Ethan pulled to the curb and turned the car around, telling himself it was ridiculous. But the image of the young woman with the box of candy wouldn’t leave him alone. He found her still working the same intersection, moving between the cars. He rolled down his window.
“Hey, you,” he called. She turned, suspicious, her brows knitting together. “Are you talking to me? ”
“Yes.
Are you single? ” he asked bluntly. Her expression hardened. “What did you just say?
”
“Relax. I just asked a question. ”
She snapped back, crossing her arms: “I’m out here selling candy, not my dignity. ”
He was used to people lowering their heads around him.
She was different. “That’s not what I meant. I just want to offer you a job. Something that could change your life.
”
She laughed, bitter and distrustful. “A job? Do you think I’m stupid? I know exactly how guys like you operate.
There’s always a catch. ”
“I’m serious. I don’t mean to offend you. I just think you might be interested in what I have to offer.
”
She narrowed her eyes, studying him. “And why would I accept anything from you? ”
“Because you have nothing to lose,” he said plainly. “What I’m proposing could change your life.
And honestly, it doesn’t look like you’re in a position to turn down opportunities. ”
She bit her lip, clearly irritated, but his cold, calculated tone struck a chord. He was right, even if she hated to admit it. Selling candy at a traffic light wouldn’t pay for her sick mother’s medication or secure a better future.
“Fine. But just so you know, I’m not an idiot. If this is some kind of trick, I’ll regret wasting my time on you. ”
“Great,” Ethan said, stepping out of his car and pointing to a nearby café.
“We can talk more over there. ”
She hesitated, then followed him. Sitting across from her, Ethan took a closer look. Despite her simple clothes and the exhaustion on her face, she had a natural beauty and an inner strength he rarely saw.
“What’s your name? ” he asked. “Lucy. Lucy Scott.
Now just tell me what you want. ”
“My name is Ethan Carter,” he began, wasting no time. “And I want you to have a child for me. ”
Lucy blinked, confused.
“A child? ” she repeated incredulously. “Is this a joke? ”
“No, you heard me right.
I want you to be the mother of my child. No relationship, no complications. Just a clear agreement. I’ll cover all your expenses and pay you a generous amount at the end.
”
She stared at him, her expression shifting between disbelief and fury. “Are you serious? Is this how you handle everything, just throwing money at people? ”
“Money simplifies things.
No drama, no confusion. ”
“You think you can buy anything, don’t you? ”
“Most things, yes,” he replied without flinching. Lucy stood up abruptly, glaring at him with disdain.
“Well, I’m not one of those things. You might be rich, but you’re a first-class jerk. ”
“Maybe I am,” Ethan admitted with a faint smile. “But my offer still stands.
”
Lucy studied him, battling her own thoughts. She wanted to yell at him, to storm out, but deep down she knew she was cornered. Her life was falling apart, and he knew it. “If I think about it, will you leave me alone?
”
Ethan nodded and handed her a business card. “My number’s on here. ”
Lucy took the card reluctantly and walked out of the café without looking back. She hated the idea of even considering it, but she knew she might not have a choice.
Lucy walked quickly through the streets of Los Angeles, clutching Ethan’s card. She wanted to tear it up and forget his absurd proposal, but the crushing reality waiting for her at home was impossible to ignore. Her mother, Grace, sat in an armchair, coughing relentlessly. Every breath seemed like a painful effort.
“Mom, are you okay? ” Lucy rushed to her side and held her hand. Grace tried to smile, but exhaustion was unmistakable. “I’m fine.
Just need to rest a little, sweetheart. How was your day? ”
Lucy hesitated, her mind flashing back to Ethan. “It was normal.
”
She went to the kitchen and found her mother’s nearly empty medicine bottles. A knot formed in her stomach. The medication was expensive, and last month’s bills had drained everything she’d managed to earn. That night, while her mother slept, Lucy sat at the kitchen table staring at Ethan’s card.
