Chapter 9
515words
I wore a black vintage suit, my left shoulder revealing the fully restored family eagle crest tattoo. Holding Fabrizio's arm, I slowly walked into the chapel.
All the mafia family leaders of Southwold rose to their feet in greeting, their eyes filled with reverence.
Above the altar hung the Medicis' banner. The black flag was embroidered with a golden Holbeck eagle and roses, a symbol of the family's honor.
Holding my hand, Fabrizio led me to the altar. He picked up the microphone and declared loudly, "Today, I'm announcing to everyone that the true Donna of the Medicis, Liliana Medici, has officially returned."
Thunderous applause filled the chapel and refused to fade.
I took the microphone and swept my gaze across the crowd, my voice steady and firm.
"Ten years ago, I chose to fake my death to protect my family and my son. Ten years later, I'm back. Those who stand with this family will be rewarded. Anyone who betrays us or lays a hand on my loved ones, no matter who you are or which family you come from, I will make you pay the ultimate price."
Applause erupted again as all the family heads shouted in unison, "Long live the Donna. Glory to the Medicis!"
After the celebration, Fabrizio took me back to the old family estate on Holbeck. This was where I was born and raised.
The courtyard was filled with my favorite roses, and the sea breeze carried the familiar scent of salt, calming my heart.
"Mamma, I've moved all the family's core operations back to Holbeck," Fabrizio said, holding my hand as we walked through the garden. "We don't need to deal with the chaos in Southwold anymore. From now on, we'll stay in our homeland and live in peace."
As the sun set, golden light spilled across the ocean, waves shimmering in the distance. We sat side by side on a bench in the courtyard, watching the faraway coastline.
We said nothing, yet everything was understood.
Fabrizio lit two Holbeck cigars and handed one to me. "Try this. It's our family's own tobacco. It doesn't get any purer than this."
I took the cigar, brought it to my lips, and lit it. The smoke slowly curled upward.
Looking at my son, now calm and composed, I thought of the child who once needed my protection, as well as the ten years of wandering, endurance, and humiliation. Tears slipped down without warning.
"Rizzo, we're home," I said softly.
He squeezed my hand tightly, his eyes gentle. "Yes, Mamma. We're home. From now on, I'll protect you and the family. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."
The Medicis' flag waved atop the old estate, glowing under the setting sun.
That flag carried the family's honor, and it also carried the unbreakable bond between my son and me.
From this day forward, we would remain on this homeland, guarding the family's legacy and protecting each other forever.
