Chapter 2: The Silence After
The next morning, the penthouse felt different. The oppressive air that usually accompanied Eleanor’s visits was gone. Sarah moved quietly through the kitchen, preparing breakfast, but her hands shook. She was a single mother who had lost everything when her husband passed away; this job was her lifeline.
Ethan walked in, already dressed for the office, but he didn't head for the door. He sat at the kitchen island.
“Sarah,” he began, steepling his fingers. “I have officially broken off my engagement with Eleanor. She will not be returning to this building.”
Sarah paused, the coffee pot hovering in the air. “Sir… you didn’t have to do that for us. She is from a very prominent family. It could hurt your business.”
“My business is built on integrity,” Ethan replied, his eyes meeting hers. “What kind of man would I be if I allowed cruelty under my own roof? Furthermore, I want to apologize. I was blind to how she treated the people around her.”
At that moment, Lily padded into the kitchen, clutching her stuffed rabbit. She looked at Ethan, then at the floor, clearly remembering the trauma of the previous day. Ethan slid off his stool, crouched down, and offered her a warm, tentative smile.
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“Good morning, Lily,” he whispered.
Lily hesitated, then took a tiny step forward and rested her head against his knee. Ethan’s eyes softened, a protective instinct awakening deep within his soul.
