Chapter 9 - HEALING OLD WOUNDS
Saturday night was quiet and peaceful.
The state choir competition had concluded with Emma and Chloe taking home first place trophies for their duet. The golden trophies now sat proudly on the mantlepiece of Sophie’s living room.
In the small apartment above the street, the twins were fast asleep in their bedroom, exhausted from their victory.
Sophie stood on the fire escape balcony outside her kitchen, wrapped in a thick knit sweater, looking out at the city lights.
The metal door creaked softly as Ethan stepped out onto the balcony beside her, two hot mugs of cocoa in his hands.
"They're sound asleep," Ethan said softly, handing her a mug.
"Thank you," Sophie murmured, taking a sip, letting the sweet warmth spread through her.
They stood together in the crisp night air, the quiet hum of distant traffic floating up from the avenue.
"You gave me a diner, Ethan," Sophie said quietly, looking at his sharp profile against the city lights. "You gave my daughters their dreams back. How am I ever going to repay a billionaire?"
Ethan turned to face her. He reached out, his warm fingers gently lifting her chin so her bright blue eyes met his.
"You don't owe me anything, Sophie," Ethan said softly, his voice full of a raw, deep emotion he had hidden for years. "For my whole life, I thought I was built to be alone. I thought money was a wall to keep people out. But when I'm with you... when I'm with Emma and Chloe... I feel like I finally found a home."
Sophie’s heart thudded wildly in her chest. "Ethan..."
"I don't want to be a pretend father for five dollars and seventy-five cents anymore, Sophie," Ethan whispered, his hand moving up to gently cup her cheek. "I want to be a real part of your life. If you'll have me."
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Sophie smiled through her tears, leaning into his touch. "We loved you from the moment you stepped into that diner, Ethan."
Ethan leaned down, and his lips met hers in a soft, tender kiss under the quiet starlight of the city, sealing a promise that no amount of money could ever buy.