I would never do something like this, she thought. But the image of Grace struggling to breathe and the growing pile of bills made her reconsider. The next morning, Lucy decided to call. Her hand trembled as she dialed.
“Ethan Carter,” he answered, his voice steady and emotionless. “It’s Lucy. Lucy Scott. ”
There was a pause, followed by a satisfied tone.
“I’m glad you called. ”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. I need more details before I make any decisions. ”
They met at the same café that afternoon.
Ethan slid a contract toward her. “You’ll have full medical and financial support during the pregnancy. You’ll stay in a comfortable place, have access to anything you need, and at the end, you’ll receive five hundred thousand dollars. ”
Lucy blinked, stunned.
“And what do you want in return? ”
“I want a child. An heir. You’ll have no responsibility after the birth.
All rights will be mine, and you’ll leave the child with me. ”
Lucy picked up the contract and started reading. Every clause seemed colder and more calculated than the last. “This is so impersonal,” she said.
“That’s how I like to keep things,” Ethan replied without hesitation. “Do you really think you can buy people like commodities? ”
“I’m not buying you, Lucy. I’m offering you a business deal.
Business deals have clear rules. ”
“Rules that you get to make up, of course,” she shot back. “It’s not an imposition. It’s a choice.
You’re here because you want to hear what I have to say, and you know I’m offering something no one else can. ”
Lucy stayed silent. She hated to admit it, but he was right. No other opportunity like this was going to come along.
“I need time to think,” she said, standing up. “Don’t take too long. The offer has a deadline. ”
Lucy left the café with the contract in her hands.
When she got home, she found Grace lying on the couch again, coughing. “I’m fine,” Grace said, though her breathing was labored. “I just worry about you, Lucy. You’ve been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders for me.
”
Lucy felt her eyes fill with tears but quickly looked away. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll figure it out. ”
Grace held her hand, as if sensing the burden Lucy carried.
“You deserve better, my dear. Don’t let anyone take that away from you. ”
That night, Lucy stayed up late reading the contract over and over. Each clause seemed heavier in her mind, but the image of her mother and the pile of medical bills was stronger.
She called Ethan back. “I want to discuss the details. ”
They met at his office the next morning. The building was imposing, a skyscraper that seemed to stretch into the clouds.
Lucy felt out of place walking through the pristine marble lobby. Ethan sat behind a massive glass desk overlooking the city. “I’m glad you came. ”
“Let’s get straight to the point, Ethan.
I want some guarantees before I sign anything. ”
“Of course. I’m here to answer all your questions. ”
“My mother needs medical care.
That has to be part of the deal. I want you to cover her treatment while I’m pregnant. ”
Ethan leaned forward, analyzing her. “That wasn’t in the original contract, but I can agree to it.
Your mother will receive all the care she needs. ”
“I need to be sure that even after the child is born, you’ll stick to the terms. ”
“Lucy, I’m a businessman. When I sign something, I stick to it.
You’ll have everything documented and legalized. ”
“And what about where I’ll live? ”
“You’ll move to one of my properties. It’s comfortable, secure, and fully equipped.
”
Lucy took the envelope and glanced at the photos. The house was far more luxurious than anything she had ever seen. “What if I don’t adjust? ” she asked.
Ethan sighed. “Lucy, this is a chance to get out of your current situation and secure a future for yourself and your mother. But if you feel you can’t hold up your end of the deal, we can end this conversation right now. ”
Lucy took a deep breath and picked up the pen.
“Fine. I’ll do it. ”
Ethan watched as she signed the contract. Once she finished, he took the paper, checked the signatures, and placed it in the safe behind his desk.
“Welcome to the agreement, Lucy,” he said, extending his hand. She looked at his hand for a moment before shaking it. His grip was firm but not as cold as she had expected. That same afternoon, a driver took Lucy to her new home.
