Chapter 10 - THE NEW PORTRAIT
Two weeks later.
The estate was alive with a different kind of energy.
I walked down the main hallway, no longer wearing a black uniform, but a fitted emerald-green dress that brushed just past my knees.
I held a small silver tray, but this time, it only carried two mugs of hot cocoa.
I pushed open the heavy oak doors to Adrian’s private office.
The room that used to feel like a fortress of solitude was now chaotic.
Marcus was sitting on the leather sofa, reviewing a stack of shipping manifests with Evan.
Leo was sprawled out on the Persian rug, aggressively coloring a picture of a dragon.
And Adrian sat behind his massive mahogany desk, on the phone, looking incredibly irritated.
“I don't care what the port authority says,” Adrian barked into the receiver. “Tell them the Romano cargo moves tonight, or they’ll find a new mayor tomorrow. Fix it.”
He slammed the phone down and rubbed his temples.
Then he looked up and saw me.
Instantly, the tension drained from his shoulders.
“You shouldn't be carrying trays,” Adrian scolded gently, standing up from his desk.
“It’s hot cocoa for Leo, you tyrant,” I teased, walking past him.
I set the tray down on the coffee table.
Leo immediately dropped his crayons. “Thanks, Aunt Hannah!”
My chest swelled with warmth. Aunt Hannah.
Marcus looked up from the paperwork and smiled at me. The scars on his face were healing, and the haunted look in his eyes was slowly being replaced by a quiet peace.
“He’s milking the 'Aunt' thing for extra marshmallows,” Marcus warned.
“Let him,” I smiled.
Adrian came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder.
“Evan,” Adrian called out.
The head of security stood up straight. “Yes, sir?”
“Is it ready?”
“Yes, Mr. Romano. They’re waiting in the conservatory.”
I frowned, turning my head to look at Adrian. “Who is waiting?”
Adrian kissed my cheek. “Come and see.”
He took my hand and led me out of the office.
Marcus and Leo followed close behind.
We walked through the house to the glass conservatory at the back of the estate.
Inside, the morning light filtered perfectly through the glass ceiling.
Standing in the center of the room was a professional photographer, setting up a vintage large-format camera.
And sitting in a velvet armchair, wearing a beautiful silk shawl, was my mother.
“Mom!” I gasped, running forward to hug her.
She looked amazing. The private doctors Adrian hired had adjusted her medications, and the round-the-clock care had brought a healthy pink flush back to her cheeks. She was lucid, smiling brightly.
“Hannah, darling,” she laughed, patting my hand. “Adrian told me we were having our picture taken.”
I turned to Adrian, completely stunned.
He walked over, adjusting the cuffs of his suit.
“The painting in my office,” Adrian said quietly. “The one of me and Marcus by the lake.”
I nodded. I knew it well. It was the only photo of his family he had kept.
“It’s outdated,” Adrian said.
He looked at Marcus, then at Leo, then at my mother, and finally, his eyes settled on me.
“I want a new portrait. Of the actual family.”
Tears immediately flooded my vision.
Marcus walked up behind my mother’s chair, resting a hand on her shoulder. Leo squeezed in next to him, grinning missing two front teeth.
Adrian held his hand out to me.
I wiped my eyes and took it, stepping into the frame beside him.
He wrapped his arm tightly around my waist, pulling me flush against his side.
“Smile,” the photographer said.
May you like
The flash went off, blindingly bright.
Capturing the exact moment I realized I finally, truly, belonged somewhere.
