Chapter 15 - Learning What Home MeansLife after the scandal was unexpectedly quiet.
Julian moved Lily into his home.
At first, she slept with the lights on.
She hid food beneath her pillow.
She apologized whenever she broke something.
She flinched whenever someone raised their voice.
Julian slowly realized that rescuing her was only the beginning.
He hired therapists and tutors.
But more importantly, he became her family.
He learned how she liked her pancakes.
He attended school meetings.
He sat beside her during thunderstorms.
One evening, Lily asked:
"Can I call you Uncle Jay?"
Julian smiled.
"You can call me whatever you want."
She thought about it.
May you like
"Okay. Uncle Jay."
For the first time since Eleanor's disappearance, Julian laughed without feeling guilty.
Related Stories
Chapter 16 - Eleanor's GardenMonths later, Julian restored the abandoned Vance family estate.
Chapter 17 - The Last LetterOne year later, Julian received an unexpected envelope.
Chapter 18 - A Different Kind of LegacyYears passed.
Chapter 19 - The Pearl Becomes a PromiseLily donated the pearl to a museum dedicated to forgotten family histories.
Chapter 20 - Under the Same StarsYears after that terrible night, Julian and Lily stood together outside the restored estate.
