Chapter 9 - A New DawnSix months later.
The morning sun poured through the massive arched windows of the Vance Estate master suite, illuminating a very different kind of chaos than the one from my past life.
Sofi was crawling across the plush Persian rug, giggling as she chased a rolling silver pen, while Alexander—dressed in his shirtsleeves with his tie loosened—crawled on the floor after her, letting out a dramatic roar that made my baby girl shriek with delight.
I stood in the doorway with a cup of coffee in hand, a small smile playing on my lips.
The transition hadn't been easy. There were tabloid headlines, furious legal battles with Beatrice and Julian, and adjustments I had to make moving from East LA to the corporate elite of Chicago. But Alexander had kept every promise. He enrolled me in business courses, supported my independence every step of the way, and never once let me feel like I owed him anything.
My mother had tried calling once, apologizing profusely and asking if she could visit the "estate." I politely told her I was busy building a life that didn't require her approval.
Alexander stood up, scooping a laughing Sofi into his arms, and walked over to me. He pressed a warm kiss to my forehead before wrapping his free arm around my waist, pulling me close.
"What are you smiling about, CEO?" he teased gently, using the title the board had officially given me last month when I was appointed head of the Vance Foundation for Single Mothers.
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"Just thinking about how a screaming baby and a delayed flight changed the trajectory of the universe," I murmured, resting my head against his chest.
"Best investment I ever made," Alexander whispered, kissing the top of my head.
