Chapter 7 - Healing at Blackwood Mansion
Spring arrived in Chicago, bringing warm sunshine and blooming flowers to the sprawling gardens of the Blackwood estate.
The dark gloom that had once hung over the marble mansion was completely gone. The heavy curtains were thrown open, filling the marble foyer—once the site of terrifying violence—with golden light. Laughter now echoed off the high ceilings.
Ethan was now sixteen months old. His cast was long gone, his arm completely healed. He was running across the lush green lawns, his tiny feet pitter-pattering on the grass as he chased a golden retriever puppy Victor had bought for him.
“Slow down, Ethan!” Lily called out with a bright, beautiful laugh, chasing after the toddler.
Ethan turned around, his little face flushed with joy, and threw himself into Lily’s arms. “Mama Li!” he cheered, burying his sticky, ice-cream-covered face into her neck.
Lily hugged him tight, kissing his chubby cheek. The title “Mama Li” had started naturally a month ago, and every time Ethan said it, Lily’s heart swelled with overwhelming love.
Victor walked out onto the terrace, holding two glasses of chilled lemonade. He watched the scene with a soft, affectionate smile that rarely left his face these days.
He walked down the stone steps and handed Lily a glass. “He’s getting faster every day,” Victor said warmly.
“He’s strong,” Lily replied, looking at Ethan as the puppy licked his toes. “He’s a true Blackwood.”
Victor’s gaze shifted from Ethan to Lily. The afternoon sunlight caught the golden highlights in her hair, highlighting the soft curve of her smile. He took a slow breath, stepping closer to her.
“Lily,” Victor said, his tone turning quiet and deeply sincere.
Lily turned to look at him. “Yes, Victor?”
“When my late wife passed away three years ago, I thought my heart was completely dead,” Victor confessed, reaching out to gently wrap his fingers around hers. “I locked myself in my work. I thought hired help and high-society connections could raise Ethan. I was blind, Lily.”
Lily stayed silent, listening to the heavy beat of her own heart.
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“Then you came into our lives,” Victor continued, his silver eyes searching hers with intense warmth. “You showed my son what true maternal love felt like. You stood between him and a monster, taking blows meant for him without hesitation. You didn’t just save Ethan’s life… you saved mine. You brought light back into this cold house.”
Tears gathered in Lily’s eyes, but they were tears of pure joy. “Victor… I love Ethan with all my heart. And I… I’ve grown to care for you more than I can say.”
