Chapter 7 - Ghosts of the PastThe relocation to the main wing happened swiftly,
orchestrated with military precision by my staff,
before the sun even reached its peak.
Maria tried to protest the luxurious arrangements,
claiming the guest suite was far too extravagant,
but I refused to listen to her objections.
Lily,
on the other hand,
was absolutely thrilled with the massive space,
running circles around the king-sized bed,
declaring it her new castle.
Later that afternoon,
while Lily was taking a much-needed nap,
I found Maria standing on the balcony,
staring out at the rolling hills of the estate.
She looked so incredibly fragile,
wrapped in a simple oversized sweater,
her dark hair blowing wildly in the autumn breeze.
I stepped out to join her,
leaning my forearms against the cold stone railing,
waiting for her to speak first.
Her father was a wealthy man,
Maria said suddenly,
her voice barely a whisper against the wind,
breaking the comfortable silence between us.
I stiffened,
a sudden knot forming in my stomach,
dreading the story I was about to hear.
He promised me the world,
she continued,
a bitter smile touching the corners of her lips,
but the moment I told him I was pregnant,
he completely vanished from my life.
He left me with nothing,
no money,
no support,
and a broken heart that took years to heal.
That is why I was so afraid of you,
Ethan,
she confessed,
turning her sorrowful eyes to meet my gaze.
You are rich,
powerful,
and used to getting exactly what you want,
just like he was.
I reached out,
covering her trembling hand with my own,
feeling a surge of protective fury toward a man I had never met.
I am not him,
Maria,
I said firmly,
squeezing her cold fingers reassuringly,
pouring every ounce of my sincerity into the words.
I know that now,
she whispered,
leaning closer to me,
her warmth radiating against my side.
But the paparazzi photos will bring him back,
she added,
panic lacing her delicate voice once again,
her eyes darting toward the distant trees.
If he sees Lily living in a billionaire mansion,
he will try to take her away from me,
claiming he can provide a better life.
He will use his lawyers to crush me,
just to spite me,
and I cannot lose my little girl.
I pulled her into my arms,
wrapping her in a tight,
desperate embrace,
pressing her head against my chest.
He will never touch her,
I vowed,
resting my chin on top of her head,
feeling her tears soaking into my shirt.
I have more money,
more power,
and far more ruthless lawyers than he could ever afford.
I will build a wall around you both,
and no ghost from your past will ever breach it,
May you like
I promised,
knowing I would sacrifice my entire empire to keep that vow.
