Chapter 8 - THE NEW HAVEN
Three weeks later.
The salty breeze of the Atlantic Ocean blew softly through the tall grass surrounding a breathtaking cliffside estate in Newport, Rhode Island.
The morning sun reflected off the deep blue waters of the ocean below, casting a sparkling light across the wraparound wooden porch of the historic Victorian home.
Ethan had purchased the secluded seaside sanctuary two weeks after the incident at the hospital.
Following the failed abduction attempt by Madame Kozlov, the FBI had executed a sweeping multi-state raid, arresting Madame Kozlov and her senior operatives at a private airstrip in Indiana. The entire Kozlov criminal network was systematically dismantled, leaving Victoria and her mother facing life sentences in federal prison with zero chance of parole.
Vance Manor in Chicago was undergoing full restoration, but Ethan had decided to step down as active CEO of his firm, appointing a trusted board member so he could focus entirely on his family.
I stood on the wraparound porch, wearing a comfortable white knit sweater and jeans, watching the waves crash against the rocks below.
In my arms, little Leo was giggling softly, his tiny hands reaching out toward the ocean breeze. He had grown so much over the past month, his cheeks chubby, his blue eyes bright and full of life.
The screen door opened quietly behind me.
Ethan walked out onto the porch, carrying two mugs of hot coffee. He wore a simple navy sweater and dark trousers, looking relaxed, healthy, and happier than I had ever seen him. The white bandage on his shoulder was gone, replaced by a faint scar that served as a reminder of the night he saved us.
He set the coffee mugs down on a small wooden table, then walked up behind me, gently wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder.
"Morning, beautiful," Ethan whispered, his warm breath tickling my ear.
I smiled, leaning back against his chest. "Morning. Did you sleep well?"
"Better than I have in years," Ethan said, kissing the side of my neck softly. He reached out his hand, letting Leo grab his index finger. "Look at him. He loves the ocean air."
"He loves it here," I agreed softly, turning my head to look up at Ethan. "We both do."
For the past three weeks, living in this seaside retreat had felt like a dream. There were no maids, no security guards posted at every door, no high-society pressures. Just Ethan, me, and Leo. We spent our days walking along the beach, cooking meals together in the sunlit kitchen, and sitting by the fireplace in the evenings while Leo slept upstairs.
Ethan reached into his sweater pocket, pulling out a small velvet box.
My heart took a sudden, sharp leap into my throat.
"Ethan..." I gasped softly.
Ethan took Leo gently from my arms, setting the baby safely down into a cushioned wicker playpen on the porch. Then he turned back to me, taking both of my hands in his.
His hazel eyes were shining with deep, undeniable emotion as he looked into my eyes.
"Clara," Ethan began, his voice steady and rich with love. "Four months ago, you walked into my house as an employee. You were quiet, hardworking, and humble. But when danger came to my door, you showed more courage, devotion, and love than anyone I have ever known."
He slowly sank down onto one knee on the wooden porch floor.
He opened the velvet box. Inside rested a breathtaking platinum ring set with a brilliant cushion-cut diamond that caught the golden morning sunlight.
"You saved my son," Ethan said, tears shimmering in his eyes. "You saved my life. And every day since then, you've filled my world with a warmth I thought I had lost forever. I don't want a life without you, Clara. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Tears of pure joy spilled down my cheeks. I placed my hands over my heart, looking down at the incredible man kneeling before me.
"Yes!" I cried out, my voice filled with emotion. "Yes, Ethan! Absolutely yes!"
Ethan slid the diamond ring onto my finger, standing up and pulling me into a deep, passionate embrace. He cupped my face in his hands, pressing his lips against mine as the sound of the crashing ocean waves echoed around us.
Little Leo let out a happy babble from his playpen, clapping his tiny hands together as if celebrating with us.
Ethan pulled back slightly, laughing softly as he wiped a tear from my eye. "I love you, Clara."
May you like
"I love you too, Ethan," I whispered, holding him tightly.
We stood together on the porch, wrapped in each other's arms under the brilliant Rhode Island sun, completely safe, completely whole, and ready to start our new life together.
