The rain hammered against the glass roof of Julian Whitmores sprawling estate just outside Manchester. Inside, the billionaire stood by the crackling fireplace, a cup of black tea in hand, his gaze lost in the dancing flames. Wealth had filled his life with luxuriesbut not with peace.
A sharp knock shattered the silence.
Julian frowned. He wasnt expecting anyone. His staff had the day off, and visitors were rare. Setting down his cup, he strode to the front door and opened it.
There stood a woman, drenched, clutching a little girl no older than two. Her clothes were worn thin, her eyes hollow with exhaustion. The child clung to her jumper, watching silently.
Sorry to bother you, sir, the woman said, her voice trembling. I havent eaten in two days. If youll let me clean your house, I only need a plate of food for me and my daughter.
Julian froze.
Not out of pitybut shock.
Emma? he whispered.
She looked up, disbelief etched across her face. Julian?
Time seemed to fold in on itself.
Seven years ago, shed vanishedwithout warning, without a goodbye, simply gone.
He took a step back, his pulse racing. The last memory he had of Emma Hart was of her in a summer dress, barefoot in his garden, laughing as if nothing could touch her.
Now she stood before him, fragile and worn.
Where have you been? he asked, his voice tight.
I didnt come for a reunion, she said, her words brittle. I just need food. Then Ill go.
His gaze dropped to the little girl. Blonde curls, bright blue eyesjust like her mothers.
Is she mine? he asked softly.
Emma looked away, silent.
Julian stepped aside. Come in.
Inside, warmth enveloped them. Emma hovered awkwardly on the marble floor, rainwater pooling around her, as Julian instructed the cook to prepare a meal.
You still have staff? she murmured.
Of course, he replied, an edge in his voice. I have everything except answers.
The girl reached for a bowl of strawberries and whispered shyly, Thank you.
Julian smiled faintly. Whats her name?
Lily, Emma said softly.
The name hit him like a blow.
Lilythe name theyd once dreamed of for a daughter, when their world was whole.
Julian sank into a chair. Start talking. Why did you leave?
Emma hesitated, then sat across from him, her arms wrapped protectively around Lily.
I found out I was pregnant the same week your company went public, she said. You were working nonstop. I didnt want to be a burden.
That was my choice, he snapped.
I know, she whispered, tears glistening. Then I found out I had cancer.
His heart plummeted.
Stage two. They didnt know if Id survive. I didnt want you to choose between your company and a dying girlfriend. So I left. I gave birth alone. Fought chemo alone. And I survived.
He was speechlessrage and sorrow twisting inside him.
You didnt trust me enough to let me help you? he finally asked.
Emmas eyes brimmed with tears. I didnt trust myself to survive.
Lily tugged her mothers sleeve. Mummy, Im sleepy.
Julian crouched down. Want to rest in a warm bed?
The girl nodded.
He looked at Emma. Youre not leaving tonight. The guest room is ready.
I cant stay, she said quickly.
Yes, you can, he replied firmly. Youre not just anyone youre the mother of my child.
She went still. So you believe shes yours?
I dont need a test. I see it in her.
That night, after Lily fell asleep upstairs, Julian stood on the balcony, watching the stormy sky. Emma joined him, wrapped in a borrowed robe.
I never meant to ruin your life, she said.
You didnt, he replied quietly. You just erased yourself from it.
Silence stretched between them.
Im not asking for anything, Emma said. I was desperate.
Julian turned to her. You were the only woman I ever loved. You left without letting me fight for you.
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
I still love you, she whispered. Even if you hate me.
He didnt answer. Instead, he looked toward the window where Lily slept, safe and warm.
At last, he said, Stay. At least until we figure out what comes next.
Morning light filtered softly through the clouds, bathing the estate in a golden glow. For the first time in years, it didnt feel empty.
Downstairs, Julian scrambled eggsa rare sightin a kitchen filled with the scent of buttered toast. Soft footsteps sounded behind him.
Emma stood in the doorway, holding Lilys hand. The girl wore clean pyjamas, her hair neatly brushed.
You cook now? Emma smiled weakly.
Trying, Julian said, handing Lily a plate. For her.
Lily settled into a chair, eating as if she hadnt had a decent meal in ages.
She likes you, Emma murmured.
Julian looked up. Shes easy to love.
In the days that followed, an uneasy rhythm settled. Emma kept her distance, unsure if this was real or temporary. Julian watched every glance, every small gesture, as if trying to reclaim lost years.
But not everyone welcomed them.
One afternoon, Julian returned from a meeting to find his assistant, Charlotte, waiting.
Youve got a woman and a child living here now? she asked, arms crossed.
Yes, he replied. Thats Emma and her daughter.
Your daughter?
He nodded.
Charlotte frowned. The boards already asking questions.
Let them, Julian said coldly. Family doesnt need their approval.
The word felt strange on his tonguebut it was right.
Later, Emma sat in the garden, watching Lily chase butterflies.
Julian brought two cups of tea. You always loved sunset.
It was the only time the world was quiet.
He took a sip. Why didnt you come back after the cancer was gone?
She looked away. I didnt belong in your world anymore. Youd become untouchablefamous, powerful.
He leaned in. I was lonely.
She said nothing.
You could have come back.
I was afraid you wouldnt forgive me.
Julian stepped back, hands in his pockets. And now?
Emma swallowed. I dont know if you can.
I dont want revenge. I want to be the man she needs.
She needs a father. Not a CEO, Emma whispered.
Then thats what Ill be.
The next day, as Julian took a call, the doorbell rang.
Emma opened it to find his mother, Diana Whitmorestern, cold, and imposing.
So youre back.
Hello, Diana, Emma said cautiously.
Youve got nerve. Julians been falling apart since you left.
Emma stepped aside. Please, come in.
Diana swept past with a disdainful air.
Youre not staying, are you?
I didnt plan to. But now I dont know.
Think a child makes you family again?
I never stopped being family. Lily is Julians daughter.
Diana scoffed. Or is this a ploy for his fortune?
Emmas voice hardened. Then you never knew me.
Julian arrived, sensing the tension.
Whats going on?
Just a family chat, Diana said smoothly.
Julian eyed Emma, suspicion flickering. She shook her head.
Later, Emma packed her bag.
Julian found her in the hallway. What are you doing?
I cant stay. Your mother
Let me guess. She thinks youre here for money?
Emma nodded. I dont want trouble.
Julian gently took her wrist. Youre not leaving because of her.
You dont understand.
No, *you* dont. I want you here. Lily needs you. No ones throwing you out. Not even my mother.
Her lip trembled. Youd go against your family?
You *are* my family, he said. You always were.
Tears fell, but this time, she didnt pull away.
Weeks turned to months.
Julian travelled less, learning to braid Lilys hair instead of boardroom strategies. Emma found peace in a house that once felt like a cage. Lilys laughter filled the halls.
One Sunday, beneath the oak tree, Julian knelt, a velvet box in hand.
Julian
