Chapter 8 - A Mother’s Heart
Three days later, the storm had finally passed over New Orleans.
With the evidence presented at the gala and the failed ambush on the highway, the Moretti crime family was completely dismantled by federal authorities and Antoine’s ruthless counter-strikes. Bianca Vance was facing thirty years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit murder and child abduction.
The St. Jude Hospital board publicly issued a full, formal apology to Dela Marsh, restoring her nursing license with highest honors and offering her the position of Head of Neonatal Nursing.
Dela stood in the grand library of the Maro Estate, looking at the official vindication document in her hands.
She was free. Her name was clean. Her reputation was restored. She could return to the career she loved, buy a nice apartment, and live a peaceful life.
So why did her heart feel so heavy?
“You received your license back,” a soft voice said from the doorway.
Dela turned to see Antoine standing there. He was dressed in a casual black sweater and dark jeans, looking less like a lethal mob don and more like the man she had come to love deeply over the past week.
“Yes,” Dela whispered, holding up the paper. “They cleared my record. They even offered me my old job back... as Head of Nursing.”
Antoine’s face remained neutral, but a dark shadow passed over his eyes. He walked across the room, stopping in front of her.
“That is what you always wanted, isn't it?” Antoine asked quietly. “To be recognized for your work? To have your life back?”
Dela looked down at the document, tears filling her eyes. “I thought it was. But... every time I think about leaving this house, leaving Leo, Luca, and Mia... I feel like my heart is being ripped out of my chest.”
Antoine took a step closer, his hands framing her hips, pulling her gently against him.
“Then don't leave,” Antoine murmured, his voice rich and deep.
“Antoine, I have to be honest with myself,” Dela choked out, tears finally slipping down her cheeks. “I love those babies with all my soul. But... it’s not just the babies keeping me here.”
Antoine’s chest expanded as he took a deep breath. “Tell me, Dela.”
“I love you,” she admitted softly, looking up into his dark eyes. “I know I’m not the kind of woman you expected to fall for. I’m big, I’m loud about safety, and I come from nothing. But I love you, Antoine Maro. And I don't want to live in a world where I’m not by your side.”
Antoine’s breath hitched. A rare, breathtaking smile broke across his rugged face.
Without a word, he dropped to one knee on the hardwood floor in front of her.
Dela gasped, covering her mouth with both hands.
Antoine pulled a small, velvet box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a flawless, five-carat emerald diamond surrounded by brilliant white gold.
“Dela Marsh,” Antoine said, his voice filled with absolute conviction. “You saved my children when they had no voice. You saved me when I was lost in darkness. You showed this entire city what real strength and real beauty look like. I don't want a nurse for my children—I want a mother. I don't want a guest in my house—I want a wife.”
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He looked up at her, his amber eyes burning with love. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and the true Queen of the Maro family?”
Dela’s heart burst with overwhelming joy. “Yes!” she cried out, throwing her arms around his neck as he stood up, lifting her into the air and spinning her around. “Yes, Antoine! A thousand times yes!”
