Chapter 3 - The SanctuaryThe Gallo Estate sat on a high cliff overlooking the ocean, twenty miles north of the city.
When the car cleared the heavy wrought-iron security gates, Sadie looked out the window in awe. The main house was a sprawling stone manor illuminated by soft, warm lights, surrounded by manicured gardens and tall pine trees that rustled in the sea breeze.
Marco opened the door, and Roman carried the fast-asleep Finn up the grand stone steps, with Sadie following close behind.
Inside, the grand foyer was magnificent—high vaulted ceilings, polished marble floors, and a sweeping staircase. Yet despite the incredible luxury, the house felt quiet, almost lonely.
A middle-aged woman in a clean apron—Mrs. Hudson, the housekeeper—hurried down the hall to greet them.
“Mr. Gallo,” Mrs. Hudson said warmly, her eyes lingering with gentle sympathy on Sadie and the sleeping child. “The nursery wing has been prepared, just as you requested.”
“Thank you, Clara,” Roman said. “Bring up some warm soup, fresh bread, and tea for Sadie.”
Roman led Sadie up the grand staircase to a bright, beautiful suite of rooms on the second floor. The nursery was warm and soft, featuring a handcrafted wooden crib, soft plush rugs, and shelves filled with pristine children’s books and toys.
Roman set Finn down gently inside the crib, pulling the soft blanket up to his shoulders. He stood there for a long moment, watching the little boy breathe, before stepping back.
Sadie walked over to the crib, touching her son’s cheek softly before turning to Roman.
“Why are you doing this, Mr. Gallo?” she asked, her voice quiet in the peaceful room. “You don't know us. You’re a powerful man... a dangerous man. Why bring a broken waitress and her child into your home?”
Roman walked toward the doorway, stopping with his hand on the frame. He looked back at her, the shadows of the hallway framing his sharp face.
“Because three years ago, Sadie, a woman in your position—a mother trying to survive—was caught in the crossfire of a war I was fighting,” Roman said, his voice dropping into a somber, heavy tone. “I couldn't save her. I couldn't save her child.”
Sadie felt a chill run down her spine.
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“I built this house to be a fortress,” Roman continued softly. “And tonight, when I saw that baby bottle roll across the floor of that restaurant, I decided that I was not going to let another mother drown while I had the power to pull her out of the water.”
He stepped back into the hallway. “Eat the soup, Sadie. Get some sleep. Tomorrow, we speak about your future.”
