Chapter 14 - Six Months Later
Six months later, Roman Vale no longer owned the empire.
Most of his businesses had been dismantled.
Some were sold.
Some were placed under federal oversight.
Others became legitimate companies.
Roman kept only one.
A transportation company.
Clean.
Transparent.
Legal.
He moved into a smaller house.
No armed guards at every door.
No secret rooms.
No hidden tunnels.
No men whispering into phones.
Just three babies.
And Naomi.
The triplets had grown stronger.
Jude loved music.
Mason hated sleeping.
Cole smiled at everyone.
Roman had become a different man.
He changed diapers.
He learned how to warm bottles.
He woke at 3 a.m.
He sang badly.
Naomi laughed at him.
"You are terrible."
Roman looked offended.
"My sons like it."
"They're babies. They have no standards."
He smiled.
It was a genuine smile.
Naomi watched him.
"You know," she said, "I never thought I'd see you like this."
"Like what?"
"Happy."
Roman looked at her.
"I didn't think I would either."
Then he pulled a small box from his pocket.
Naomi stared.
"Roman..."
"Don't panic."
"I am already panicking."
He opened it.
Inside was a simple ring.
Not enormous.
Not flashy.
Just a thin gold band.
"I don't want to buy you."
Naomi's eyes filled with tears.
"I don't want to own you."
He took her hand.
"I want to build something with you."
Naomi looked at him.
"Roman."
"Say no if you want."
She smiled.
"I don't."
He stopped breathing.
"Is that a yes?"
Naomi laughed.
"That's a yes."
Then one of the babies started crying.
Roman sighed.
"Perfect timing."
May you like
Naomi laughed harder.
And for the first time in his life, Roman Vale ran toward a cry without fear.
