Chapter 13 - Law, Justice, and the Final Retribution
Tears spilled over Rosamund’s cheeks as she ran her fingers over the signature page bearing Eleanor’s and Clara’s names.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “You have no idea what this means for Clara’s memory.”
“There’s one more thing,” Chadworth added, his tone turning gentle and slightly hesitant.
Rosamund looked up. “What is it?”
Chadworth stepped around the desk and knelt down beside her chair, looking up at her with complete vulnerability.
“The girls don't want you to leave the estate,” Chadworth said softly. “And to be completely honest... neither do I. Lorelai and Gemma don't see you as an employee, Rosa. They see you as their guardian angel. And over these past months, watching your courage, your grace, and the boundless love you show my daughters... I have realized what a true family is supposed to look like.”
Rosamund looked at him, her breath catching.
“I’m not asking for a rushed romance or a performance for society,” Chadworth continued, his eyes earnest and steady. “I’m asking you to stay in our lives. Work alongside me at the foundation. Let us learn who we are without the shadows of the past. Let me take you on a real date, as two equals who share the same heart for our girls.”
Before Rosamund could answer, the study doors cracked open.
Lorelai and Gemma peeked their heads through the gap, both holding handwritten cards decorated with colorful glitter and hand-drawn hearts.
“Did you ask her yet, Daddy?” Gemma blurted out eagerly.
Lorelai giggled, running into the room and grabbing Rosamund’s hands. “Please stay, Rosa! We made your favorite lemon bars, and we want to show you the new treehouse Daddy built in the backyard!”
Rosamund looked at the two beaming little girls, then looked back at Chadworth, whose eyes held a quiet, hopeful plea.
A radiant, beautiful smile spread across Rosamund’s face—a smile unburdened by fear, secrets, or grief.
May you like
“I would love nothing more in this world,” Rosamund said softly.
Gemma let out a joyful squeal and jumped into Rosamund’s lap, while Lorelai threw her arms around both Rosamund and her father, filling the once-quiet study with pure, unrestrained laughter.
