Chapter 17 - Three Years LaterThree years later, the Whitmore estate sounded different.
Children ran across the lawns.
Teachers occupied the old library.
The kitchen prepared meals for dozens of families every week.
The gates remained guarded.
But they stood open during foundation events.
Maya walked through the courtyard carrying a stack of educational programs.
She stopped when she heard laughter.
Adrien stood near the fountain.
He wore no suit.
No tie.
His sleeves were rolled up.
In his arms was their one-year-old son, Leo.
The child held a small blue blanket.
Maya smiled.
“Is he asleep?”
“Almost.”
Adrien looked at the table.
“You're still using the three-finger measurement.”
“Some habits survive.”
He kissed her.
Leo stirred.
Maya touched their son's tiny hand.
The past no longer haunted her.
May you like
It lived beside her.
But it no longer controlled her.