She was speechless. It was a two-story mansion surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens. The furniture was elegant, and every detail seemed designed for comfort. Stephanie, Ethan’s personal assistant, greeted her with a warm smile.
“Lucy, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m here to help with anything you need. ”
In the days that followed, Lucy began adjusting to her new routine. The doctors hired by Ethan performed all the necessary tests, and she was informed the process to conceive would begin soon.
Despite the polite treatment, Lucy couldn’t shake the feeling of being constantly monitored. Ethan kept his distance, only appearing to review reports about her health and ensure the plan was being strictly followed. One evening, Lucy ran into him in the living room. “How are you settling in?
” he asked without looking up from his papers. “It’s different. I still feel like I don’t belong here. ”
Ethan finally looked up.
“You don’t have to feel that way. This is all part of the agreement. I want you to be comfortable. ”
Lucy laughed humorlessly.
“Comfortable? It’s hard to feel comfortable when my life is completely out of my control right now. ”
“I understand how this might feel strange, but this was your choice. No one forced you to accept.
”
Lucy felt her anger rise. “Do you think it was an easy choice? You only understand giving orders and being in control. ”
The silence between them grew heavy.
Ethan stood and adjusted his tie. “Maybe you’re right, Lucy. But control is the only thing that always works. ”
One evening, while exploring the mansion, Lucy came across a locked door at the end of a hallway.
The next day, she asked Stephanie about it. “That’s Mr. Carter’s private office. He keeps important things there.
No one is allowed in without his permission. ”
Lucy knew there was more to that office, but she let it go for now. A few days later, Ethan showed up for dinner, which was rare. As they ate, Lucy decided to start a conversation more out of boredom than genuine interest.
“Do you work all the time? ” she asked. “Pretty much. ”
“That must be exhausting.
”
“It’s necessary. ”
Lucy shook her head. “You talk like life is nothing but work. Don’t you think something’s missing?
”
Ethan paused, as if reflecting. “I had different priorities in the past. Now this is enough. ”
Lucy noticed something hidden in his words but decided not to press further.
Instead, she changed the subject. “Are you always like this? Everything has to be controlled? ”
Ethan gave a slight smile, though it lacked warmth.
“I don’t see a problem with wanting things to go as planned. ”
“And what happens when things don’t go as planned? What do you do? ”
His expression tightened, visibly uncomfortable.
“I don’t let that happen. ”
That night, Lucy stood on the balcony staring at the city lights. The mansion was quiet, almost oppressive. She thought about her mother, about how Grace must be feeling alone in that small apartment.
She heard footsteps behind her. It was Ethan. “I didn’t realize you were still up,” he said. “I can’t sleep.
”
Ethan stepped closer, joining her on the balcony. “It’s strange being here, isn’t it? ” he asked, his tone softer than usual. “You have no idea.
”
For a moment they stood in silence, watching the city lights. Lucy sensed a subtle shift in the atmosphere, as if for just a moment Ethan was letting his guard down. “Maybe you’re right,” he said, breaking the silence. “Right about what?
”
Ethan hesitated. “About life not being just about control. ”
Lucy looked at him, trying to understand what he really meant. But before she could ask, he stepped away.
“Good night, Lucy,” he said, walking out. Lucy remained on the balcony, staring at the sky. For the first time, she felt that Ethan might be starting to change, even if just a little. The call came a few weeks later.
The fertilization process had been a success, and the doctor wanted to confirm the pregnancy. After the ultrasound, it was confirmed she was pregnant. The doctor explained everything was progressing as planned. When Lucy returned to the mansion, Ethan was waiting for her in the main hall.
“Stephanie told me you went to the doctor today,” he began. “Yes, I’m pregnant. Go ahead and celebrate your plan is working. ”
Ethan ignored the sarcasm.
“I want to discuss a few things. ”
“Everything has to be your way, doesn’t it? ”
Ethan took a deep breath. “Lucy, this isn’t about control.
