Chapter 20 - The Unbroken Circle
The morning sun rose high and bright over upstate New York, casting a warm, golden glow across the rolling green lawns of the Sterling estate.
On the back patio, Ethan sat at a rustic wooden table, sipping his black coffee while watching Lily chase the golden retriever puppy across the grass, her infectious laughter ringing out into the crisp autumn air.
Sarah stepped out onto the patio, holding two steaming mugs, and handed one to Ethan before leaning against his shoulder.
"Penny for your thoughts, CEO," Sarah smiled softly, resting her cheek against his temple.
Ethan wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close as he watched their daughter run toward them with a wildflower crown clutched in her small hands.
"I was just thinking," Ethan whispered, kissing the top of Sarah's head, "that some stories don't end in tragedy. Some storms only arrive to show you who you really are."
Lily burst onto the patio, breathless and smiling from ear to ear, holding the flowers out to them.
May you like
"Daddy! Mommy! Look what I found!"
Ethan scooped his daughter up into his arms, lifting her high into the air as Sarah laughed, the unbroken circle of their family shining brilliantly in the morning light.
