CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
My heartbeat stumbled wildly, a trapped bird banging against the cage. I could see Rick and Zane patrolling out the window, yet my worries refused to turn off. Judge Colby only needs a second. Look how quickly it happened the first time.
Rocco took my hands. “Breathe in and out. Come with me.”
I followed his lead, reminding myself to stay calm, not just for me but for our baby.
Inhale. Exhale. I’m safe. The baby’s safe.
My pulse slowed down as I fought back to what was rational.
There was no way Judge Colby could get to the house without someone seeing him now.
There were cameras and security everywhere.
Once I felt steadier, I glared in annoyance.
“Rocco, come on. Why did you take me here? I don’t want to be here. ”
“Listen to me, Adelina,” he said. “You say you want to move on. This is where you need to do it. Trust me, please. It’s still our home, the one we share and will bring our baby to.”
I gazed at the estate. Once, its grounds had dazzled me with their grandeur, but now shadows clung to every corner, making the place dark and intimidating.
All I could see was me, weak, bleeding, and afraid.
Even so, I pushed open the car door and stepped out.
Rocco was right. I had come too far to turn back.
No matter what, I won’t let Judge Colby win.
Rocco trailed just behind, close but careful not to crowd me as we approached the front door.
I drew in a steadying breath and pushed it open.
My gaze swept past the foyer, landing at the foot of the staircase.
An easel stood there, bearing a sketch. I shot Rocco a questioning look, but his face gave nothing away.
Compelled, I moved straight to the drawing and felt my breath catch.
Santiago had broken his own rule and left this drawing for me to see before he painted it.
The sketch was created on the worst day of my life.
His talent was obvious in the realistic details.
I could see my face and wedding dress in the charcoal lines.
But there was more to it, a story. I saw myself standing with my back bowed, but my head held high in triumph.
My joy was clear in my eyes, even if my smile was small.
He captured the woman I believed I had become: strong, capable, and in love.
Adelina Tessa Marini survived everything and would thrive. Resilience is still my superpower.
I turned toward Rocco, and he took my face in his hands, his eyes boring in with intensity.
“That’s you, my Bella. Santiago captured you so beautifully. I hate that happened to you, but I know you well. You can rise above it all. Fire and fight, my love. No one can keep you down.”
“No one can because I have so much to live for. I have you, my darling.” I swallowed hard and wrapped him in a fierce embrace and kissed him with all the love I had.
His unwavering support and faith gave me strength in my darkest times.
I never stayed down, and there was more good than bad in our home. I will move forward.
We separated, and he once again gave me space to make this decision.
I retraced the steps I had taken on that unforgettable day, walking through the kitchen and out to the very place down the steps from the patio where my life had nearly ended.
Now, the ground was covered in blossoms and bouquets, each arrangement a tapestry of memories: the flowers the same as the ones in our room in Cannes, one like the centerpieces at our summer family dinners, and even an arrangement similar to the one at our sultan’s feast by the sea during our honeymoon.
My life overflowed with cherished moments, and those treasures would always be mine. He couldn’t take them from me.
I swallowed hard. Rocco had turned pain into beauty. “It’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful, Bella,” he murmured softly, then kissed me.
“Thank you, and I’m glad we came by. I feel better seeing it.” Seeing the change was healing and gave me comfort, yet I still couldn’t stop the nagging feeling my father could be close.
“I’m not done, Bella.” I looked at him, and his expression was serious. “I haven’t been completely honest with you.”
My brows knitted. “What do you mean?”
“You haven’t watched all of Luca’s video,” he said.
“And I think it would be a great time for you to see it.” Sadness sank into me, knowing it would very well be his last message, but I didn’t resist and went with Rocco.
He placed his hand on my back and led me over to his large office, and we sat together behind the desk.
He went into his bag and removed the flash drive Luca left for me. “There’s something you should see.”
I lifted my brows questioningly.
“I had Gunnar make a copy of it and remove this section of the video.” His tone was mysterious, leaving me even more anxious to see what was there.
He pressed the video, and I instantly recognized Luca’s office, though it was darker. A few seconds later, Luca came into view, looking even frailer.
I touched my throat, and Rocco put his arm around my shoulder.