It’s about making sure everything goes well for the child’s sake. ”
Lucy narrowed her eyes. “Child? That’s what you call it, like it’s just another piece in your game?
”
“I don’t expect you to understand my reasons,” he said in a colder tone. “But you should know everything I’m doing is to ensure this child’s future. ”
“I’m here because of my mother,” Lucy snapped, her voice shaking. “Because she’s sick and I didn’t have any other choice.
”
The silence that followed was heavy. Ethan watched her, and for a moment it seemed like he wanted to say something, but the words never came. In the days that followed, the tension between them only grew. Lucy felt suffocated by the lack of freedom.
The mansion, which once seemed luxurious, now felt like a gilded cage. One afternoon, Lucy was in the kitchen trying to prepare something simple to eat when Ethan walked in. “What are you doing? ” he asked, frowning.
“What does it look like? I’m making a sandwich. ”
“There are chefs hired for that. ”
Lucy put the knife down and turned to face him.
“You think I can’t even make my own food now? ”
“That’s not it. I just think you should focus on resting and leave the other tasks to the people hired for that. ”
Lucy laughed humorlessly.
“You know, Ethan, you don’t understand what it means to be independent. I’ve spent my entire life doing everything on my own. ”
“I just want what’s best for you and the baby. ”
“The best for the baby, or the best for you?
” she shot back. Ethan didn’t respond immediately, but his expression shifted. “Lucy, I’m not your enemy. I want this to work for all of us.
”
She stared at him for a moment before shaking her head. “Then maybe you should start treating me like a person, and not just a part of your plan. ”
That night, Stephanie sat with Lucy on the balcony. “I know this must be hard for you,” Stephanie said softly.
“But as hard as it is to believe, Mr. Carter cares. He just has a different way of showing it. ”
“He has a terrible way of showing he cares.
”
Stephanie smiled. “He’s more complicated than he seems. But if I may say so, I think he’s trying. ”
The next morning, Ethan appeared in the hallway as Lucy was getting ready for another appointment.
“Can I come with you today? ” he asked, surprising her. Lucy frowned. “Since when do you ask for permission to do something?
”
Ethan gave a faint smile, a rare gesture. “I’m trying to follow your advice. ”
At the doctor’s office, during the ultrasound, Lucy’s heart raced as she saw the baby’s image on the screen. It was small, but it was real.
The doctor pointed out the heartbeat, a rhythmic sound that filled the room. Lucy held her breath, feeling something she hadn’t expected: a connection. Ethan stood silently next to her, watching the screen. For the first time, he seemed human.
“That’s the baby’s heartbeat,” the doctor said with a smile. As they left the office, Ethan finally broke the silence. “It’s strange. ”
“What is?
”
“Hearing the baby’s heartbeat. It makes everything feel real. ”
Lucy was surprised. “Well, it is real, Ethan.
A lot more real than any contract you’ve signed. ”
He didn’t respond, but his silence said more than any words could. In the following days, Lucy and Ethan began to interact more, albeit subtly. Ethan made it a point to attend her appointments and seemed more interested in how she was doing.
Lucy noticed small gestures that showed he was trying. One afternoon, Lucy found Ethan sitting on a bench in the garden. To her surprise, he smiled. “What?
” she asked. “Nothing. I was just thinking how you seem more comfortable here than before. ”
“I’m not exactly comfortable, but I think I’m getting used to it.
”
“I know this isn’t easy for you, but I want you to know I’m trying to do the best I can. ”
Lucy was surprised by his honesty. “You really are trying, aren’t you? ”
“Yes,” he said sincerely.
She sat down beside him. “Maybe you’re not as unbearable as I thought. ”
Ethan chuckled, a rare sound that caught her off guard. “And maybe you’re stronger than I expected.
”
One morning, in the kitchen, Ethan appeared looking less rigid than usual, wearing just a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. “You seem less like a CEO today,” Lucy said. Ethan let out a quiet laugh. “Even I need a break sometimes.
