Chapter 243 Epilogue

• The garden of Adriano's mansion was decorated with lavender pastels and ivory balloons that swayed gently in the breeze, while strings of fairy lights curled around the hedges. A long table had been set beneath the tree, draped with white cloth and adorned with fresh flowers. Pastries, sugared almonds, and a cake topped with tiny golden booties were laid out on the table.
• The air was warm and filled with the scent of roses and jasmine, and for the first time in months, Serena felt like she could breathe without the weight of dread pressing down on her chest. Four months ago, she had been so sure she was about to die, but here she was, enjoying the baby shower that Anna and Tilda had kindly arranged for her.
• She was glowing; almost everyone had said that to her as they congratulated her. She rubbed her small bump absentmindedly as she watched their guests, which consisted strictly of family and close friends, laughing and socializing. Her heart squeezed in gratitude.