Chapter 9 - The Garden of Healing
Six months later.
Spring had arrived in New York, blooming with vibrant tulips, warm sunshine, and clear blue skies.
The Hudson estate’s gardens were lush and green. Elena Rossi sat in a comfortable wicker armchair near the fountain, wearing a soft lavender sweater, drinking tea while watching a group of children laughing and playing on the lawn.
The estate was no longer just a dark, fortified fortress of a mafia syndicate. Under Nora’s influence, it had become a sanctuary. Nora had established the Mary Callahan Pediatric Trust—named after her late foster mother—providing free medical care, housing, and education for orphaned children across the city.
The Rossi Syndicate had officially restructured, transitioning its operations into legal international shipping, security logistics, and philanthropic foundations under the joint leadership of Mateo and Nora.
A sleek black car pulled up the driveway, and Mateo stepped out.
He had discarded his dark tactical suits for a sharp, tailored navy jacket. He walked straight into the garden, his face lighting up with a warm, radiant smile the moment his eyes found Nora.
Nora was kneeling near a rosebed, wearing a floral sundress, her hands dusty with garden soil.
"You're home early," Nora smiled, standing up and wiping her hands on an apron.
"I couldn't stay away," Mateo said, pulling her into his arms, ignoring the soil on her dress, kissing her lips deeply.
Elena chuckled from her armchair. "Mateo, stop bothering the girl! She’s been planting yellow roses all morning!"
Mateo smiled at his mother, then turned back to Nora. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
Nora’s breath caught in her throat.
Mateo took a step back, dropping down to one knee on the soft green grass right beside the yellow roses.
He opened the box to reveal a breathtaking, custom-cut emerald ring surrounded by sparkling diamonds.
"Nora," Mateo said, his steel-blue eyes shining with an absolute, eternal devotion. "Six months ago, you stopped my car in the middle of a rainstorm to protect a woman you didn't know. You brought light into my dark world. You healed my mother, you healed my soul, and you showed me what it truly means to live."
Mateo held up the ring, his voice trembling slightly with deep emotion.
"Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, my queen, and the matriarch of the Rossi family?"
Tears of pure, overwhelming joy spilled down Nora’s cheeks. She didn't hesitate for a single second.
May you like
"Yes!" Nora cried out, throwing her arms around his neck. "Yes, Mateo! A thousand times yes!"
Mateo laughed—a rich, joyful sound—lifting her into the air and spinning her around while Elena clapped her hands happily from the terrace, and Viktor smiled broadly from the porch steps.
