Chapter 10 - The Real Heir
One year later.
The gardens of the Vance estate were in full bloom, bathed in golden afternoon sunlight.
I sat on a woven blanket under the shade of a massive oak tree, watching as Julian chased a giggling, five-year-old Lily across the grass. He was wearing a casual linen shirt, completely devoid of his usual corporate armor, looking more at peace than I had ever seen him.
"Gotcha!" Julian laughed, scooping Lily up and throwing her over his shoulder while she shrieked with joy. He carried her over to the blanket and collapsed next to me, out of breath and smiling brightly.
Lily crawled into his lap. "Daddy, can we get ice cream?"
Julian’s eyes softened at the word Daddy. The adoption had been finalized three months ago. He kissed her forehead. "Anything for my princess. But first, Mommy and I have to tell you a secret."
Lily gasped, her eyes widening. "A secret? Like the blue bird box?"
I laughed, resting my hand on my stomach. "Better than the blue bird box, sweetie."
Julian reached over, placing his large, warm hand over mine, his thumb gently caressing the slight swell of my belly.
"You're going to be a big sister, Lily," Julian said, his voice thick with emotion.
Lily’s jaw dropped. She looked at my stomach, then back at Julian. "A real baby? Not a cushion?"
Julian threw his head back and laughed, a rich, booming sound that echoed across the estate. He leaned in and kissed me, a kiss full of profound gratitude and unbreakable love.
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"A real baby, Lily," Julian promised, resting his forehead against mine. "The real Vance heir."
The wind rustled through the oak leaves, carrying away the ghosts of the past. The empire was safe, the villains were vanquished, but as I looked at the man who had fought the world for me, I knew the greatest wealth we possessed was right here, sitting on a blanket in the sun.
