Chapter 9 - the pink lace dress
Six months later, the estate was filled with music, laughter, and the fragrance of blooming white lilies.
The grand courtyard was decorated for a celebration. Hundreds of guests—high-ranking diplomats, family members, and business associates—gathered around the marble fountain to celebrate the formal adoption of little Sophia into the Castellano family line.
Sophia stood on a small wooden platform beside Enzo, looking like a little princess in a brand-new pink lace dress, shiny white shoes, and a golden flower crown placed gently on her brown curls. She held her worn stuffed lamb in one arm, while holding Enzo's thumb tightly with her other hand.
Enzo stood dressed in an immaculate black tuxedo, looking impeccably handsome, a bright, genuine smile on his rugged face as he looked down at his new daughter.
Beside them stood Adelina, breathtaking in a sweeping pale-green silk gown that matched the color of her eyes, her brown hair styled in elegant waves over her shoulders.
Enzo stepped up to the microphone, his deep voice filling the courtyard. "Today, I officially welcome Sophia Rossi Castellano into my heart and into my family as my legal daughter and sole heir."
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, cheering and raising their champagne glasses.
Sophia looked up at Enzo, pulling on his sleeve. Enzo immediately leaned down, picking her up in his broad arms.
"Daddy," Sophia whispered into his ear, using the word for the very first time.
Enzo’s heart melted completely. He pressed a warm kiss onto her cheek, holding her close to his chest. "Yes, my sweet girl?"
"Can we eat cake now?" Sophia asked innocently, pointing toward the five-tier chocolate cake near the garden terrace.
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Enzo laughed heartily, his broad shoulders shaking with joy as Adelina joined them, wrapping her arm around Enzo's waist. "Yes, sweetheart. We can eat all the cake you want."
The three of them walked toward the terrace together, a complete, unbroken family, surrounding themselves with the love they had fought so hard to protect.
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