Chapter 10 - The Queen’s Realm
Six months later.
Summer had arrived in Chicago, turning the vast grounds of the Duca estate into a lush, green paradise of blooming gardens, marble fountains, and sun-drenched stone terraces.
The estate felt entirely different now. The cold, suffocating arrogance that had hung over the property during Bianca’s reign was completely gone, replaced by a warm, lively atmosphere. The staff were treated with generous respect, the security teams were fiercely loyal, and the house was filled with light and life.
It was a Saturday afternoon. Roman sat on the grand outdoor patio, wearing a dark navy polo shirt and sunglasses, a tablet resting on his lap as he reviewed weekly shipping manifests.
The heavy glass doors slid open, and Hannah stepped out onto the terrace.
She wore a vibrant yellow sundress that caught the warm summer breeze, her dark hair falling loosely over her shoulders. She carried a silver tray with fresh iced tea and a plate of sliced fruit.
Roman immediately set his tablet aside, a bright, warm smile spreading across his sharp jawline—a smile reserved exclusively for her.
"You shouldn't be carrying trays, darling," Roman said, standing up to take the silver tray from her hands and setting it on the outdoor table.
"I’m pregnant, Roman, not made of glass," Hannah laughed softly, sitting down on the cushioned outdoor couch.
Roman sat beside her, gently placing his broad hand over her waist, his thumb stroking the soft curve of her stomach. She was four months pregnant, a tiny, beautiful bump just beginning to show beneath the yellow silk of her dress.
When Hannah had announced the pregnancy two months ago, Roman had wept openly—a man who had faced down federal indictments and armed cartel rivals without blinking, broken down in tears of pure, unadulterated joy at the thought of having a child with her.
"How are you feeling today?" Roman asked gently, leaning down to kiss her lips softly.
"I feel wonderful," Hannah smiled, leaning back against his broad shoulder as they looked out over the sparkling green lawn. "The quarterly reports for the foundation came in this morning. We’ve funded three new pediatric cancer wings in South Chicago."
"All thanks to you," Roman said softly, kissing her temple.
"All thanks to us," she corrected gently, placing her hand over his on her stomach.
In the distance, beyond the manicured hedge rows, the wrought-iron gates of the estate stood tall and secure. Inside those gates, an empire flourished—built on strength, cleansed of corruption, and ruled by a man who loved without fear and a woman who refused to shrink.
Hannah looked out over the sprawling estate, feeling the warm summer sun on her skin and the steady, powerful beat of her husband's heart against her back.
She remembered the terrified whispers, the cold stares, and the sharp crack of Bianca’s hand on that snowy Christmas night. They had tried to break her. They had tried to shrink her.
May you like
Instead, they had crowned her.
Hannah Duca closed her eyes, letting out a soft, contented breath, completely at home in the realm she had built.
