The morning sun peeked over the hills, casting a golden hue on the vast estate. Elina stood by the window of her room, the red briefcase now resting on the side table, the evidence it held still echoing in her mind.
She hadn't slept.
Not because of fear—but because of clarity.
The night before had changed everything.
Charles Maddox was gone.
Her father's empire was crumbling.
And two men—so different in every way—had risked their lives for her.
One was the father of her child.
The other, the one who had always stood beside her—even when she didn't ask.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
She turned. "Come in."
It was Liam.
He looked stronger today, though still pale under his olive skin. His bandages peeked from under his shirt, but he managed a gentle smile.
"Couldn't sleep either?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Too much to think about."
Liam walked over, pausing a few feet away. "I saw you with Greyson last night. After Maddox fell."
Her breath caught.
He continued, "You didn't say much, but... I could tell something shifted."
"I don't know what to feel, Liam."
"You don't owe me anything. But you deserve the truth." He took a breath. "I love you. Not because I expect something in return, but because... when you're with me, I feel like I have a purpose again. Not just to protect, but to believe in something bigger."
Elina looked down. "You saved me more times than I can count."
"And I'd do it again," he said. "Even if you choose him."
A beat of silence stretched between them.
Then Elina stepped forward and hugged him.
Not as a promise.
But as a thank you—for being her anchor in the storm.
Later that afternoon, she found Greyson in the garden.
He was kneeling by the flowers she'd planted weeks ago—strangely tender for a man known for his ruthlessness.
"Funny," he said, not looking at her. "These tulips. You said they'd never bloom. But here they are."
She folded her arms. "You didn't come here to talk flowers."
He finally stood, facing her.
"No. I came to give you this."
He handed her a manila envelope.
Inside were signed transfer documents.
"What's this?"
"My exit," he said. "I've signed over every share I own. The companies, the estate. All to you and your son."
Her fingers trembled. "Why?"
"Because I won't let the sins of the father pass down to the child. He deserves a clean start. And so do you."
Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "You could've lied. You always had a way with manipulation."
"I could," he agreed. "But for once, I want to be the man I should've been years ago."
She stared at him. "And what if I wanted you to stay?"
Greyson's mask cracked just a little.
"Then I'd stay. But not as your CEO. Not as your enemy. Only as the man who was too blind to see what he had... until it was almost too late."
Elina didn't answer.
Not yet.
Because forgiveness wasn't something you gave in one breath—it was something you lived.
That evening, the mansion was quiet. Too quiet.
Elina walked through the halls that once intimidated her. Now, they felt like pages from a story she'd finished reading. She passed portraits, passed memories, passed everything that once defined her.
Until she reached the nursery.
Inside, her baby lay sleeping.
Peaceful.
Innocent.
She touched his tiny hand and whispered, "You'll grow up not in shadows, but in truth. You'll know love. Even if it took me pain to find it."
Behind her, a presence lingered.
It was Greyson again.
"I had a name for him," he said quietly.
Elina turned. "You did?"
"Before I even knew he was mine."
He stepped forward. "I wanted to name him Auren. It means light."
She smiled gently. "Then light he shall be."
The next morning came with a choice.
Elina stood at the gates of the estate, luggage packed in the trunk of a sleek black car. Liam was beside her, ready to leave everything behind. Start fresh somewhere quiet. Peaceful.
Greyson stood on the steps, watching her.
Not asking. Not begging.
Just waiting.
She walked up to him, face unreadable.
"Will you really let me go?" she asked.
"If you ask me to," he replied.
Elina studied him for a long time.
"I don't forgive easily, Greyson. But I do believe people can change. For their child. For love."
He swallowed. "I want to change."
"But you need to prove it," she said. "Not just with words or documents—but with the life you choose to live from now on."
He nodded slowly.
"I'll wait. As long as it takes."
Elina stepped back.
She walked toward the car where Liam was waiting. But before she got in, she looked over her shoulder.
"Raise your empire on truth this time," she said. "And maybe one day... we'll meet again—not as strangers. Not as enemies."
Greyson's eyes met hers.
"Maybe as a family."