Chapter 13 - The Return to the Sanctuary
Night fell over the city, wrapping the high-rise buildings in a blanket of deep indigo and shimmering silver lights.
A private black sedan, driven by one of James's trusted security guards, pulled up to the driveway of a quiet, gated estate on the outskirts of the city. It was Evelyn’s family home—the place where she had grown up, untouched by Julian's corporate reach, kept secure by James over the past three years.
The car stopped outside the front entrance.
James opened the rear door, helping Evelyn step out into the cool, night air. Evelyn was carrying Lily, who had fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep, her tiny face buried in her mother’s neck, the white cloth still resting loosely in her small hand.
They walked up the flagstone path, the quiet rustle of autumn leaves around them.
James unlocked the heavy wooden front door, stepping inside to turn on the soft warm lights of the foyer. The house was spotless, filled with warm mahogany furniture, soft rugs, and the comforting scent of cedar and dried lavender.
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Evelyn carried Lily upstairs to the nursery—a room that James had kept exactly as it was three years ago, with soft yellow walls, a small white wooden bed, and shelves lined with stuffed animals.
Evelyn gently laid Lily down on the soft mattress, pulling the warm quilt over her shoulders. She sat on the edge of the bed, her hand gently brushing a strand of golden hair from Lily’s forehead, watching the peaceful rise and fall of her chest.
