Chapter 7 - A New FoundationOne year after the night Ethan Carter walked into a dressing room and discovered my darkest secret, Carter Tower was hosting another gala.
This time, however, it wasn't a glittering charity fundraiser for the hospital.
It was an intimate, elegant celebration held in the penthouse sculpture garden under a canopy of warm fairy lights and stars. Only our closest friends, trusted colleagues, and loyal staff members were in attendance.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my dressing suite, wearing a flowing, silk-chiffon emerald gown that hugged my silhouette. There were no bruises on my skin. No hidden marks, no protective sleeves, no makeup-covered scars.
Just smooth, unblemished skin and a bright, genuine smile reflecting back at me.
The door opened behind me, and Ethan stepped into the room. He wore a classic black tuxedo, though his bow tie was slightly untied, giving him a relaxed, effortlessly handsome look.
He walked up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder, looking at our reflection in the glass.
"You look breathtaking," he murmured, kissing the side of my neck.
"Are you sure you want to marry your executive assistant?" I teased lightly, turning around in his arms to wrap my hands around his neck. "Think of the HR violations, Mr. Carter."
Ethan chuckled, a rich, warm sound that always made my heart skip a beat. "I already checked with our legal department. The CEO has full authority to marry whoever he wants... provided she agrees to run his life forever."
"Well," I smiled, leaning up to press my lips softly against his. "She might consider it, if the CEO agrees to always make sure there's coffee on her desk and never lets her forget her scarf."
"Deal," Ethan whispered against my lips.
May you like
Hand in hand, we walked out of the suite and stepped out into the warm New York night, descending the grand staircase toward the garden where our future was waiting.
The man who had once been broken and bruised was gone. In her place stood a woman who had survived the dark, only to build an empire of her own in the light. And standing beside her was the man who had loved her through every shadow, ready to face the rest of the world together.
