Chapter 6 - Healing in the Light
Two weeks later, the Blackwood mansion was transformed.
The cold, rigid atmosphere that Serena had tried to impose was gone. In its place were soft play mats, bright toys, and the warm scent of fresh lavender and home-cooked meals.
Ethan’s small arm was still in a lightweight blue cast, but he was back to his energetic self, crawling happily across the thick rugs in the sunlit parlor, chasing a tiny remote-control car.
Lily sat on the sofa, wearing a comfortable sweater, reading through a physical therapy manual for toddlers. Her ribs were still sore, but her spirit was completely restored.
Victor walked into the room, stripping off his suit jacket and tossing it over a chair. He looked different—his usual icy corporate mask had relaxed, replaced by a deep, quiet warmth whenever his eyes landed on Lily and his son.
"How is he doing today?" Victor asked, sitting down on the rug beside Ethan, who immediately crawled into his father's lap and began playing with his silk tie.
"The doctor says the bone is healing perfectly," Lily smiled, her brown eyes shining. "He doesn't even notice the cast anymore."
Victor looked up from his son, his gray eyes fixing intently on Lily.
"And how are your ribs, Lily?"
Lily flushed slightly, looking down at her hands. "Much better, Mr. Blackwood. I can breathe without pain now."
Victor reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a thick leather portfolio, setting it on the glass coffee table between them.
"What is this?" Lily asked.
"A deed," Victor said clearly. "To a three-story townhome in Lincoln Park, along with a full educational trust fund in your name. You can attend any university or nursing school in the country, fully paid for."
May you like
Lily gasped, pushing the portfolio back toward him. "Mr. Blackwood, no! I can't accept this! I was just doing my job—"
"Your job was to feed him and put him to sleep," Victor interrupted softly, stepping closer to her. "You took a blow that could have broken your ribs to save his life. You protected my son when I was too blind to see the snake in my own house. You will never want for anything in this life again, Lily. That is not a reward—it is my duty."
