CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
A month later
After months of work, Lily and Perchance to Dream’s art department had finally decided on the final cover, and Rocco left Marini Corporate early to open the email with me.
He walked inside the office and wrapped his arms around me from behind, pressing gentle kisses to my neck.
His hand rested tenderly on my stomach as he hummed.
The soft vibration sent flutters to my chest. Cocooned in his embrace and feeling his touch on our growing child became the sweetest way he’d greet me.
“Mmm. How are my two favorite people doing?”
I grinned. “I’m good. Oh, and Baby Marini gave me a break this morning.”
“How so?” he murmured, kissing my neck again.
“I didn’t get sick and kept down my whole breakfast,” I joked.
“Good job, Baby Marini.” Rocco let me go and came around to stand in front of me.
He bent down and placed a kiss on my belly, then stood and hugged me, and I sighed in true contentment.
The end of morning sickness was a victory, and we were happy to take it.
I’d also stopped calling our child Emanuele.
The vision had soothed me through the hardest time of my life.
However, Rocco and I had chosen to open our hearts to whoever this new soul would be.
We walked further into Luca’s old office and settled behind the oak table, where I had added family photos and a vase of dried flowers from the many bouquets sent to me at the hospital and at home after my time there.
While I had to clear out some of the seating to accommodate my drafting tables and art supplies, it still had all the bookcases I fell in love with the first time I walked in with Luca months ago.
We based ourselves at Luca’s old home, adding a hedge and a gate to surround the property. Neither of us wanted the walls. However, Judge Colby still hadn’t been found. He’s out there, waiting.
“Adelina,” Rocco said, pulling me out of my thoughts.
His hand covered mine, which had inadvertently drifted to my scar.
It was jagged and angry, a reminder of my father’s hatred.
He wanted to take my life. Had I let him?
Glancing out of the nearest window, fear rose inside me, and I trembled in my seat.
“Take a deep breath, Bella. You’re safe. You’re here with me. Focus on what’s real.”
I did as Rocco suggested and tried to stay mindful, taking in what was happening right at that moment, as my therapist also told me to do. However, it was easy to forget when things weren’t resolved. Still, Rocco was right. I was here with him, and I believed he’d keep me and the baby safe.
Nerves still prickled beneath my skin as I reached for the mouse. Rocco’s hand gently stopped mine.
I turned my head to him. “What?”
“Turn your stress into adrenaline. Go in with confidence—no negativity. You’re an amazing artist and talented illustrator.”
My esteem lifted higher, and I leaned over and pecked his lips. There wasn’t a day that Rocco didn’t fight against my doubts with absolute confidence. I took a deep breath and centered myself, and Rocco squeezed my hand as I opened the email.
Abigail: Sky Princess Brenna and the Shadow Prince Final Selection
And there was the chosen illustration. It hadn’t existed, but piece by piece, my blood, sweat, and tears had shaped it into something phenomenal.
The image resonated: Brenna, a powerful princess of sky and light, with her back haunted by Faileas, the Shadow Prince.
His strong desire to possess her was so transparent and striking.
Their dark and light dynamic infused the artwork, giving a clear visual narrative that was hard to miss. And I created it!
“This cover is exceptional, Bella; an instant classic.”
Pure joy rose inside me, and I squeezed Rocco’s hand, holding on tight to imprint the moment in memory. “I love it. It’s the best I could have hoped for, and I’m honestly surprised. Everything I wished for is there—nothing lost in the final proof.”
Adelina,
The author screamed when she saw it, and Lily Crane gave us the green light for a full press tour to promote it as soon as possible. Congratulations on all your hard work.
Kindest regards,
Abigail
I let out a scream and threw my hands in the air. Rocco chuckled and grabbed my hand, holding it high next to me. As we stood, he pulled me into a tight hug, and when he let go, his hands cradled my head.
“I’m so proud of you.” He pressed his soft lips to my forehead.
“I feel the same for you, Rocco.”
“We’ll celebrate.”
“Not at a nightclub,” I teased.
“Yeah. You can twerk for me in here.”
He swatted my ass, and I giggled.
Ding. Doorbell.
I eyed him curiously.
“That’s Gunnar,” Rocco said. “They have a decision on my proposal.”
The board voted to put things on hold, and Rocco gave Marini Corporate all his attention. However, he’d become steadfast in his desire to make a change, and the negotiations had taken more time.
We left my office and glanced into Rocco’s, where storyboards and framed posters from old film projects hung on the few walls between sunlit windows. “It looks cozy in there.”
“It is,” he said. He had learned to make do, even after leaving behind his grand office at the Marini Estate.
He moved here for me, waiting patiently for us to return to our lives together.
Luca’s house was good for a weekend break; however, it was too small for him and his ambitions.
And soon, he’d be traveling again for film work.
We had always planned for me to join him, and now I could.
My hand drifted to my stomach. Dr. Vitale said travel was safe.
But am I ready? The thought of walking outside in open spaces made my heart race and my stomach feel nauseous. Will Judge Colby try to hurt us again?
