Chapter 10 - The Unbroken Dawn
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By sunrise, the blood in the foyer had been scrubbed clean, the power was restored, and the morning sun filled the grand mansion with warm light, as if the midnight violence had been nothing more than a bad dream.
Maria walked slowly down the stairs, carrying Lucy in her arms. She stopped when she saw Nicholas standing near the French doors leading to the terrace, holding a cup of black coffee.
He turned, his face softening the moment he saw them.
“Is it over?” Maria asked softly.
“Vance won't ever bother you again,” Nicholas said simply. “Neither will the Harts.”
Maria let out a long, shaky breath, her eyes brimming with tears of overwhelming relief. She set Lucy down, and the little girl immediately toddled over to Nicholas, tugging gently on his trouser leg.
“Uncle Nicholas!” Lucy chirped, pointing at her wrist. “Look! The bandage came off!”
Nicholas set his coffee cup down and crouched beside her. He took her small hand gently, examining the pale skin. The dark red marks were already fading into faint yellow shadows.
“Good as new,” Nicholas smiled, kissing the back of her tiny hand. “No more monsters, Lucy. I promise.”
Lucy beamed, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a sticky, chocolate-scented kiss on the cheek.
Maria watched them, her heart overflowing. She stepped forward, kneeling beside Nicholas.
“How can I ever repay you?” she whispered, looking deep into his dark eyes. “You saved our lives.”
Nicholas reached out, taking Maria’s hand in his own. His grip was warm, strong, and steady.
“You don't owe me anything, Maria,” Nicholas said softly. “You gave this house a purpose again.”
He looked between Maria and Lucy, a rare, genuine smile touching his lips.
“In fact,” Nicholas added, “I was hoping you both might consider staying... permanently.”
May you like
Maria’s breath caught. “As your housekeeper?”
“No,” Nicholas replied, his voice firm and sincere. “As my family.”
