Chapter 7 - Where Happiness Lives
Six months later, spring arrived in Greenwich.
The twelve acres of the Everhart estate were no longer just manicured and perfect—they were full of life. The rose gardens were blooming in vibrant shades of pink and red, and the sound of laughter echoed off the marble walls, replacing the ghosts of grief that had haunted the mansion for two long years.
Victoria Everhart had been stripped of her position on the foundation board and was facing criminal conspiracy charges alongside Beatrice. The fake friends and opportunistic socialites had been permanently banned from the estate gates.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the grand lawn was decorated with white ribbons and yellow flowers—Ana’s favorite color.
Julian stood near the marble fountain, wearing a sharp grey suit. Beside him stood Theo, smiling broadly. At Julian’s feet, three toddlers were running in circles, chasing butterflies. Milo and Elle, now healthy, glowing, and talking in full sentences, held Ana’s hands, giggling uncontrollably whenever she made a funny face.
The French doors opened, and Carmen stepped out onto the terrace. She wore a simple, breathtaking white silk dress that caught the spring breeze. Her dark hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and her eyes shone with a quiet, profound joy.
Julian walked up the stone steps to meet her. He took both of her hands in his, looking down into her eyes with an emotion so deep it didn't need words.
"Two years ago, I thought my life was over," Julian said softly, his voice echoing across the quiet garden. "I thought this house would always be cold. I thought my children would never know what love felt like. And then you walked through those doors, holding a tiny girl with a wooden bird."
Carmen smiled, a tear trickling down her cheek. "And you opened your heart to us, Julian."
Julian reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a simple velvet box. But inside was not the cold, expensive diamond necklace from the gala. It was a beautiful, hand-crafted gold ring, delicate and warm, custom-designed with three small birthstones representing Milo, Elle, and Ana.
He knelt down on one knee on the sunny terrace. The three children stopped playing and ran over, crowding around them, watching with wide, curious eyes.
"Carmen Duarte," Julian said, his eyes shining with devotion. "You saved my children. You saved me. Will you marry me, and make this house our home forever?"
Carmen looked at the man who had fought through a storm for her, then down at the three little faces looking up at her with pure love.
"Yes," Carmen whispered, leaning down as Julian stood up and wrapped his strong arms around her waist, pulling her into a deep, loving kiss.
Milo, Elle, and Ana cheered, clapping their tiny hands as they wrapped their arms around Julian and Carmen’s legs, hugging them all together.
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From the balcony upstairs, Winifred stood watching them, wiping a tear from her eye with a lace handkerchief before closing the window to let the warm spring air fill the house.
The Everhart mansion was no longer a place where sadness lived. From that day on, it was simply the place where happiness belonged.
