Chapter 14 - A New Horizon
Three weeks later, the morning air was crisp and clear. Dante stood on the wooden deck of his newly renovated beach house, fifty miles south of the city. He had officially stepped down from his underworld syndicate, transferring all his assets into legitimate maritime shipping and community youth programs.
Below on the sandy shore, Mia was running through the surf, chasing seagulls while a golden retriever puppy bounded joyfully at her heels.
Elena walked out onto the deck, holding two mugs of steaming coffee. She looked radiant, the hollow paleness of exhaustion replaced by sun-kissed skin and a relaxed, genuine smile.
“She hasn’t stopped smiling since we got here,” Elena said, handing Dante his cup and leaning against the wooden railing beside him.
“Neither have you,” Dante noticed, draping an arm over her shoulder.
“I finally feel like I can breathe,” she sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. “For so long, I thought peace was an illusion. Something other people had.”
“We earned this peace,” Dante said quietly. “Together.”
Mia suddenly turned toward the deck, waving both arms frantically over her head. “Dad! Mommy! Look at the giant seashell I found!”
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The word hung in the fresh ocean air—Dad.
Dante’s breath hitched. It was the first time she had spoken the word aloud. A warm surge of emotion welled in his chest, so intense it nearly brought the hardened man to his knees.