Luca swiped the sweat from his brow and neck. “It’s still sweltering this evening. You both just left. That was a lovely dinner tonight.” He beamed at the camera. “It was a beautiful sight, seeing you two together.” He waggled his finger. “I could see you were already falling for Rocco’s charm.”
I glanced over at Rocco, but his attention remained on the screen.
“Rocco…he falls in love quickly; I can assure you he’s already taken with you.”
My face warmed. Rocco remained quiet.
“He’s so gifted, intelligent, and handsome, like me.
” He chuckled dryly. “Rocco lives by his instincts, just like me, and I can already see he wants to make a lasting bond. What’s the key to a successful arranged marriage?
I suppose it’s like all marriages. Keep your heart open, build a friendship.
” He paused, struggled to catch his breath, and then continued.
“Listen to each other, talk. You’ll both make mistakes, but as long as there’s love, you’ll overcome them.
Challenges are part of life, and the more you have, you’ll find they double.
But don’t ever let any of the hard times keep you down.
You have us, Rocco, our family. You can overcome it. ”
It was as if Luca could see straight into my thoughts. He had always been so wise, and the ache in my heart deepened, knowing our child would never experience his warmth and brilliance.
Luca’s eyes softened, and he sat back, speaking as if in a trance.
“Our Rocco. He’ll get everything. No matter what I do, he’s determined to build his movie studio.
I’m very proud of all he’s done. But, as I’ve said to you both tonight, he must prioritize our family and legacy.
I know you’ll support him and do what’s necessary. ” He coughed.
“Listen to me. I don’t know if I have much time, but let me tell you what I’ve always wanted to say.
I love you so much, Adelina Tessa Belfiore.
You’re smart, talented, and beautiful. You’re learning to love and heal.
I’m proud of the woman you’re becoming, and I count on you to bring the Belfiores and Marinis together.
” He closed his hand as if in prayer, then smiled.
“But you, my dear. Let me tell you your future. You’re going to illustrate books that’ll add to our library here.
” He gestured toward the room. “You’ll paint in this garden.
Your kids will play and eat in the yard.
This is your home, and I hate that I may…
may not be there to see you grow.” He choked up, wiped his eyes, and coughed.
He held up his hand but couldn’t stop coughing.
Rocco leaned closer, his sadness and frustration as palpable as I imagined my own.
Luca took out a handkerchief and coughed again into it. It changed from white to red, a stark reminder of his deteriorating health that sent a shiver down my spine.
A sob tore from my chest, and Rocco gathered me close, holding me until my tears slowed. When I finally looked up, I saw his eyes glistening, too. His shared grief wrapped around me, offering the comfort I needed.
My hands reached for the mouse, hoping there was still more to see. I wasn’t ready to let Luca go. But then it came on again, but it wasn’t Luca sitting at his desk. It was a man behind the desk, glaring at the screen. “What are you up to, old man?”
“Judge Colby,” I hissed.
He was clean in a pressed suit and tie and had a leather bag with him that he opened.
His head shifted side to side before he opened up the drawers.
He pulled out the copy of Lady Chatterley’s book, and it rattled hollowly.
He opened the front cover and reached in, pulling out a beautiful diamond collar necklace.
The sound of the door creaking prompted him to shove the hollowed book back in.
He hesitated, letting out a curse, then put the necklace back.
“Mr. Colby? I asked you to wait in the living room.”
“That’s Diedra,” Rocco said sharply. “She retired.”
Judge Colby harrumphed. “I always wait for Luca in the office.”
“B-but-but…” Diedra stuttered.
“I know your son,” Judge Colby said to her. “Wouldn’t want him to lose his job at the New York law firm and his license. Now get out of here and get Luca.”
I pursed my lips. He always found a way to hurt someone.
“What the hell are you doing here?” We could hear Luca’s voice in the room. “Get the hell away from my desk.”
“I told him not to come back here—”
“It’s fine, Diedra. I’ll handle him. You can go now.”
The door clicked closed.
“Strange way to greet me, old friend.” Judge Colby’s tone dripped with sarcasm.
“We were never friends,” Luca yelled off-screen.
“That’s right. You pretended to be my friend to use me.”
“We used each other,” Luca said matter-of-factly. “I regret it; you don’t.”