Page 70 of Kidnapped By the Mafia

I glance up at Lucas, seeing the awe and love in his eyes as he looks at her. It’s a look I’ll never forget, a moment that will stay with me forever.

We’ve been through so much together, and now, holding our daughter in our arms, it feels like all the struggles, all the challenges, were worth it.

“What do you think we should name her?” I ask softly, not taking my eyes off our daughter. “We never did decide.”

Lucas thinks for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly as he considers. Then, a soft smile spreads across his face. “How about Sophia?” he suggests, the name rolling off his tongue with a sense of rightness. “That was top of your list, right? Your Mom’s name?”

“Sophia…” I repeat, testing it out, feeling the warmth of it in my heart. “Not Bluebell?”

“Your choice.”

“Sophia it is.”

He reaches out, his hand resting gently on top of mine as we both gaze down at our daughter. “Just like her mother,” he says, his voice filled with adoration. “Gorgeous.”

Tears prick at my eyes again, but this time they’re tears of pure joy, of overwhelming happiness. I lean my head against his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart, the warmth of his love surrounding me.

“I still can’t believe she’s finally here,” I whisper, my voice filled with wonder.

“Neither can I,” Lucas admits, his own voice laced with awe. “But I’m so glad she is.”

“Ready to start this adventure?” I ask, my eyes twinkling with a mix of excitement and exhaustion.

Lucas wraps his arms around me, pulling me close. “With you? Always.”

53

EMILY

Four years later…

The garden is alive with color. Roses, lavender, and jasmine fill the air with their sweet, heady scent, and the sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows across the grass.

I stand at the edge of the flowerbeds, watching as Sophia runs through the garden, her laughter echoing in the warm afternoon air. She’s so full of energy, so full of life—it’s hard to believe she’s already four years old.

Four years.

I think back to everything that’s happened since I found out I was pregnant, and it feels like a lifetime ago. So much has changed. I’ve changed.

I’m no longer the scared, uncertain woman I was when Lucas and I first met. I’ve built something incredible—an empire, really—something that’s all mine.

My media company is thriving, and every time I step into my office, filled with awards and framed headlines, I feel a surge of pride. I’ve earned this. I’ve fought for it.

But as much as I love my work, nothing compares to the joy of watching Sophia grow up. She’s a perfect mix of Lucas and me—his fierce determination and my sharp intellect.

She’s curious about everything, always asking questions, always looking for the next adventure. The garden has become her playground, and every day is a new discovery.

I smile as I watch her run up to Jake and Peter, sitting together at the chess table we set up for them. It’s funny to think how different things are now.

Once, these two men were adversaries, locked in a bitter struggle for power. Now, they’re like family, spending their days in peaceful camaraderie, playing chess and sharing stories of the old days.

“Jake, can I play too?” Sophia asks, her voice full of excitement.

Jake looks up from the chessboard, his stern face softening as he smiles at her. “Of course, little one,” he says, pulling her onto his lap. “But you have to promise not to tell anyone if you beat me, alright?”

Sophia giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Okay, I promise!”

I can’t help but laugh softly at the sight. There’s so much joy here, so much love. It’s a far cry from the life I once knew, and I’m grateful every day for how far we’ve come.

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