Chapter 15 - Rebuilding From The Ashes
Two months later, the physical damage to the Lake Forest estate had been completely repaired, the walls painted, and new gardens planted.
The sun was warm over Lake Michigan as Aunt Marie’s new bakery celebrated its grand opening in downtown Chicago.
Crowds of happy neighborhood residents lined up down the street, enjoying fresh lemon cake and coffee under bright yellow awnings.
Enzo stood across the street in a sharp grey suit, watching Aunt Marie laugh and hug her customers through the large glass window.
Elena walked up beside him, wearing a white summer dress, holding eight-month-old Sophia in a soft front baby carrier.
“She’s happy, Lorenzo,” Elena said softly, leaning her head against his arm. “You gave her back her life’s dream.”
“It was the least I could do for the woman who fed my soul when I had nothing,” Enzo replied, wrapping his arm around Elena’s waist.
Sophia babbled happily, her tiny hands reaching out to grab Enzo’s silk tie, pulling it toward her mouth with a gurgle.
Enzo chuckled softly, reaching down to gently untangle his daughter’s fingers from his clothing.
“She’s getting stronger every day,” Enzo noted proudly, looking into his daughter’s bright green eyes.
“She’s going to rule this city one day,” Elena joked with a warm smile.
“No,” Enzo said firmly, kissing Elena’s forehead.
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“She’s going to live in this city without ever having to fight for her survival.”
“That is my final contract.”
