Chapter 15 - THE NEW ERASpring arrived in Chicago with an explosion of green leaves and blooming cherry blossoms along Maple Street.
The little brick house was no longer just a memory of the past—it was a home once again.
On a bright Sunday afternoon, the lawn was filled with white folding chairs, elegant floral arches, and the soft strains of a string quartet playing a gentle melody.
It wasn't an engagement dinner.
It was a wedding.
Emily Moretti walked down the wooden aisle in a stunning, ivory lace maternity gown, her eyes shining with tears of pure joy. Waiting for her at the altar, looking nervous and deeply in love, was Michael—the young teacher who had never stopped calling, never stopped loving her, even when the world tried to tear them apart.
And standing right beside her, offering his arm with unshakeable pride, was Luca Moretti.
As Luca handed his daughter’s hand over to Michael, he whispered softly into his new son-in-law's ear: "If you ever make her cry, Michael... even for a second... you won't need a map to find out where I bury people."
Michael swallowed hard, smiled nervously, and nodded. "I understand, Mr. Moretti. I love her with all my heart."
Luca stepped back, taking his seat in the front row right beside David Vance, who wore a sharp new suit and a proud smile.
As the priest pronounced them husband and wife, and Michael kissed his bride, the applause erupted into the warm spring air.
Emily turned, catching her father’s eye from the front row. She lifted her bouquet, laughing through her happy tears, and pointed toward the front porch.
Sitting right beside the front door, perfectly polished and waiting for its new occupant, was the antique white wooden crib.
And resting on top of it was the very first gift she had ever bought:GRANDPA LUCA.
Luca Moretti smiled—a real, genuine, unburdened smile that reached his eyes for the first time in thirty years.
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The empire was safe. The bloodline was secure.
And the foundation of Maple Street would stand forever.
