Chapter 6 - The Sanctuary at Lake ForestIn late May 2026, on a clear, warm Saturday afternoon, the sweeping oceanfront gardens of my newly acquired private estate in Lake Forest, Illinois, were bathed in the brilliant golden glow of spring.
The dark, predatory shadow of chestnut cakes, cold hospital driveways, and secret mistresses was permanently, historically erased from my life.
Over three hundred prominent business leaders, supreme court justices, Bridget Colton, Marcus Vance, Old Anthony Moretti, and my best friend Madison gathered around white-linen tables set up along the stone patio, enjoying fine food, vintage wine, and live acoustic music.
I stood near the grand marble balustrade wearing a breathtaking floor-length ivory silk maternity dress that caught the soft breeze coming off Lake Michigan. I was seven months pregnant, my hands resting gently over my rounded belly, a radiant, beautiful smile lighting up my face.
Beside me stood Marcus Vance—the chief federal investigator who had helped me dismantle Vincent's off-ledger networks. Over the past four months, Marcus had become a devoted, quiet pillar of strength in my life—never pushing, never demanding, simply standing by my side with deep, unreserved respect and fierce protection.
Marcus walked out onto the stone terrace wearing a tailored dark suit, holding two glasses of sunlit cider, stepping up beside me near the balustrade.
He wrapped his broad, warm arm around my waist, pulling me gently against his solid frame, leaning down to press a sweet, lingering kiss against my temple, his hand resting gently over mine against my stomach.
"How are you feeling, my queen?" Marcus whispered softly into my ear.
May you like
I looked out over the vast, sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan stretching before us into the unbroken horizon, leaning my head comfortably back against his broad chest.
"I am feeling completely, beautifully home, Marcus," I answered softly.
