Page 93 of The Billionaire's Destiny

After months of work, Lily and Perchance to Dream’s art department had finally decided on the final cover, and Rocco left Marini Corporate early to open the email with me. He walked inside the office and wrapped his arms around me from behind, pressing gentle kisses to my neck. His hand rested tenderly on my stomach as he hummed. The soft vibration sent flutters to my chest. Cocooned in his embrace and feeling his touch on our growing child became the sweetest way he’d greet me.

“Mmm. How are my two favorite people doing?”

I grinned. “I’m good. Oh, and Baby Marini gave me a break this morning.”

“How so?” he murmured, kissing my neck again.

“I didn’t get sick and kept down my whole breakfast,” I joked.

“Good job, Baby Marini.” Rocco let me go and came around to stand in front of me. He bent down and placed a kiss on my belly, then stood and hugged me, and I sighed in true contentment. The end of morning sickness was a victory, and we were happy to take it. I’d also stopped calling our child Emanuele. The vision had soothed me through the hardest time of my life. However, Rocco and I had chosen to open our hearts to whoever this new soul would be.

We walked further into Luca’s old office and settled behind the oak table, where I had added family photos and a vase of dried flowers from the many bouquets sent to me at the hospital and at home after my time there. While I had to clear out some of the seating to accommodate my drafting tables and art supplies, it still had all the bookcases I fell in love with the first time I walked in with Luca months ago.

We based ourselves at Luca’s old home, adding a hedge and a gate to surround the property. Neither of us wanted the walls. However, Judge Colby still hadn’t been found.He’s out there, waiting.

“Adelina,” Rocco said, pulling me out of my thoughts. His hand covered mine, which had inadvertently drifted to my scar. It was jagged and angry, a reminder of my father’s hatred. He wanted to take my life. Had I let him? Glancing out of the nearest window, fear rose inside me, and I trembled in my seat.

“Take a deep breath, Bella. You’re safe. You’re here with me. Focus on what’s real.”

I did as Rocco suggested and tried to stay mindful, taking in what was happening right at that moment, as my therapist also told me to do. However, it was easy to forget when things weren’t resolved. Still, Rocco was right. I was here with him, and I believed he’d keep me and the baby safe.

Nerves still prickled beneath my skin as I reached for the mouse. Rocco’s hand gently stopped mine.

I turned my head to him. “What?”

“Turn your stress into adrenaline. Go in with confidence—no negativity. You’re an amazing artist and talented illustrator.”

My esteem lifted higher, and I leaned over and pecked his lips. There wasn’t a day that Rocco didn’t fight against my doubts with absolute confidence. I took a deep breath and centered myself, and Rocco squeezed my hand as I opened the email.

Abigail: Sky Princess Brenna and the Shadow Prince Final Selection

And there was the chosen illustration. It hadn’t existed, but piece by piece, my blood, sweat, and tears had shaped it into something phenomenal. The image resonated: Brenna, a powerful princess of sky and light, with her back haunted by Faileas, the Shadow Prince. His strong desire to possess her was so transparent and striking. Their dark and light dynamic infused the artwork, giving a clear visual narrative that was hard to miss. And I created it!

“This cover is exceptional, Bella; an instant classic.”

Pure joy rose inside me, and I squeezed Rocco’s hand, holding on tight to imprint the moment in memory. “I love it. It’s the best I could have hoped for, and I’m honestly surprised. Everything I wished for is there—nothing lost in the final proof.”

Adelina,

The author screamed when she saw it, and Lily Crane gave us the green light for a full press tour to promote it as soon as possible. Congratulations on all your hard work.

Kindest regards,

Abigail

I let out a scream and threw my hands in the air. Rocco chuckled and grabbed my hand, holding it high next to me. As we stood, he pulled me into a tight hug, and when he let go, his hands cradled my head.

“I’m so proud of you.” He pressed his soft lips to my forehead.

“I feel the same for you, Rocco.”

“We’ll celebrate.”

“Not at a nightclub,” I teased.

“Yeah. You can twerk for me in here.”

He swatted my ass, and I giggled.