”
“Sometimes I feel like my life is a machine I built myself, and now I don’t know how to stop it. ”
Lucy was speechless. “Then why don’t you try turning off the machine for a while? ”
Ethan shrugged.
“Because if I stop, who’s to say things will keep working? ”
“Have you always been like this? Always needing to control everything? ” she asked directly.
Ethan hesitated, then sighed. “My childhood was complicated. My father was a hard man, cold and demanding. Nothing was ever good enough for him.
When my mother died, I was fourteen. She was the only one who tried to protect me from him. After she was gone, everything got worse. ”
“And you decided that to survive, you had to be perfect?
”
“Yes, I guess I did. ”
“Ethan, you don’t have to be like him,” Lucy said finally. “You can be different. ”
Ethan turned away, as if unsure how to respond.
“Maybe,” he said quietly, before leaving the kitchen. The pregnancy progressed, and Lucy began to notice small changes in Ethan. He was more present, not just physically but emotionally. He asked how she was feeling, showed genuine interest during ultrasounds, and even suggested ideas for the baby’s nursery.
One day, while they were looking at nursery designs, Lucy teased him: “I never thought I’d see you picking out wall colors. ”
Ethan chuckled, something that was becoming more common. “Neither did I. ”
One evening, while organizing some clothes, Lucy noticed a small box on top of a dresser.
She opened it and found a photo of Ethan with his mother, both smiling. He looked much younger, almost unrecognizable. Ethan walked in and froze. “Where did you find that?
”
“It was up here. I didn’t know you kept something like this. ”
Ethan took the photo and stared at it. “My mother meant everything to me.
She was the only one who understood me. ”
“You still miss her, don’t you? ”
Ethan nodded but didn’t say anything else. The next morning, Lucy was surprised to find Ethan standing beside Stephanie with several open boxes on the table.
“What’s all this? ” Lucy asked, frowning. “These are things for the baby’s room,” he said, as if it were obvious. “You bought all this?
”
“I thought it was time to start getting everything ready. ”
Lucy picked up a soft blanket with tiny star patterns. The gesture was simple, yet it carried an unexpected emotional weight. “This is unexpected,” Lucy said with a timid smile.
“I want the baby to have everything it needs,” Ethan explained, almost defensively. They spent the morning organizing the items and discussing where everything would go. For the first time, Lucy felt like they were working together, not just following one of Ethan’s meticulously laid out plans. Later, as Lucy walked through the garden, Ethan appeared at her side.
“Are you okay? ” he asked. “I’m fine. Just a lot to process.
”
Ethan nodded. “I know all of this feels surreal, but I want you to know I’m trying to do what’s best for you and the baby. ”
“I can see that. You’ve changed a lot since we started this, Ethan.
”
Ethan let out a brief laugh. “I think you’re changing too. ”
The next morning, Lucy woke up early, feeling the baby move more intensely for the first time. It was a strange yet exciting sensation that made her smile without realizing it.
Later that day, Lucy received a call from the hospital. Her mother, Grace, had been admitted again. “My mom’s been admitted,” Lucy said, grabbing her bag. “I need to get there now.
”
“I’ll go with you,” Ethan said, surprising her. “You don’t have to. I can handle this on my own. ”
“I’m not asking.
Let me go. ”
When they arrived, they found Grace resting in a modest room. Lucy sat by her bedside, gently holding her hand. “Mom, I’m here,” she said softly.
Grace slowly opened her eyes, a weak smile forming when she saw Lucy. “Are you okay, sweetheart? And the baby? ”
“We’re fine, Mom.
Don’t worry about that right now. ”
The doctor explained that Grace’s condition was critical and her care would need to be intensified. Before Lucy could ask about costs, Ethan stepped in. “Make sure she gets the best possible care.
