Chapter 7 - The New Reality
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Nora woke up the next morning feeling strangely warm and incredibly rested.
She blinked, taking in the luxurious surroundings of the guest suite. The silk sheets, the heavy down comforter, the roaring fire in the hearth. It felt like a dream. She half-expected Mrs. Gable to burst through the door, screaming at her to scrub the floors.
A gentle knock echoed through the room.
"Come in," Nora called out nervously, pulling the blankets up to her chin.
The door opened, and a young woman wearing a crisp, elegant uniform walked in carrying a massive silver tray loaded with fresh fruit, warm pastries, scrambled eggs, and hot tea.
"Good morning, miss," the young woman smiled warmly. "I am Maria. Mr. Moretti instructed me to bring you breakfast in bed. He also requested that you join him in the study whenever you feel strong enough. There is absolutely no rush."
Nora stared at the extravagant feast. "This... this is all for me?"
"Yes, miss," Maria nodded. "And Dr. Evans left strict orders that you are not to leave this bed unless it is necessary. I am here to assist you with whatever you need."
Nora ate the hot meal, tears of gratitude pricking her eyes. The terrifying mafia boss was treating her better than anyone had in her entire life.
An hour later, feeling stronger, Nora slowly got out of bed. She found a beautiful, soft cashmere robe draped over the armchair, clearly left there for her. She wrapped it around her swollen belly and carefully made her way down the hallway toward the study.
The guards outside Lorenzo’s door didn't stop her. They actually opened the heavy oak doors for her with respectful nods.
Lorenzo was sitting behind his massive desk, reviewing documents. He looked up immediately when she entered, setting his pen down.
"Nora," he said softly, standing up. "You shouldn't be walking. I told Maria to bring you whatever you needed."
"I needed to thank you, Mr. Moretti," Nora said sincerely, standing near the doorway. "For yesterday. For the doctor. You saved my baby."
Lorenzo walked around the desk, stopping a few feet from her. His expression was serious, devoid of the intimidating aura he usually projected.
"I am the one who owes you a debt, Nora," Lorenzo stated quietly.
"Sir?"
"I visited my father last night," Lorenzo explained, his eyes locking onto hers. "I found your note."
Nora’s face flushed. She had completely forgotten about the note she left under the lamp. "I... I’m sorry, sir. The staff told me not to bother him, but he looked so cold in that room. I didn't mean to cross any boundaries."
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"You crossed the boundaries of cruelty that the rest of my staff had established," Lorenzo corrected her fiercely. "You treated him with compassion when everyone else treated him like a burden. My father remembers everything you did for him, Nora. And so do I."
Lorenzo gestured to a comfortable leather chair near the fire. "Please, sit down. We need to discuss your future."
