Underworld ties

A New Beginning

Author's Pov

Elena woke up in a hospital room, the sterile smell of antiseptic in the air. Her body ached, but the pain was a distant memory compared to the relief of hearing the beeping of the heart monitor. She blinked, her vision clearing as she saw Luca slumped in a chair beside her bed, his face lined with exhaustion and worry.

As if sensing her awakening, Luca stirred and opened his eyes. He shot up immediately, his face breaking into a mixture of joy and concern. "Elena, you're awake!"

Elena tried to speak, but her throat was dry. Luca quickly grabbed a cup of water and gently held it to her lips. She sipped slowly, the cool liquid soothing her parched throat.

"How... how long have I been out?" she managed to croak.

"Eight hours," Luca said, his voice thick with emotion. "The doctor said you're safe. You and... the baby."

Elena's eyes widened in shock. "Baby?"

Luca nodded, tears glistening in his eyes. "Yes, Elena. You're pregnant."

A wave of emotions crashed over her. Fear, joy, confusion, and relief all mixed together. She reached out, and Luca took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm so glad you're okay," he whispered. "I was so scared... Please, don't leave me again."

Just then, the door opened, and Antonio walked in, looking more haggard than Elena had ever seen him. He stopped at the foot of her bed, his face a mask of guilt and sorrow.

"Elena," he began, his voice breaking. "I... I'm so sorry. I never meant for this to happen."

Elena looked at her father, the man who had caused so much pain and suffering. She took a deep breath. "Father, I'll forgive you. But only if you promise that this war ends here. No more violence. No more hatred."

Antonio nodded, tears streaming down his face. "I promise."

After a few more words, Antonio left, giving Elena and Luca some privacy. As soon as the door closed, Luca climbed into the narrow hospital bed beside her, wrapping his arms around her.

"I missed you so much," he murmured, burying his face in her hair. "I don't ever want to go through that again."

Elena smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the hospital blankets. "I missed you too, Luca. But you need to stop worrying. I'm not going anywhere."

Luca lifted his head, looking into her eyes. "You drive me insane, Mrs. DeLuca."

Elena chuckled, reaching up to touch his cheek. "Shut up and kiss me."

Luca didn't need to be told twice. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. It was a kiss filled with promise, love, and the hope of a happy future. They had been through hell and back, but they had each other, and that was all that mattered.

As they broke apart, Elena rested her head against Luca's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "We're going to be okay, Luca. We have to be."

"We will be," Luca promised, holding her close. "I love you, Elena."

"I love you too," she whispered, feeling safe and content in his arms.

They lay there together, tangled in each other's warmth, ready to face whatever the future held, but knowing they would do it together.

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Dear Readers,

Thank you for joining me on this journey with Elena and Luca. Their story has been one of love, betrayal, and redemption, and it has been a joy to write. I hope you've enjoyed their tumultuous but passionate romance as much as I have.

Now, as we reach the end of their tale, it's time to look ahead. There's more to come in this world, and I can't wait to delve into Vince's story next. He's a complex character with a story that promises just as much intrigue and emotion.

Thank you for your support and for sticking with me through every twist and turn. Here's to more adventures, more love, and more drama!

with love

-loveatfirstsight