Chapter 10 - The Unbreakable Vow
Six months later. Early summer in Seattle.
The sun was setting over the quiet, tree-lined street on Maple Street. I sat on the porch swing of the cottage, watching the golden light filter through the leaves. But the house was no longer a lonely refuge where I hid in fear.
Declan had purchased the entire block of Maple Street to guarantee our absolute privacy. He had officially stepped down as active CEO of Rowan Holdings, transferring executive control to an independent board while placing eighty percent of his wealth into an untouchable family trust governed jointly by me and James.
The front door opened, and Declan walked out onto the porch, carrying two glasses of fresh lemonade. He looked completely different from the cold, ruthless billionaire who had knocked on my door on Christmas Eve. He wore a simple linen shirt, jeans, his dark hair falling naturally, his eyes filled with a peace I had never seen during our early marriage.
"James is fast asleep in his crib," Declan said, handing me a glass and sitting beside me on the swing. He put his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. "The doctor says he's growing faster than any baby his age."
"He has his father's appetite," I laughed softly, resting my head against his chest. "And his father's eyes."
Declan fell silent for a moment, his fingers gently playing with a lock of my hair. "Do you ever regret not telling me sooner, Clara?"
I looked up at him, meeting those bright green eyes. "I used to blame myself every night. But if I hadn't run, we never would have exposed Arthur Vance or Julian. We would have stayed in that cold, manipulative world, letting other people control our lives. Walking away saved our baby. And coming back saved us."
Declan pulled a small black velvet box from his pocket and opened it. Inside was a stunning, redesigned wedding ring—a brilliant green emerald flanked by two flawless diamonds, symbolizing the three of us.
May you like
"No more corporate contracts," Declan murmured, slipping the ring onto my finger. "No more prenups, no more family trusts, no more secrets. Just you, me, and James."
"Is that a promise, Mr. Rowan?" I smiled, leaning in.
