice, and fierce love.
"Dance with me," Enzo requested, taking Mia from my arms and handing her back to Leo.
"Take your sister to get some ice cream, buddy," Enzo instructed.
Leo grinned and carried Mia away toward the dessert tables.
Enzo took my hand and led me to the center of the dance floor.
He pulled me flush against his body, swaying gently to the rhythm of the jazz music.
"I love you, Clara," he whispered against my ear.
"I love you too, Enzo," I smiled, closing my eyes and resting my head on his shoulder.
I was no longer surviving.
May you like
I was thriving.
And as long as I was in Enzo's arms, I knew I would never be invisible again.
