Chapter 19 - The New Normal
A year passed.
Winter returned to Chicago, fierce and howling, but the fortieth floor of the Rossy Corporation was warm.
Chloe stood by the window, holding a mug of tea, watching the snow fall over the lake. She was wearing her comfortable boots, a soft sweater, and a very expensive pair of maternity pants.
She was six months pregnant.
Lorenzo emerged from his office, carrying a stack of files. When he saw her standing by the window, he dropped the files on her desk and walked over, wrapping his arms around her from behind, resting his hands on her swollen belly.
“He’s kicking again,” Lorenzo said softly, feeling a thump against his palm.
“He’s practicing,” Chloe smiled. “He’s going to be a kicker. Or a very aggressive accountant.”
“As long as he has your brain and my balance, he will conquer the world.”
“If he gets my balance, we’re going to need to pad all the sharp corners in the house.”
Lorenzo chuckled, kissing her neck. “Matteo has already ordered the corner guards. And he’s thoroughly vetted three different brands of baby gates for structural integrity.”
Chloe laughed. The idea of the terrifying Matteo DeLuca aggressively testing baby gates was still surreal to her.
“We have a good life, Lorenzo,” Chloe said, her voice filled with quiet wonder.
“We do.”
She turned in his arms to look at him. “Do you ever miss it? The power? The fear?”
Lorenzo looked deeply into her eyes, searching his own soul for the answer.
“No,” he said, with absolute certainty. “Fear is cheap. It’s easy to make people afraid of you. It’s much harder to build something that lasts. Something you can be proud to pass down to him.” He gently rubbed her stomach.
May you like
“I love you,” Chloe whispered.
“I love you more,” Lorenzo replied. “Now, please step away from the window. The floor is slightly wet right there, and if you fall, Matteo will likely shoot me for negligence.”
