**Diary Entry**
The rain hammered against the glass roof of the grand estate tucked away in the countryside outside Manchester. Inside, Julian Wentworth stood by the fireplace, a cup of black coffee in hand, his gaze lost in the flickering flames. He was accustomed to silenceeven in this sprawling manor, he had never truly been surrounded by people. Success had brought him wealth, but not peace.
A sharp knock echoed through the hall.
Julian frowned. He wasnt expecting anyonethe staff had the day off, and visitors were rare. Setting down his cup, he made his way to the front door. When he opened it, a woman stood on the step, drenched to the bone, clutching a little girl no older than two. Her clothes were worn, her eyes hollow with exhaustion. The child, quiet and wide-eyed, clung to her mothers jumper, peering around curiously.
Sorry to bother you, the woman said, her voice trembling. I havent eaten in two days. I could clean your house just for a plate of food for me and my daughter.
Julian froze.
His heart stutterednot from pity, but shock.
Emily? he whispered.
The woman lifted her head, her lips parting in disbelief.
Julian?
Time seemed to fold in on itself.
Seven years ago, shed vanishedno word, no goodbye. Shed simply walked out of his life.
Julian stepped back, stunned. The last time hed seen Emily Hart, shed been in a red summer dress, barefoot in the garden, laughing as though the world couldnt touch her.
Now she stood before him in tatters.
His chest tightened. Where have you been?
I didnt come for a reunion, she said, her voice breaking. I just need food. Please Ill leave right after.
He looked down at the little girlblonde curls, blue eyes the same as her mothers.
His voice cracked. Is she mine?
Emily didnt answer, just turned away.
Julian stepped aside. Come in.
The warmth of the house enveloped them. Shivering, Emily left small puddles on the polished marble floor as Julian instructed the chef to prepare a meal.
You still have staff? she murmured.
Of course, he replied, a bit sharply. I have everything except answers.
The little girl reached for a bowl of strawberries on the table and whispered, Thank you.
Julian managed a faint smile. Whats your name?
Lila, Emily answered softly.
The name struck him. Lila. Thats what theyd once agreed to name their future daughter, back when everything was still good before it all fell apart.
Julian sat slowly. Explain. Why did you leave?
Emily hesitated, then settled opposite him, Lila in her arms.
I found out I was pregnant the same week your company went public. You were working twenty-hour days. I didnt want to be a burden.
That was my decision to make, he said bitterly.
I know, she continued. But then I was diagnosed with cancer.
Julians heart clenched.
Stage two. The doctors werent sure Id survive. I didnt want you to have to choose between the company and a dying woman. So I left I gave birth alone, went through chemo alone. And I lived.
He was speechless, torn between anger and grief.
You didnt trust me enough to let me help? he finally asked.
Tears welled in Emilys eyes. I didnt even trust myself to survive.
Lila tugged her mothers sleeve. Mummy, Im sleepy.
Julian leaned toward her. Want to rest in a warm bed?
She nodded. Then he turned to Emily. Youre staying tonight. Ill have the guest room made up.
I cant stay she began.
You can, and you will, he cut in firmly. Youre not just anyoneyoure the mother of my child.
She stilled. You think shes yours?
Julian straightened. I dont need a test to know. Look at hershes mine.
That night, after theyd tucked Lila in, Julian stood on the balcony, watching the storm-washed sky. Emily joined him, wrapped in a borrowed dressing gown.
I didnt mean to wreck your life, she admitted.
You didnt, he said. You just disappeared from it.
Silence settled between them.
I didnt come asking for anything, Emily said. I was just desperate.
Julian turned to her. You were the only woman I ever loved. And you took away my right to fight for you.
Tears spilled down Emilys cheeks. I still love you even if you hate me.
He didnt answer. He looked toward the window where Lila slept, safe.
Finally: Stay. At least until we figure out what comes next.
The next morning, sunlight broke through the grey clouds, gilding Julians estate. For the first time in years, the house didnt feel empty.
Downstairs, Julian found himself at the stove, scrambling eggs. The smell of butter and toast filled the kitchen. Quiet footsteps soundedEmily appeared in the doorway, holding Lilas hand, the girl now in clean pyjamas, her hair neatly brushed.
You cook now? Emily asked with a faint smile.
Trying to, Julian replied, handing Lila a platejust for her.
The girl climbed onto a chair and devoured breakfast as if she hadnt eaten properly in weeks.
She adores you, Emily noted, sitting on the counters edge.
Shes easy to love, he said.
The days that followed moved in a new, quiet rhythmEmily, still wary, spoke little, while Julian watched her every move, desperate to make up for lost time.
But not everyone was pleased with their arrangement.
One afternoon, returning from a meeting, Julian found his assistant Charlotte waiting, arms crossed.
So youve got a wife and kid living here now? she asked.
Yes. Emily and my daughter.
Your daughter? Charlotte raised an eyebrow.
He nodded.
Its not exactly discreet. The boards already asking questions.
Let them, Julian replied coldly. My family isnt stock market business.
The word *family* felt unfamiliar on his tongue, but right.
That evening, Emily sat on the terrace, watching Lila chase butterflies on the lawn. Julian joined her with two mugs of tea.
You always loved sunsets, he murmured.
It was the only time the world felt calm.
He took a sip. Why didnt you come back after you recovered?
She looked away. I didnt think I belonged in your world anymore. Youd become untouchable. Famous. Powerful.
He moved closer. I was alone.
She said nothing.
You couldve come back, he repeated.
I was afraid you wouldnt forgive me.
Julian shoved his hands in his pockets. And now?
Emily struggled with her words. I still dont know if you can.
He faced her. I dont want revenge, Emily. I just want to know what kind of man I need to be now for her.
Her eyes filled with tears. She needs a father, not a CEO.
Then Ill be one, he said.
The next day, while Julian was on a call, Emily received an unexpected visitorDiana Wentworth, Julians mother, stood at the door, her gaze icy.
So youre back, Diana said flatly.
Hello, Diana, Emily replied carefully.
Youre not staying, I assume?
I hadnt planned to, Emily admitted. But now I dont know.
You think a child makes you family? Diana scoffed.
I always was. Lila is Julians daughter.
Diana smirked. Or is this just a scheme for a share of his fortune?
Emily straightened. Then you never knew me at all.
Julian returned just then, his expression darkening at the tension.
Whats going on? he demanded.
Just a family visit, Diana said, falsely sweet. Getting reacquainted with Emily.
Julians eyes flicked to Emily, who shook her head slightly.
Later that night, Emily packed a suitcase.
Julian found her in the hallway, fastening the bag.
What are you doing? he exclaimed.
I cant stay your mother
Forget her, he interrupted. I want you here. Lila needs you. No ones forcing you outnot even my mother.
Her lips trembled. Youd go against your family for me?
You *are* my family, he said. You and Lila. You always were.
Emily broke down. This time
