**Diary Entry**
The rain hammered against the glass roof of the grand estate, just outside London. Inside, Julian Whitmore stood by the fireplace, cradling a cup of black coffee, his gaze fixed on the flames. He was used to solitude; even in this sprawling mansion, hed never truly been surrounded. Success had brought him wealth, but not peace.
Then came the sharp knock at the door.
Julian frowned. He wasnt expecting anyonestaff had the day off, and visitors were rare. Setting his cup down, he strode to the entrance. When he opened it, a woman stood on the doorstep, drenched to the bone, clutching a little girl no older than two. Her clothes were worn, her eyes hollow with exhaustion. The child, silent, clung to her mothers jumper, peering around curiously.
“Sorry to disturb you,” the woman murmured, voice trembling. “I havent eaten in two days. Ill clean your house just for a meal. For me and my daughter.”
Julian froze.
His heart stutterednot from pity, but recognition.
“Emily?” he whispered.
The woman lifted her head, lips parting in disbelief.
“Julian?”
Time folded in on itself.
Seven years ago, shed vanishedno farewell, no explanation. Just gone.
Julian stepped back, stunned. The last time hed seen Emily Hart, shed been barefoot in a summer dress, laughing in his garden as if the world couldnt touch her.
Now she stood before him in rags.
His chest tightened. “Where have you been?”
“I didnt come for a reunion,” she said quietly. “Just for food. Please Ill leave straight after.”
His gaze dropped to the little girlblonde curls, blue eyes. Just like her mothers.
His voice cracked. “Is she mine?”
Emily didnt answer, just looked away.
Julian stepped aside. “Come in.”
The warmth of the house enveloped them. Shivering, Emily left droplets on the polished marble as Julian called for his chef to prepare a meal.
“You still have staff?” she asked softly.
“Of course,” he replied stiffly. “Ive got 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?”
“Lily,” Emily murmured.
The name struck him. Lily. Thats what theyd once agreed to name their daughterback when things were good. Before everything fell apart.
Julian sank into a chair. “Explain. Why did you leave?”
Emily hesitated, then sat opposite, cradling Lily.
“I found out I was pregnant the same week your company went public. You were working twenty-hour days. I didnt want to burden you.”
“That wasnt your choice,” he said bitterly.
“I know,” she admitted. “But then I was diagnosed. Cancer. Stage two.”
Julians breath hitched.
“The doctors werent sure Id survive. I didnt want you choosing between the company and a dying woman. So I left. I had Lily alone. Went through chemo alone. And I lived.”
He was silent, torn between anger and grief.
“You didnt trust me enough to let me help?” he finally asked.
Tears welled in Emilys eyes. “I didnt trust myself to survive.”
Lily tugged her mothers sleeve. “Mummy, Im tired.”
Julian leaned down. “Fancy a nap in a proper bed?”
She nodded. Then he turned to Emily. “Youll stay tonight. Ill prepare the guest room.”
“I cant”
“You can, and you will,” he cut in firmly. “Youre not just anyone. Youre the mother of my child.”
She went still. “You think shes yours?”
Julian straightened. “I dont need a test to know. Look at her. Shes mine.”
That night, after tucking Lily in, Julian stood on the balcony, watching the storm-washed sky. Emily joined him, wrapped in a borrowed dressing gown.
“I never meant to ruin your life,” she confessed.
“You didnt,” he said. “You just left me out of it.”
Silence settled between them.
“I didnt come asking for anything,” Emily whispered. “I was just desperate.”
Julian turned to her. “You were the only woman I ever loved. And you robbed me of the chance to fight for you.”
Tears spilled down Emilys cheeks. “I still love you even if you hate me.”
He didnt answer. His eyes were on the window where Lily slept, safe.
Finally: “Stay. At least until we figure out what comes next.”
Dawn broke golden over the estate the next morning. For the first time in years, the house didnt feel empty.
Downstairs, Julian found himself at the stove, scrambling eggs. The smell of toast filled the kitchen. Soft footstepsEmily appeared, holding Lilys hand, now in clean pyjamas, hair neatly brushed.
“You cook now?” Emily asked, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
“Trying,” he said, sliding a plate toward Lily.
The girl devoured her breakfast like she hadnt eaten properly in weeks.
“She adores you,” Emily noted, perched on the counters edge.
“Shes easy to love,” he replied.
Days passed in a new rhythmEmily still hesitant, Julian watching, relearning her.
But not everyone welcomed their presence.
One afternoon, returning from a meeting, Julian found his assistant Charlotte arms-crossed at the door.
“So youve got a wife and kid now?”
“Yes. Emily and Lily.”
“Your daughter?”
He nodded.
“Thats not discreet. The boards asking questions.”
“Let them,” Julian said coldly. “My family isnt stock-market business.”
The word *family* felt strange on his tonguebut right.
That evening, Emily sat on the terrace, watching Lily chase butterflies. Julian joined her with two mugs of tea.
“You always loved sunsets,” he murmured.
“Only time the world felt peaceful.”
He took a sip. “Why didnt you come back after you recovered?”
She looked away. “I didnt belong in your world anymore. Youd become untouchable. Famous. Powerful.”
He stepped closer. “I was alone.”
She said nothing.
“You couldve come back,” he repeated.
“I was afraid you wouldnt forgive me.”
Julian sighed. “And now?”
Emily swallowed hard. “I still dont know if you can.”
He met her gaze. “I dont want revenge, Emily. I just want to know who Im supposed to be now for her.”
Her eyes glistened. “She needs a father, not a CEO.”
“Then Ill be him,” he said.
Weeks turned to months. Julian travelled less, learned to braid Lilys hair instead of reviewing reports. Emily reclaimed her art, and Lilys laughter filled the halls.
One Sunday morning, beneath the blooming magnolia, Julian knelt, a velvet box in hand.
Emily gasped. “Julian”
“I lost you once,” he said. “I wont make the mistake of letting you go again.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks as Lily clapped, beaming.
“Yes,” Emily whispered. “Yes.”
And for the first time in years, the world felt bright again.
**Lesson learned: Pride keeps us lonely. Love demands honestyeven when it hurts.**
