Chapter 15 - The Emerald Cut
Clara looked up at him, her heart hammering against her ribs. "Matteo, I'm a housekeeper. I'm a runaway with a child. Your world... your men... they would never accept me as your equal."
Matteo let out a low, dark laugh. "My men just watched me slaughter an entire syndicate in a cathedral. They will accept whoever I tell them to accept. And they already respect you more than they ever respected Elena. You stayed calm under fire. You protected this family."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small velvet box. He didn't get down on one knee—that wasn't who he was. But he opened the box, revealing the stunning emerald-cut diamond, and held it between them.
"I don't want a fake wedding for the press," Matteo said, his dark eyes burning with intensity. "I don't want alliances or strategic mergers. I want a woman who is fiercely loyal. I want a mother for my heir. I want you, Clara."
Clara stared at the ring, completely overwhelmed. She thought about her abusive ex-husband, the years of running in terror, the nights she spent scrubbing floors just to buy Leo food. And now, the most powerful man in the city was standing before her, offering her the world on a silver platter.
But more than the power, she looked into Matteo's eyes and saw the one thing she had craved her entire life: absolute, unwavering safety.
May you like
"Yes," Clara whispered, throwing her arms around his neck.
Matteo caught her, lifting her off the ground as he buried his face in her neck, breathing in the scent of vanilla and home. For the first time in his violent, chaotic life, Matteo Rossi felt entirely at peace.
