Chapter 412 414

Chapter 412 414
A few minutes later, he calls for the waiter and we order lunch. No one mentions Lombardi or Isabella again. The past is left firmly in the past. It’s the only way forward now.

Lunch conversation doesn’t always flow smoothly, but I can see the beginnings of a new relationship for Renata and her grandfather. Perhaps there’s something salvageable there after all.

When we’ve finished eating, Renata and I get to our feet. Mariani follows suit. He shakes my hand and then turns to Renata. She pulls out a pristine white envelope from her purse, and fingers the edges.

“I decided before coming here today that I would see how this lunch goes before giving this to you,” she tells him.

“What is that?”

“An invitation,” she replies. “To our wedding. It’s a month from today.”

Mariani raises his eyebrows. “It would be an honor to be invited,” he says. “But I will understand if you do not feel comfortable.”

She holds on to the envelope for a second longer. And then she hands it to him. “I’d like you to be there,” she says softly.

Mariani smiles. In that moment, he’s the picture of a proud, doting grandfather. “You look so much like her…” His voice cracks with emotion.

Renata steps forward and gives him a hug. He freezes in shock before he relaxes into it. Then he meets my gaze over Renata’s head.

I nod, and as I do, I know it with certainty: Renata no longer has to worry about her past and the Clan no longer has to worry about the Italians.

There’s a way forward for her.

There’s a way forward for all of us.