Chapter 38 - The Christening
Six months later, the Sterling estate hosted the most lavish, beautiful event of the decade.
The christening of Arthur William Sterling was a celebration of life, light, and a fundamentally changed family.
The grand parlor, once a place of terror, was filled with vibrant white lilies, soft music, and the joyous laughter of hundreds of guests.
Chloe stood in the center of the room, wearing a stunning, elegant white dress, holding a perfectly happy, babbling Arthur in her arms. She glowed with a profound, radiant confidence.
Aunt Beatrice cooed over the baby, handing Chloe a beautifully wrapped gift.
"He is the spitting image of his father, Chloe,"
Beatrice smiled warmly, her respect for the young mother completely genuine.
"Thank you, Beatrice,"
Chloe replied graciously.
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William stood by the fireplace, watching his wife and son hold court. He held a glass of champagne, his heart beating with a fierce, protective rhythm. He had burned down the toxic foundation of his family and built a paradise for them on the ashes.
Eleanor was nowhere to be seen. Her name was not spoken, and her absence was not felt. It was as if she had never existed at all.
