Chapter 4 - Healing and Heartbreak
The weeks turned into a beautiful, healing routine inside the Montgomery estate.
Sarah spent every waking moment with Leo, reading him stories, playing in the gardens, and making him laugh.
The dark shadows under the little boy's eyes were slowly fading, replaced by the bright spark of childhood joy.
Arthur found himself leaving work early every day, drawn back to his home by the sound of genuine laughter.
He would often stand in the hallway, secretly watching Sarah and Leo build massive forts out of sofa cushions.
For the first time since his first wife passed away, the massive mansion actually felt like a home.
One rainy afternoon, Arthur found Sarah sitting alone in the library, looking at a framed photo of Leo.
"You have given him his childhood back," Arthur said gently, sitting in the leather armchair across from her.
"He did all the hard work, Arthur," Sarah smiled, using his first name naturally for the first time.
"He is the bravest little boy I have ever met."
Arthur leaned forward, his intense gaze locking onto her warm, hazel eyes.
"You saved both of us from the dark, Sarah," he murmured, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.
He reached out, his warm hand gently covering hers where it rested on the mahogany table.
A sudden jolt of electricity sparked between them, and Sarah's breath caught in her throat.
Before the moment could go any further, the heavy library doors burst open.
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Arthur's corporate attorney rushed in, holding a stack of tabloid magazines, his face pale with panic.
"Arthur, you need to see this right now," the lawyer gasped, throwing the magazines onto the table.
