Chapter 7 - THE REBUILDING
Three months later.
Spring had arrived in Greenwich. The thick snow on the estate lawn had melted, replaced by vibrant green grass and blooming tulips.
The damages from the attack had been completely repaired. The black iron gates stood open, letting the bright afternoon sunlight flood the circular driveway.
In the backyard, overlooking Long Island Sound, a soft breeze blew through the trees.
Lily—wearing a beautiful yellow sundress and her favorite yellow duck socks—was chasing butterflies across the lawn, her laughter ringing out across the gardens like music.
On the patio, Ethan stood watching her, holding two cups of fresh coffee. His forehead bore a small, faint scar from that terrifying night, but his eyes were bright, clear, and full of life.
Rosa walked out onto the patio, dressed in an elegant blue dress. She was no longer wearing an apron. She was no longer a maid hiding in the shadows.
“She’s fast,” Rosa said with a laugh, watching Lily try to catch a blue butterfly. “I can barely keep up with her anymore.”
Ethan handed Rosa a coffee cup, his fingers brushing against hers. He didn't pull away.
“She doesn't have to run from anything anymore,” Ethan said softly. “Neither do you.”
Over the past three months, Richard Voss and Natalie Voss had both been sentenced to twenty-five years in federal prison without parole. Harmon Capital’s stock had reached an all-time high, and Ethan had officially established the Lily Morales Foundation, donating $100 million to support single mothers and underprivileged children across the country.
Rosa looked down at the coffee cup, then up at Ethan. “Sometimes I still wake up in the middle of the night thinking I have to fold linens or wash dishes before sunrise.”
Ethan smiled gently. He reached out and took her hand, holding it warmly in his.
“Your days of working for anyone are over, Rosa,” Ethan said softly. “You saved my life four years ago. You saved my life again three months ago. You gave me a daughter... and you gave me a reason to finally feel like this house is a home.”
Rosa felt tears well up in her eyes, but this time, they were tears of pure happiness.
“Ethan…”
Ethan pulled a small velvet box from his jacket pocket.
Rosa gasped, covering her mouth with her hand.
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Ethan didn't give her a fake 5-carat diamond meant for social media press releases. He opened the box to reveal a simple, exquisitely crafted gold ring, set with a small, glowing violet sapphire that matched the unique color of Lily’s eyes.
“Four years ago, I lost you in a hotel room,” Ethan said, looking deeply into Rosa’s eyes. “I spent four years living in a cold, empty empire. I don't want to lose another day. Rosa Morales... will you marry me, and let me be the father Lily deserves, and the husband you deserve?”
