His Donna Was Never Legally His Chapter 22

His Donna Was Never Legally His Chapter 22

Once her work was finished, Ava and Rafael visited New York’s landmarks before preparing to go home.

Just then, the Matriarch called.

For the first time, the usually domineering woman lowered her voice and asked Ava to see Matteo.

Ava paused, then agreed.

Rafael’s expression immediately darkened.

Ava smiled and kissed his chin.

“I’ll be back soon. If you’re worried, you can wait for me outside, okay?”

Rafael eventually agreed.

When Ava arrived at the Moretti Estate, the butler personally welcomed her inside.

He hesitated before speaking.

“Ms. Collins, the Underboss truly loved you.”

“He insisted that you recognize Luca as your son and take your place as Donna because he wanted to use

Luca to force the Matriarch to accept your position within the Family…”

“At the Moretti Estate, he didn’t stop your punishment because he was angry with you. After you lost

consciousness, he regretted it deeply. The Matriarch originally ordered 30 lashes. The Underboss took the

remaining 20 for you…”

“That’s enough.”

Ava interrupted him calmly.

“It’s all in the past.”

The butler sighed and said nothing more.

He led her into the main hall.

Matteo was kneeling on the floor as the whip struck his back again and again.

No one knew how long he had been kneeling.

His body swayed, and he could barely remain upright.

The Matriarch surged to her feet, trembling with rage.

“Say that again!”

Matteo clenched his teeth, his voice hoarse.

“I’ll never marry anyone else for as long as I live!”

Ava entered the main hall.

Matteo looked up and saw her.

His entire body went rigid, and he could no longer look away.

The Matriarch dropped heavily back into her chair.

Without even looking at Ava, she said coldly, “You’re certainly capable. You reduced the Moretti Family’s

only heir to this.”

Matteo’s expression darkened immediately.

“Grandmother…”

Before he could finish, Ava laughed.

“You deserved it.”

The Matriarch stared at her in shock.

Ava continued, “You controlled this Family your entire life, and now you’re trying to control the next

generation too. Everything happening today is your own doing.”

Years ago, Isabella had tormented Ava constantly, pressured her to produce an heir, and arranged for

women to approach Matteo.

Mia had been one of the women Isabella placed at his side.

Isabella shared the blame for everything that had happened between Ava and Matteo.

Ava had come today to finally say everything she had held back for years.

Seeing the Matriarch’s furious expression, Ava’s smile grew brighter.

“I’ve found happiness now. As for what happens to you from here, I couldn’t care less.”

After saying everything she needed to say, Ava finally felt relieved.

She turned to leave but paused when she saw Matteo’s ashen face.

“We both need to move forward.”

Then she walked away without looking back.

Rafael waited outside with a tense expression.

When he saw her return so quickly, he immediately relaxed.

Ava ran toward him and jumped into his arms.

She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, laughing.

“That felt incredible!”

Seeing her so happy, Rafael smiled too and held her securely.

He carried her several steps before suddenly saying, “Marry me.

Ava froze.

“What did you say? That casually?”

Rafael blinked.

“I’ve actually been planning it for a long time. I was going to propose properly once we got home. But you looked so happy just now that I couldn’t hold it in.”

Ava lightly punched his shoulder.

“You ruined my surprise!”

Rafael smiled.

“But are you even happier now?”

Ava considered it seriously for several seconds, then nodded.

“I am, actually.”

Rafael looked satisfied.

“Then it worked out. Now you get to be happy twice.”

“That does make sense.”

They walked along the street together as maple leaves drifted on the wind.

Sunlight filtered through the branches and danced softly across the pavement.

This time, Ava had finally found happiness.