Chapter 15: Bonds of Gold
Chapter 15: Bonds of Gold
As the sun began to set behind the distant mountains, painting the sky in breathtaking shades of gold, orange, and deep purple, the party moved inside to the grand ballroom for a cozy evening banquet.
Ethan walked out onto the high stone balcony overlooking the ocean, holding a glass of sparkling cider.
Clara joined him a moment later, leaning her back against the stone balustrade, watching the evening breeze flutter through her dress.
"A penny for your thoughts, Chairman Vance," Clara teased softly, bumping her shoulder against his.
Ethan smiled, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her against his side. "I was just thinking about the night you spilled wine on the floor downstairs."
Clara chuckled softly, resting her head against his chest. "I was terrified that night. Eleanor looked like she was going to tear me apart, and I thought I was going to lose you and our baby forever."
"And look at us now," Ethan whispered, turning her to face him, looking deep into her eyes. "You fought for us when I was blind. You saved my family, Clara."
"We saved each other," Clara replied softly, reaching up to touch his cheek. "That’s what real love does. It doesn't break under pressure—it gets stronger."
Ethan leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a slow, deep, passionate kiss that sealed all the pain of their past into distant memories.
Behind them, the balcony door opened softly. Helena walked out, holding little Grace wrapped in a soft knitted blanket, with Mia carrying a tray of hot chocolate.
"Grace wanted to say goodnight to her parents," Helena said with a warm, grandmotherly smile.
Ethan took his baby daughter into his arms, lifting her up toward the starry night sky. Grace giggled sweetly, kicking her small feet in pure joy.
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"She has your eyes, Ethan," Helena noted emotionally, watching her son hold his child. "And she has her mother's brave heart."
"She will grow up knowing only love," Ethan promised, looking at Clara and Helena. "No fear, no secrets, no lies."
