Chapter 71 - The Journey Home
Six months later, on a pristine summer evening, our Chicago estate was filled with the warm scent of grilled seafood, sweet summer wine, and ambient music.
We threw a private celebration to mark the one-year anniversary of our complete freedom. Marcus was there, looking healthy and happy, holding his daughter Lily on his shoulders as she giggled softly. Our loyal security team sat by the garden, enjoying steaks and cold beers, no longer on high alert, but simply relaxing as part of our extended family.
Noah and Sophie were running across the green lawn with Lily, chasing fireflies as the sky began its slow transformation into shades of deep violet, rose, and shimmering gold.
I stood on the patio, holding a glass of chilled champagne, watching the people I loved most in the world.
Ethan walked up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist, pulling me back against his warm chest. He leaned down, burying his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling softly.
"What are you thinking about, Chairwoman?" he whispered playfully.
May you like
"I'm thinking that for the first time in ten years," I smiled, turning in his arms to wrap my hands around his neck, "there are no hidden threats, no secret contracts, and no battles left to fight."
"Just us," Ethan murmured, his lips brushing mine in a gentle, reassuring promise. "Just us forever."
