Chapter 9 - A House Becomes a Home
Six months later, the dark clouds that had hung over the Hargrove estate in Greenwich for five long years were completely gone.
The iron gates were thrown wide open. The overgrown hedges had been trimmed, brilliant red and white rose bushes bloomed along the driveway, and sunlight poured through the polished windows of the grand mansion.
Richard Vance had been sentenced to life in prison without parole for double murder, attempted murder, and corporate fraud. The truth had finally given Julian the peace he had sought for half a decade. But more than that, he had found a reason to live again.
Julian stood on the back terrace, watching three-year-old Sofia laugh as she chased a tiny golden retriever puppy across the manicured lawns. Camila walked out onto the patio carrying two glasses of fresh lemonade, wearing a light yellow summer dress.
She was no longer the quiet maid who trembled at his presence. She was the woman who had saved his life, cleared her late husband's name, and brought light back into a dead house.
"Sofia is going to wear that puppy out," Camila said with a gentle laugh, leaning against the terrace railing beside Julian.
Julian took a glass from her, his fingers brushing against hers. "Let her run. This house spent five years being entirely too quiet. I prefer the noise."
Julian reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box. Camila’s heart skipped a beat as she watched him open it. Inside wasn't Charlotte's old sapphire ring—that had been safely placed in a glass memorial display inside the family library. Inside this box was a delicate, newly crafted diamond band that sparkled brightly under the afternoon sun.
"Julian..." Camila whispered, her breath catching.
May you like
"Camila," Julian said softly, stepping closer and taking her hand. "Six months ago, I was a ghost waiting to die in an empty house. You and Sofia didn't just help me find justice... you taught me how to feel again. I don't want you to be my housekeeper, and I don't want you to be a guest."
He looked deeply into her eyes. "I want you to be my partner. I want us to build a family here, together."
