Chapter 8
Two weeks later, the summer afternoon was bright and warm over the estate grounds. The rose garden was in full bloom, filling the air with the sweet scent of fresh flowers.
Sitting on a blanket on the green lawn was little Ellie. She wore a bright yellow summer dress, her curly blonde hair blowing gently in the breeze as she played with a brand-new set of wooden toys. Beside her on the grass sat her worn, one-eyed teddy bear, looking right at home.
Clara sat nearby on a wooden bench, holding a cup of tea. She wore a floral sundress, her rosy cheeks glowing in the sun, her eyes fixed lovingly on her playing child.
Footsteps sounded on the stone path. Vincent walked over, dressed casually in a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing his tattooed forearms. He carried a silver tray with fresh pastries.
"How is the party going?" Vincent asked, setting the tray down beside Clara and sitting next to her on the bench.
"She’s been playing outside for three hours," Clara smiled, her soft brown eyes meeting his. "She hasn't asked about the old room once."
Vincent looked at Clara, his expression filled with a quiet, undeniable warmth. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small gold coin—Ellie's third wish—and held it in his palm.
"Ellie gave me this coin two weeks ago," Vincent said softly. "She wished for you to never be scared again."
Clara felt a warm tear slide down her cheek, but this time, it was a tear of pure happiness. "I’m not scared anymore, Vincent. For the first time since Marco died... I feel like I can breathe."
Vincent reached out, his broad, warm hand gently taking Clara’s hand in his. "I made a promise to Marco five years ago that I would protect his legacy. But over these past few weeks... I realized that protecting you and Ellie isn't a duty anymore, Clara. It’s my life."
Clara looked into his dark, handsome face, feeling her heart race. "Vincent..."
"Stay here," Vincent whispered, leaning in closer. "Not as my housekeeper. Not as Marco’s widow. Stay here with me... as my family."
Clara smiled, placing her free hand over his. "We're already home, Vincent."
May you like
From the grass, Ellie looked up, holding her teddy bear, and clapped her small hands happily. "Daddy Vincent!"
Vincent laughed—a rich, deep sound that filled the entire garden—as he stood up and scooped the little girl into his arms, lifting her high into the summer sky.