Gunnar walked inside and over to us. “Hello, hello, and…” He gave a playful wave at my stomach. “Hello to you, too. Now, no trouble out of you today. Okay?”
I laughed, and Rocco’s hand soothed slow circles on my back. “Little one’s all tucked in and cozy. So, is this sit-down news, or can we stay on our feet?”
“Better we stand because if you greenlight it, they’d want you at the announcement press conference,” Gunnar paused.
“Let’s stand. I’m ready,” Rocco said. He had spent a lot of time getting Walter ready to take over. The separation contract took longer with all the negotiations.
“Okay. The board has accepted Walter as CEO of Marini Corporate and co-chair of Marini Enterprise. You’ll get a special co-chair position to calm the board members who didn’t want you out completely.
But your input will be limited, and Walter can make changes on his own, while you’ll need approval.
” It was as if the crown had been passed, yet the treasures remained with Rocco.
The shift wasn’t all good, and it was a blow to his inheritance.
However, he still managed to smile like everything was fine.
I let out a frustrated breath. After everything Rocco had given to Marini Corporate and his family, it stung. But the real obstacle was Luca, unwilling to let anyone steer with a vision different from his own. Even so, Rocco deserved something good to come from all this. “Any good news, Gunnar?”
“Yes,” Gunnar said. “Rocco keeps his CEO salary, stock options, shares, and property. He still has a seat on the board and input on the future of Marini businesses. Walter reinstated Luca’s two billion dollar child provision as his first act and even gutted any of the stipulations.
If you become pregnant and any complication arises, you still inherit the money to use in any way you choose. ”
“No one opposed?” Rocco asked.
“Only Mr. Sears and Mrs. Ricci. Sears has lost a vote of confidence. He’s been given a severance package, and he’s freaking out about it. It’s glorious.”
We all laughed. Mr. Sears had taken a risk and lost everything. It was what he deserved for manipulating Luca’s will and trying to take control of the Marinis’ finances.
“Good,” Rocco said. “I’m happy with it.”
I touched his arm. “Are you sure?”
He grinned. “I am.” His eyes softened, turning almost wistful, and I knew what he was giving up was enormous. Even so, he looked lighter, the strain almost gone from his posture. He turned to Gunnar. “I’ll sign, and you’ll tell them I’m attending the press conference.”
“Will do,” Gunnar said. “I still think they are insane for letting you go. The stocks are still up at the moment, but the board and shareholders are bracing for a hit.”
Rocco shrugged. “They’ll manage. I have all the confidence in Walter.”
“Spoken like a politician,” Gunnar mused.
I groaned. “Never.”
“You heard the boss,” Rocco joked. He leaned over and kissed my cheek. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. “I’ll change and be right back.”
“I’d…I’d like to go,” I said, clearing my throat.
They both frowned at me.
“Are you sure?” Rocco asked, his tone cautious.
I smiled and nodded affirmatively. It was too big a day for Rocco to be left to stand there on his own. “I’m nervous, but I want to be there with you.”
“Great. I’ll change into a suit and meet you back down here, and we’ll leave together.”
“I’m changing too,” I said, eyeing my yoga pants and the Hello Gorgeous shirt Cassidy had mailed from Iceland.
Rocco disappeared upstairs, and I started to follow, but Gunnar blocked my path. He looked uncannily like Paul, his blond hair now a shade darker, making him strikingly handsome rather than very pretty. “I need to talk to you about something important.”
I raised my brows. “Yeah? What’s up?”
Gunnar hesitated, and I stiffened. He was never one to pause. He was always the most straightforward person I knew.
“I’m trying to put this delicately.”
I laughed nervously. “Or you can just tell me.”
He lifted his chin. “I’m dating your mom.”
My jaw dropped open. “What? She never said. Oh, my goodness. My mother? She’s, like, older than you.”
“Yes,” he said. “I don’t care, and I’m not asking for permission; I’m telling you so you won’t be shocked.”
I peered at him through my lashes. “Let me get this straight: are you having fun, or are you going to be her plus one for Thanksgiving?”
His lips spread into a wide grin. “Who knows?” He was being vague, and I suppose that meant that they were casually together. Casually hooking up? Unreal.
I smirked. “She’s…a little crazy.”
He beamed. “Yeah, and I’m an asshole. So, it’s a match.”
“Don’t hurt her,” I said and winced.
“It’s far from my intention,” he said, his tone turning serious. He then tapped his watch. “No more details.”
I snorted. “Hardly. You didn’t share anything.”
“I know, and the press hates to wait.”
I walked away, casting a backward glance at Gunnar and shaking my head.
He really was an enigma. Mama said she wanted to play the field, to date rather than get serious.
Who knows with her? She hid their relationship from me, but Gunnar wanted it out in the open.
Was he sincere? Maybe it was his heart that I should be concerned about.
He had changed, and so had I. The girl I once was, sitting bravely on a park bench with Luca, felt distant now.
My fingers traced the scar.
Thinking about my father all the time was distressing enough, but waiting for him to try again to hurt me was just as bad.
When will it end?