The cost isn’t an issue,” he said firmly. In the days that followed, Lucy divided her time between the hospital and the mansion. Ethan accompanied her whenever he could. One evening, as they sat in the hospital, Lucy glanced at Ethan.
“Why are you doing this? ”
“Doing what? ”
“Helping my mom. You didn’t have to do this.
”
Ethan sighed. “Because it’s the right thing to do. ”
Lucy narrowed her eyes. “You’re not someone who does things just because they’re the right thing to do.
”
Ethan chuckled softly, though there was a hint of bitterness in his tone. “Maybe I’m trying to be someone different,” he said, looking directly at her. A week later, Grace was discharged from the hospital. Ethan arranged for a nurse to assist her, which deeply moved Lucy, though she tried to hide it.
That evening, as they had dinner together, Ethan asked a question that caught Lucy off guard. “What do you want to do after the baby is born? ”
Lucy stopped eating and looked at him cautiously. “What do you mean?
”
“I want to know what your plans are. ”
Lucy hesitated. “I don’t know. I guess I haven’t thought that far ahead.
”
“Maybe you should. ”
“Have you decided what you’re going to do about the baby? ” she asked, trying to mask the tension in her voice. Ethan was silent for a moment.
“I’m still figuring it out. ”
Lucy’s heart sank at his vague response. “You talk about it like it’s just another business decision. ”
“It’s not,” he said firmly.
“But I need to think about what’s best for him. ”
The next day, as they worked on the baby’s room, Lucy finally confronted him. “What do you really want, Ethan? ” she asked, her voice heavy with emotion.
Ethan stopped and turned to face her. “I want to make sure he has the best future possible. ”
“That doesn’t answer my question. Do you want to be part of his life, or do you just want to make sure he has what he needs?
”
Ethan was silent, as though wrestling with his own thoughts. “I don’t know,” he admitted finally. Lucy felt tears welling up in her eyes but refused to let them fall. “Maybe you should figure it out before it’s too late,” she said, before leaving the room.
Later that night, Ethan knocked on Lucy’s door. “Can I come in? ”
Lucy nodded, still hurt by the earlier conversation. Ethan sat in a chair near the window, looking more vulnerable than she’d ever seen him.
“I’m not good at this, Lucy. I never have been. ”
She looked at him silently, waiting. “But I want to try,” he said softly.
“I want to be a real father. ”
Lucy felt a wave of relief and emotion wash over her. “Then start now, Ethan. Show me you’re capable.
”
He nodded, and for a moment they just looked at each other, sharing an unspoken understanding. The next morning, Lucy was in the living room when a sharp pain shot through her belly. She grabbed the arm of the sofa, trying to catch her breath. Stephanie, passing through the hallway, noticed and rushed to her side.
“Lucy, what’s wrong? ”
“I think… I think it’s time,” Lucy gasped. Stephanie called for Ethan, who appeared within seconds.
“We’re going to the hospital now,” he said firmly. The drive was tense. Lucy was anxious, managing the pain and fear. Ethan stayed calm, though Lucy could see his knuckles turning white as he gripped the steering wheel.
“It’s going to be okay, Lucy,” he said, trying to reassure her. When they arrived, Lucy was quickly taken to the delivery room. Hours passed, and finally a doctor appeared to inform them the delivery was underway. Ethan was allowed into the delivery room, where he found Lucy exhausted but determined.
“You’re here? ” she said, surprised. “Of course I am,” he replied, moving closer and taking her hand. When the baby’s cry echoed through the room, a wave of relief and happiness washed over Lucy.
The doctor held up the baby. “Congratulations, it’s a healthy boy,” the doctor said with a smile. Ethan stood silent, staring at the baby with an expression Lucy had never seen before. He seemed lost, almost vulnerable.
When the doctor placed the baby in Lucy’s arms, tears streamed down her face. He was small, perfect, and so fragile. “He’s beautiful,” Lucy whispered, glancing at Ethan. “Yes, he is,” he said softly.
