Chapter 10: Healing the Scars
Chapter 10: Healing the Scars
Three months passed. The autumn breeze swept gently across the manicured lawns of the Sterling estate, rustling through the vibrant orange and red leaves of the oak trees.
The estate had been completely transformed. The heavy, dark drapes and oppressive security cameras installed during Eleanor's reign were gone, replaced by sprawling open windows, warm sunlight, and the cheerful sound of classical music drifting through the open doors.
On the back terrace, Richard Sterling sat in a comfortable armchair, dressed in a simple navy sweater. Though a faint scar remained near his hairline, his color had returned, and his eyes radiated deep peace and health.
Beside him sat little Leo, laughing happily as he built a complex wooden toy fortress on a soft picnic blanket.
Isabella stepped out onto the terrace carrying a tray of fresh lemonade and pastries. She wore a simple yellow sundress, her face glowing with radiant beauty.
"How is the patient feeling today?" she teased softly, setting the tray on the stone table and leaning down to kiss Richard’s cheek.
Richard wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her gently onto his lap and resting his forehead against hers.
"I feel like the luckiest man alive, Isabella," Richard whispered, taking her hand and kissing the platinum wedding ring resting on her finger. "The doctors said I can return to work full-time next week, but honestly... I'd rather stay right here with you and Leo."
"You're not going back alone anyway," Isabella smiled, tapping his nose playfully. "The board unanimously voted yesterday to confirm me as co-chair of Sterling Enterprises. We are running this company together as equal partners."
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"And what is our first official executive order, Co-Chair Isabella?" Richard asked with a rich, warm laugh.
"Our first executive order," she replied, looking down at Leo who was running toward them with a toy airplane, "is to take the entire month off and go on our long-overdue honeymoon."
