Chapter 15 - A NEW DAWN AND A CROWN OF MY OWN — THE END
One year later, the spring flowers bloomed brilliantly across Lincoln Park.
I stood on the balcony of my penthouse, holding a cup of steaming coffee.
The wind carried the fresh scent of lake water and blooming lilacs.
Leo—our lost baby—was gone, but her memory lived on in every mother we helped through the foundation I established in her name.
My business was thriving.
My heart was entirely healed.
I wasn't waiting for eight o'clock anymore.
Because every hour of every day belonged entirely to me.
Footsteps echoed softly behind me on the hardwood floor.
Marcus stepped onto the balcony, handing me a fresh legal document.
“The international expansion papers are signed, Claire,” Marcus smiled proudly.
“Congratulations. You’re officially a global enterprise.”
“Thank you, Marcus,” I smiled, taking the papers.
“Take the rest of the week off.”
“Only if you promise to take the weekend off and actually relax,” he joked, walking back inside.
I laughed, turning back toward the horizon.
The sun was climbing high into the brilliant blue sky, casting a golden glow over the city of Chicago.
I took a deep, unburdened breath, raised my coffee cup to the morning light, and knew with absolute certainty that I had finally won the greatest battle of my life.
May you like
I had won myself back.
THE END