Later, as Lucy rested, a nurse brought the baby to Ethan so he could hold him for the first time. Ethan hesitated, looking as though he was afraid of hurting the tiny life in his arms. “I’ve never done this before,” he admitted. “No one is born knowing how,” Lucy said with a tired smile.
Ethan carefully held the baby, feeling a warmth he couldn’t explain. As he cradled the baby, something shifted in his expression. “Lucy,” he said, his voice low but steady. “I want you to stay.
”
Lucy frowned, confused. “What do you mean? ”
“I don’t want you to leave when the contract ends. I want you to stay here with him.
With me. ”
Lucy was silent, shocked and moved by his words. “Ethan, are you sure? ”
“Absolutely.
I can’t imagine raising this baby without you. ”
Tears began to fall from Lucy’s eyes. “I don’t want to leave either,” she finally said. In the days that followed, Ethan and Lucy returned to the mansion with the baby, whom they decided to name Oliver.
The dynamic between them had completely changed. Ethan insisted on getting up in the middle of the night to help with Oliver, something Lucy never imagined he would do. “You’re doing a good job,” Lucy said one night, watching Ethan rock Oliver in his arms. “I’m learning,” he replied with a genuine smile.
One afternoon, as they sat in the garden with Oliver, Ethan took Lucy’s hand and looked into her eyes. “Lucy, I want to make this official. ”
“Make what official? ” she asked, confused.
Ethan pulled a small box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a simple but elegant ring. “I want you in my life forever. Not just as Oliver’s mother, but as my wife. ”
Tears streamed down Lucy’s face again.
“Ethan, are you serious? ”
“I’ve never been more serious in my life. ”
Lucy looked at him, seeing the man he had become. He still had his flaws, but he was willing to change, and that meant everything to her.
“Yes,” she finally said. “I want to stay. ”
Ethan smiled, cupping her face before leaning in to kiss her. For the first time, Lucy felt she was exactly where she belonged.
The weeks following Oliver’s birth were intense. Lucy and Ethan were adjusting to their new lives as parents, and while there were moments of connection and joy, not everything was perfect. “You need to let me handle this, Ethan,” Lucy said one morning as he watched Oliver sleeping in the crib. “I know you want to be involved, but sometimes it feels like you’re trying to do everything yourself.
”
Ethan turned to her, arms crossed. “I’m just trying to make sure everything goes right. I want the best for him. ”
“I understand.
But that doesn’t mean you have to be in charge of every little detail. Parenting isn’t a business project. ”
Ethan hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. “I don’t want to make mistakes, Lucy.
I don’t want to be like my father. ”
Lucy stepped closer and placed a hand on his arm. “Ethan, you’ve already proven you’re nothing like him. But you need to trust me more.
We’re in this together. ”
Ethan remained silent, but Lucy could see her words sinking in. But things took a sudden turn when Lucy received a call from the hospital about her mother. Grace had gotten worse.
“She’s gotten worse,” the doctor said. “We recommend you come immediately. ”
Lucy felt the ground disappear beneath her. Without wasting a moment, she grabbed Oliver and called for Ethan, who immediately dropped everything to go with her.
At the hospital, Grace looked even more fragile than the last time Lucy saw her. Lucy sat by her bedside, gripping her hand tightly. “Mom, I’m here,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Grace slowly opened her eyes, looking first at Lucy, then at Ethan, who stood nearby holding Oliver.
“You’ve done well, my daughter,” Grace said with a faint smile. “You found someone who truly cares. ”
Lucy felt tears streaming down her face. “I just want you to get better, Mom.
”
Grace squeezed Lucy’s hand with the little strength she had left. “You and this baby are my greatest joy. And now I can rest peacefully knowing you have a family. ”
Lucy tried to respond, but her voice failed her.
