Chapter 26: A New Beginning
The warmth of the morning still lingered as Dante and Amelia shared a quiet breakfast in the garden. The tension that had once clouded their marriage seemed to have dissipated, leaving room for something deeper to bloom.
Dante watched her as she sipped her tea, her hair cascading down her shoulders in soft waves. She seemed lighter today, as though the burden she had carried for so long had been lifted. He reached across the table, his fingers brushing hers.
"Amelia," he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "Last night was more than just a moment for me. It was a promise to you, to us. I want you to know that."
Amelia's cheeks flushed, her eyes meeting his. "It meant everything to me, too, Dante. For the first time, I feel like we're truly together, not just in name but in every way."
He nodded, his lips curving into a rare smile. "I've spent so much time trying to protect you by keeping you at a distance. But I realize now that I need you with me, by my side, no matter what."
Amelia smiled back, her heart swelling. "And I'll always be here, Dante. I'm not going anywhere."
Their peaceful morning was interrupted by the shrill ring of Dante's phone. He frowned, glancing at the screen before answering.
"Yes?" he said, his tone immediately shifting to one of authority.
Amelia watched as his expression darkened. She could tell by his body language that something serious was unfolding.
"When?" he asked sharply, standing from the table. "I'll be there in an hour."
He ended the call and turned to Amelia, his jaw tight. "I need to handle something. It's urgent."
Amelia's heart sank, but she nodded. "Be careful."
He kissed her hand. "Always."
After Dante left, Amelia found herself restless. She decided to tidy the house to keep busy, but her plans were interrupted by the arrival of Matilda, Dante's mother.
Oh!...here she comes again" Amelia thought
"Amelia, dear," Matilda greeted warmly, pulling her into a hug.
"Good morning, Matilda," Amelia said, surprised by her visit. "What brings you here?"
Matilda's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I wanted to check on my favorite daughter-in-law. And perhaps remind you both that it's high time I start hearing the pitter-patter of little feet around here."
Amelia's cheeks turned scarlet. "Matilda!"
"Oh, don't act so surprised," Matilda teased, taking a seat. "You've been married for over a year now. Surely, grandchildren are on the horizon?"
Amelia didn't know how to respond. The thought of starting a family with Dante had never crossed her mind not with everything else they had been navigating.
Matilda softened her tone. "I know you and Dante have had your struggles, dear. But I see the love between you. You're good for each other. And children would only strengthen that bond."
Amelia managed a small smile. "Thank you, Matilda. I'll… think about it."
****************.
Later that afternoon, Amelia received a mysterious package addressed to both her and Dante. It was a small, ornate box tied with a red ribbon.
Curious, she opened it to find a single key inside, along with a note that read:
"Secrets have a way of finding the light. Use this to uncover the truth."
Amelia's stomach tightened. She didn't recognize the handwriting, but the cryptic message sent a chill down her spine.
What truth? And who had sent it?
As she stared at the key, a part of her knew that this was just the beginning of something far more complicated.