Chapter 28: While She Found Peace

Three months had passed since Ethan was born.

In London, England, spring had arrived, painting the parks with colourful flowers and filling the streets with warm sunshine.

Evelyn Harper pushed Ethan's pram along a quiet path in Hyde Park. The gentle breeze brushed against her face as she smiled down at her son.

"Look at you," she said softly. "You're trying to catch the birds again."

Ethan let out an adorable giggle, reaching his tiny hands towards a flock of pigeons nearby.

His laughter melted away every trace of exhaustion.

Motherhood wasn't easy.

There were sleepless nights, endless nappies, and days when she barely had time to eat.

But she wouldn't trade this life for anything.

After everything she had endured, Ethan had become the light that guided her forward.

She no longer lived for the past.

She lived for him.

Later that afternoon, Amelia visited the apartment carrying lunch.

"I knew you wouldn't remember to cook," Amelia teased as she stepped inside.

Evelyn laughed.

"You're beginning to know me too well."

Amelia bent down beside Ethan.

"My favourite little gentleman."

Ethan kicked his tiny legs excitedly, making both women laugh.

"I think he recognises your voice," Evelyn said.

"I certainly hope so."

As Ethan drifted off to sleep, the two women sat by the window with cups of tea.

"Arthur asked about you today," Amelia said.

"How's he doing?"

"Busy as always. Collins International just secured another major client."

Evelyn smiled.

"I'm happy for him."

"He also wanted me to remind you that your position is waiting whenever you're ready to return."

Evelyn glanced towards the nursery.

"I miss working."

"But right now..."

"My son needs me more."

Amelia nodded.

"And that's exactly where you should be."

Thousands of miles away...

In New York, United States, Sterling Group Headquarters overlooked the city's famous skyline.

Inside the executive boardroom, Damian Sterling sat at the head of the long conference table.

Around him, directors discussed a billion-dollar acquisition.

Normally, Damian would lead every discussion with confidence.

Today...

His mind wandered.

"...Mr. Sterling?"

Lucas Bennett's voice pulled him back.

"The board is waiting for your decision."

Damian blinked.

"I'm sorry."

"Approve the acquisition."

The meeting continued, but Lucas couldn't ignore how distracted his boss had become.

After everyone left, he quietly closed the boardroom door.

"Mr. Sterling."

Damian looked up.

"Yes, Lucas?"

"You've been somewhere else all morning."

Damian gave a tired smile.

"Have I?"

"It's not like you."

Damian looked through the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Manhattan.

"I've just had a lot on my mind."

Lucas hesitated before speaking again.

"If this is about Miss Hayes..."

Damian interrupted him.

"I'm handling it."

Lucas nodded respectfully.

"I know you are."

"But don't forget..."

"Sometimes doing the responsible thing isn't the same as doing the right thing."

Those words lingered long after Lucas left the room.

That evening, Damian returned to the Sterling Mansion.

Sophia was waiting in the dining room.

The table had been carefully prepared with his favourite meal.

"I thought we could spend some time together," she said with a smile.

Damian pulled out a chair.

"Thank you."

During dinner, Sophia couldn't hide her excitement.

"The engagement announcement is only a few days away."

Damian nodded quietly.

"I know."

"You don't sound excited."

"I'm just tired."

Sophia forced a smile, but disappointment settled in her heart.

No matter how hard she tried...

She couldn't make Damian look at her the way he once had.

Back in London, Evelyn gently carried Ethan into his nursery after he fell asleep.

She tucked the blanket around him before sitting beside the crib.

"You know something?"

"You saved me."

She smiled through tears.

"I thought losing everything would destroy me."

"But instead..."

"It led me to you."

She reached out and held his tiny hand.

"I promise you'll always grow up surrounded by love."

Outside her apartment window, the lights of London shimmered against the night sky.

At that very moment, across the Atlantic Ocean in New York, Damian stood alone on the balcony of the Sterling Mansion.

The velvet box containing Sophia's engagement ring rested on the table behind him.

He should have been looking forward to the future.

Instead...

His thoughts drifted to the woman he hadn't seen in months.

He wondered where Evelyn was.

Whether she had found peace.

Whether she was finally smiling again.

He had no way of knowing that she was doing exactly that.

An entire ocean separated them.

But fate had already begun closing the distance.