Grace closed her eyes, and the monitor beside the bed emitted a flat tone. The days that followed were incredibly hard for Lucy. The void left by her mother’s death felt overwhelming. But Ethan was there for her every step of the way.
“You don’t have to go through this alone,” he said as he held her in his arms the night after the funeral. One evening, while they were in the living room, Lucy finally voiced something that had been on her mind. “Ethan, now that my mom is gone, I’m wondering what’s going to happen with us. ”
“What do you mean?
”
“I want to know if what we’re building here is real. Are we a real family, or are we just people brought together by circumstances? ”
Ethan was quiet for a moment before answering. “Lucy, all of this started as a contract.
I know that. But it’s not like that anymore. ”
“It’s not? ”
“No,” he said, taking her hand.
“You and Oliver mean everything to me now. You’re my family. ”
Lucy felt tears welling up again, but this time they were tears of relief and happiness. “So what happens now?
” she asked. Ethan smiled, a smile that seemed filled with certainty. “Now we move forward together. ”
As the months passed, Lucy and Ethan grew closer than ever.
Oliver was thriving, and life at the mansion finally felt balanced. One evening, Ethan led Lucy to the garden, where a table was set under the stars, decorated with candles and flowers. “What’s this? ” Lucy asked, confused.
“Just something I wanted to do,” he said mysteriously. After dinner, Ethan stood up and took a small box from his pocket. “Lucy, you’ve changed my life in ways I never imagined. You’ve made me a better person, a better father.
And now I want to be more than that. ”
He got down on one knee and opened the box, revealing a stunning ring. “Lucy Scott, will you marry me? ”
Lucy brought her hand to her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
“Ethan, of course I will. ”
The day of the wedding arrived like a gentle breeze. The mansion had been transformed into a dreamlike setting, with delicate lights strung among the trees and flowers carefully arranged throughout. In her room, Lucy stood gazing at her reflection in the mirror.
She was about to marry a man she never imagined she could love just months ago. Stephanie entered with a warm smile. “You look stunning, Lucy. Ethan’s going to be speechless when he sees you.
”
Ethan stood at the altar, dressed in a flawless suit. When the music began and Lucy appeared at the end of the aisle, the world seemed to slow down. Their eyes met as Lucy walked toward him, and in that moment, there were no doubts or uncertainties. Only love and the promise of a future together.
“I promise to be the best man, the best father, and the best partner I can be for you every day of my life,” Ethan said, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. “Ethan, you’ve shown me that even the most guarded hearts can open,” Lucy replied, holding back tears. “You’ve given me a home, a family, and a new reason to believe. ”
As they danced under the stars, Ethan leaned in and whispered into Lucy’s ear: “Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn’t deserve it.
”
Lucy smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. “You deserve all of this, Ethan. And so much more. ”
In the months that followed, life settled into a peaceful and happy rhythm.
Lucy and Ethan began working together on projects to help families in need, inspired by her journey and his transformation. The mansion, which once felt cold and impersonal, was now a true home. A few months later, Lucy discovered she was pregnant again. The news was met with joy and tears.
This time, there were no contracts, expectations, or fears. Just happiness at building their family together. The birth of their second child, a baby girl they named Emily, brought even more light into their family. Ethan, once incapable of expressing his emotions, cried as he held his daughter for the first time.
Years later, Lucy and Ethan sat in the garden of their mansion, now filled with the laughter and energy of their three children: Oliver, Emily, and their youngest, Noah. Holding Lucy’s hand, Ethan looked at her and said, “If I could go back in time, I’d do it all over again. Every mistake, every obstacle. Because it all led me here.
”
Lucy smiled, leaning in to kiss him. “And I’d do it all over again too. Because it was all worth it. ”
As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the garden, Lucy and Ethan watched their children playing, feeling grateful for everything they had built together.
They knew challenges still lay ahead, but they were ready for anything. After all, they had found what they had always been searching for: love, family, and a home.
