another chance

another chance Luca gave a cold laugh as of today you're fired you are never to set foot in any Catalan property or business your daughter used a private estate without permission damaged valuable property and assaulted my wife we'll handle this through the proper legal channels she'll be held responsible for every dollar in damages he paused and looked at Vanessa you won't be returning to Meridian Jersey City branch you're permanently blacklisted no one in this industry will hire you again Vanessa crumpled to the floor permanently blacklisted it meant she would never work in this industry again Luca looked over the other employees in the room everyone who had joined in the taunting and mocked me lowered their heads no one dared make a sound everyone here today Luca said slowly who mocked or shoved my wife will report to human resources and pick up their termination papers those who stood by and watched will be moved down one pay grade and receive a formal warning no one dared object security soon entered and escorted Margaret and Vanessa away before Vanessa was taken out she looked back at me her face was full of hatred and resentment but there was nothing she could do she could only let them lead her away my coworkers followed them out in silence the estate so loud only minutes before suddenly fell quiet once everyone was gone Luca sat beside me and gently pulled me into his arms I'm sorry his voice full of guilt I should have handled this better I never expected her to be someone you knew and I never thought she'd go this far I never would have let you come here alone I leaned against his shoulder and smiled this isn't your fault I was the one who wanted to keep my identity hidden I wanted to try on my own but you were hurt he cupped my face his fingertips brushing my cheek I told you no one was allowed to touch you I failed to protect you Leo and Sophia came over and leaned against my legs one on each side I'll protect you from now on Mommy leoclenched his little fists his face serious if anyone picks on you again I'll beat them up Sophia protect Mommy too my heart warmed as I reached out and ruffled their hair I hadn't let Vanessa's petty jabs get to me compared to the bullying I'd endured in college her taunts were nothing I just hadn't expected my identity to be exposed this way oh right Why are you here early? I missed you he bent down and kissed my forehead the kids immediately started giggling and I was worried you might not be settling in here on your own I wanted to surprise you but I didn't expect the surprise had turned into a scare instead I couldn't help smiling as I wrapped my arms around his waist maybe this was for the best I was done hiding who I was from now on from now on I could openly take charge of operations at the Jersey City branch as Nora Bennett not as Mrs Castellan but on my own merit Luca seemed to know what I was thinking he gave my hand a gentle squeeze do what you want to do I'll always have your back no matter what happens I'll handle it at some point the rain outside had stopped sunlight streamed through the floor to ceiling windows and the sapphires scattered across the floor glimmered softly I leaned into Luca's arms listening to his steady heartbeat while our two little ones chattered beside us my story in Jersey City was only just beginning I had the man I loved to back me up and the confidence to move forward on my own