A Little Girl Asked the Mafia Boss Why He Fired Her Mom, and Her Next Five Words Made Him Forget How to Breathe - Spotlight8

The sun was setting over the Atlantic Ocean, casting deep crimson and violet hues across the water. The wedding reception had moved inside the estate’s glass conservatory, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of champagne glasses.

Dominic stood near the edge of the terrace overlooking the sea, holding a glass of sparkling water.

Victor Bellini walked up beside him, leaning his hands on the stone balustrade. The old man looked happy, his face relaxed for the first time in thirty years.

"It's a good day, boss," Victor said quietly.

"Don't call me boss, Victor," Dominic smiled, turning to look at the old man. "You're family. You always have been."

Victor looked out at the ocean, his eyes reflecting the warm sunset. "Your father would be proud of you, Dominic. He built an empire out of fear. You built a home out of love. That takes far more courage."

"Thank you, Victor," Dominic said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "For everything."

A few feet away, Sophia walked out onto the terrace, holding a small silver box tied with a red ribbon. She looked at Victor with a warm smile. "Victor, Lily is looking for you inside. She says Rabbit needs a dance partner."

Victor laughed—a rich, hearty sound. "Well, a gentleman never turns down a lady." He nodded respectfully to them both and walked inside toward the conservatory.

Dominic wrapped his arms around Sophia's waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder as they watched the waves crash against the rocks below. "What's in the box?" he asked softly.

Sophia turned in his arms, resting her hands on his chest, a subtle, secretive smile touching her lips. "It's a gift for you."

Dominic raised an eyebrow with faint amusement. "Sophia, you just gave me a wedding. You don't need to give me gifts."

"Open it," she insisted softly, her brown eyes shining with profound joy.

Dominic took the silver box. He untied the red ribbon and lifted the velvet lid.

Inside lay a small, framed photograph.

It was a modern ultrasound picture. And beside the photo was a tiny pair of white knitted baby booties.

Dominic stared at the box. His breathing stopped entirely. He looked from the ultrasound picture up to Sophia's glowing face.

"Sophia..." Dominic whispered, his voice cracking, his hands trembling so hard he almost dropped the box. "Are you...?"

"Twelve weeks," Sophia whispered back, tears of pure happiness spilling down her cheeks. "It's a boy, Dominic."

Dominic closed his eyes, a choked sob tearing from his throat. He pulled her into his arms, lifting her off her feet, spinning her around on the terrace under the starlit sky. He kissed her face, her eyes, her lips, holding her as if she were the most precious treasure in the universe.

"A boy," Dominic breathed, setting her down gently, resting his forehead against hers. "A son."

"A son who will grow up with his father," Sophia said softly, brushing a tear from his cheek. "A son who will know only peace."

Lily ran out onto the terrace, her small dress fluttering in the evening breeze. "Mama! Papa! What are you doing out here? The cake is ready!"

Dominic dropped to his knees, opening his arms wide. Lily sprinted into his embrace, giggled as he swung her up into his arms, resting her on his hip while keeping his arm around Sophia's waist.

"We were just talking about the future, sweetheart," Dominic told his daughter, kissing her forehead.

"Is it a good future?" Lily asked, tilting her head.

Dominic looked at his wife, at his daughter, and then down at the peaceful estate below them. The ghosts of the past were gone, the violence was buried, and a new generation was beginning in light.