Chapter 18 - Rebuilding the Broken|
Three months later.
Spring had arrived in full bloom across the coast. The dark granite walls of Belandi Manor were now surrounded by vibrant red roses, warm sunlight, and the endless, joyful sound of children laughing.
The triplets were thriving. They attended a prestigious local school, played soccer on the estate lawn, and spoke endlessly to anyone who would listen.
Celeste Belandi had been laid to rest in a beautiful garden mausoleum overlooking the ocean, bringing total peace to the family's tragic past.
Evelyn had completely transformed her life. She no longer worried about electricity bills or fourteen-dollar-an-hour shifts. She managed the Belandi Charitable Foundation, using Adrien's vast resources to help struggling single mothers and children across the city.
On a warm Saturday afternoon, Evelyn sat on the porch wraparound deck, watching Adrien play soccer with Leo and Noah on the grass, while Mia sat beside her, carefully drawing a picture of a cat with a blue tail.
Adrien kicked the ball into the net, making the boys cheer, before walking up the porch steps toward Evelyn. He wore a simple white shirt, his dark tattoos visible, but his face looked years younger, devoid of his old, crushing grief.
He sat beside Evelyn on the wooden bench, gently taking her hand into his broad, warm palm.
"What are you thinking about?" Adrien asked softly, kissing her temple.
May you like
"I was thinking about the Grand Aurelia," Evelyn smiled, resting her head against his shoulder. "About how terrified I was when Mia spoke to me."
"It was the best thing that ever happened to this house," Adrien murmured, pulling her close.
