Chapter 10 - Healing in the LightTwo months passed after the fire. The west wing of Hawthorne Hill was undergoing complete reconstruction, but the mood around the estate was lighter than it had ever been. The Kingsley family had collapsed under the weight of the legal scandals, their assets seized, and Priscilla had been sentenced to a secure psychiatric and correctional facility. The threat was gone.
Clara’s burn had healed, leaving only a faint, silver scar on her forearm—a testament to her bravery. She was back at work, but her relationship with Damian had fundamentally changed. They no longer spoke with the formal distance of employer and employee. They had dinners together in the small dining room, discussing literature, philosophy, and Nora’s upcoming school projects.
One Sunday afternoon, Damian invited Clara to walk through the newly restored estate gardens. The spring flowers were in full bloom, painting the lawns in vibrant shades of pink, yellow, and deep purple.
"The board wants me to move the corporate headquarters to London next year," Damian said casually as they walked side by side along the stone path.
Clara’s heart sank slightly. "London? That... that sounds like a wonderful opportunity for the company, Mr. Cross."
Damian stopped walking and turned to face her. "I told them I would only go under one condition."
Clara looked up at him. "What condition?"
"That my wife comes with me," Damian said softly.
May you like
Clara stopped breathing. She looked around the gardens, wondering if she was dreaming. "Your... your wife? Damian, you aren't married."
"I know," he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small, velvet box. He didn't open it immediately. Instead, he took both of her hands in his. "For six months, I have watched you bring light into a house that was dead for thirty-eight years. I have watched you protect your sister, respect your peers, and face monsters with more dignity than kings. I don't want an investment partner, Clara. I don't want a trophy. I want a partner who knows the value of a human soul. I want you."
