Chapter 8 - the truth behind eight years
Two weeks later, a brilliant golden sunset cast a warm glow over the sprawling gardens of the Moretti private estate in upstate New York.
Lily was running happily across the lush green lawn, chasing a small golden retriever puppy Dominic had bought for her, her yellow floral dress fluttering in the evening breeze.
On the wide stone terrace overlooking the valley, Dominic sat at a dark wrought-iron table enjoying a glass of vintage red wine. Beside him sat Anna, looking beautiful and relaxed in a flowing lavender summer dress, her soft chestnut hair loose over her shoulders.
Marco walked onto the terrace, carrying a thin, sealed manila envelope from the private forensic laboratory. He set it down on the table, offered a respectful nod, and quietly withdrew into the house.
Anna looked at the envelope, her pulse quickening slightly. "Is that... the final report on my late husband's files?"
Dominic picked up the envelope, but didn't open it right away. He set it aside, looking deeply into Anna's soft brown eyes.
"Eight years ago, Anna," Dominic said softly, his voice thick with raw emotion. "The night before my father passed away... you were involved in a serious motor vehicle accident near the docks, weren't you?"
Anna froze, her hand pausing over her wine glass. "How... how do you know about that?"
"Because I was the man who pulled you out of that burning vehicle," Dominic revealed low, his dark eyes locking onto hers with breathtaking intensity.
Anna’s breath caught in her throat. "What?"
"My father sent me to secure the docks that night," Dominic explained, leaning closer. "I saw a truck force a small sedan off the road. I pulled you out seconds before the engine exploded. You were unconscious... you spent two weeks in the hospital with severe trauma and memory loss."
May you like
Anna stared at him, her mind spinning as long-buried, hazy memories began to surface—a broad-shouldered man in a dark suit lifting her out of the shattered glass, holding her safe in his arms before the ambulance arrived.
"I tried to find you in the hospital," Dominic whispered, his hand reaching out to clasp hers. "But when I arrived, my father had already wiped your medical records to protect you from the men who rammed your car. I thought I had lost you forever... until you walked into my lobby two weeks ago."
