Epilogue – One Year Later

The sun hung lazily in the late afternoon sky, washing the villa grounds in soft gold, as though the world itself was exhaling peace. The gardens were in full bloom, the air rich with the scent of jasmine and ripening figs. The trees cast dappled shadows over the stone pathways, where the laughter of children danced through the breeze like music.

And right in the middle of the courtyard, Elena took her first steps.

She was pink-cheeked and determined, her little arms stretched out in front of her as she toddled forward on wobbly legs. Lucian was on one knee just a few feet away,...