Chapter 7 - The First Word
The betrayal forced Dante to move them to a highly secure, off-the-grid compound in the mountains. For two months, it was just the three of them and a skeleton crew of fiercely loyal guards.
It felt like a twisted, beautiful domestic dream. Dante wasn't the ruthless boss here. He was a man who chopped wood, built a fire, and watched Clara play with his son on the rug.
One evening, a massive thunderstorm rolled over the mountains. The thunder cracked violently, shaking the cabin. Leo, now ten months old, startled and began to cry.
Clara rushed across the room, scooping him up. "Shh, it's okay, sweet boy. I've got you."
Leo sniffled, burying his face in Clara’s neck. He looked up at her, his big brown eyes filled with absolute trust.
"Mama," he babbled clearly. "Mama."
Clara froze. The breath completely left her lungs. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over her cheeks as she pulled the boy tighter against her heart.
May you like
From the doorway, Dante watched them. He had heard it. The final, shattered pieces of Clara's broken heart locked firmly into place, healed by a child she hadn't birthed but loved fiercely. Dante crossed the room, wrapping his massive arms around both of them.
"He knows," Dante whispered, kissing the top of Clara’s head. "He knows exactly who you are."
