Chapter 1: Morning, Mrs. Hale
Days passed...
The sun rose gently over the hills, casting soft golden hues through the open balcony doors of the private villa.
Eve turned in the silk sheets, eyes fluttering open as warmth settled on her bare skin. Her wedding ring sparkled faintly in the light — a silver promise wrapped around her finger.
She smiled sleepily.
The pillow beside her was empty, but still warm.
A deep voice broke the silence.
“Looking for me?”
Dominic stood at the edge of the room, wearing only black lounge pants, towel slung over one shoulder, damp hair falling over his eyes.
Eve sat up, hugging the sheet to her chest. “You left.”
“You looked too peaceful,” he said, walking toward her. “Didn’t want to wake my wife.”
Her heart skipped at the word — wife. Still new. Still surreal.
He sat beside her on the edge of the bed, leaning in to kiss her forehead. “How does it feel?”
“To be married to a mafia king?” she teased.
“To be loved,” he said softly, brushing her hair back.
She looked at him — truly looked. The same man who once stood in shadows, guarded and silent, now letting his heart soften in the morning light. She touched his cheek.
“I feel safe.”
A knock interrupted them.
Dominic groaned. “If that’s Lorenzo—”
“It is,” came a muffled voice from the other side. “I made breakfast. It may or may not be edible. Also, if you’re naked, please don’t answer the door.”
Eve giggled.
Dominic growled under his breath. “He’s never moving out.”
Later that morning — Breakfast table chaos
Lorenzo had somehow created a half-burnt, half-raw omelette. The kitchen staff stood frozen, unsure if it was a prank or a threat.
Eve took a cautious bite and smiled politely. “It’s…unique.”
Dominic stared at the plate, unimpressed. “This is why I hire professionals.”
“I wanted to surprise you!” Lorenzo whined. “You had your wedding night. I had cooking dreams.”
Dominic leaned back in his chair. “Nightmares, you mean.”
Eve hid her laugh behind a napkin as Lorenzo dramatically clutched his heart.
Balcony – A Quiet Moment
Later, Eve and Dominic sat on the balcony, coffee mugs in hand. The world felt far away.
He took her hand, tracing her knuckles with his thumb. “This peace… I want to protect it.”
“You already do,” she whispered.
Their foreheads touched.
For now… there were no shadows.
Just love. And the sound of birds in the distance.
