Chapter 5 - The Last Button
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm amber glow across the lake outside the estate.
Inside the grand dining room, the table was set for three. There were no silver chafing dishes filled with pretentious food, no high-society guests discussing politics or leverage. Just simple, hearty food, warm bread, and the sound of a child chattering happily about her day at the park.
Beatrice stood by the kitchen doorway, holding a tray of warm shortbread cookies.
Leo walked up behind her, stopping just close enough that she could feel the steady warmth of his body. He reached out, his hand brushing gently against her shoulder, right where the uniform had once been torn by Victoria’s malice.
“You’re working too hard,” he whispered.
“I’m just doing my job, Mr. Rossi,” she smiled, turning slightly to look at him.
“Call me Leo,” he corrected softly, his dark eyes softening as he looked down at her. “At least when we’re not in front of the board of directors.”
Beatrice’s heart fluttered. She reached into the pocket of her apron and pulled out a small, shiny object—the blue star button Lily had dropped on the first day they met.
“You kept it,” Leo said, his gaze fixed on the tiny piece of plastic.
“I keep things that matter,” Beatrice replied quietly.
Across the room, Lily looked up from her chair, grinned conspiratorially, and held up her own cup of milk.
“To Bee!” Lily announced proudly.
May you like
Leo chuckled, raising his glass of water, while Beatrice blushed, feeling for the first time in her life that she didn't need to apologize for taking up space.
They had survived the dark, the cold, and the cruelty of a world that only cared about power. And as Leo’s hand slid down to gently intertwine with hers, Beatrice knew that the doors of this house would never be locked against them again.
