Chapter 7 - The Only Sanctuary
Six months later, the sun shone brightly over a beautiful, sprawling estate on the outskirts of Hadley.
The house was surrounded by ancient oak trees and rolling green lawns, a far cry from the cold, glass fortress in the sky. There were no armed guards in suits standing at the gates—only a quiet, peaceful security detail hidden discreetly in the shadows.
On the front lawn, Naomi was running with a golden retriever puppy, her laughter echoing through the warm spring air.
Delia sat on the porch, sipping a cup of hot tea. She looked different now. The dark circles under her eyes were gone, replaced by a healthy, vibrant glow. She wore a simple, elegant sundress, her hair tied back loosely.
Behind her, the screen door creaked open.
Lincoln Frost stepped onto the porch. He was wearing a soft gray sweater, his left arm completely healed, his expression relaxed and peaceful. He walked over to Delia, placing a hand on her shoulder, and looked out at Naomi.
"She’s getting fast," Lincoln noted, a fond smile touching his lips.
"She’s happy," Delia said, leaning her head back against his hand. "We both are."
Over the past six months, Lincoln had systematically dismantled his criminal empire, transitioning his assets into legitimate real estate, shipping, and construction businesses. He was no longer the feared king of the underworld; he was a successful, respected businessman who used his wealth to fund community clinics and youth programs across Hadley.
He had also used his immense influence to destroy the corrupt doctor at Mercy General who had gotten Delia fired. The hospital board had been forced to issue a public apology, reinstate her license, and offer her a position as Chief of Nursing.
But Delia had declined. She had a new role now—one that she loved far more.
"I have a surprise for you," Lincoln said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small, velvet box.
Delia’s breath caught. She stood up, turning to face him. "Lincoln..."
He opened the box to reveal a stunning diamond ring, glittering in the afternoon sunlight. He took her hand, his eyes locked onto hers with a warmth that she had never thought possible when she first saw him in that rain-soaked alley.
"Six months ago, I asked you to stay beside me until morning," Lincoln said, his voice thick with emotion. "You saved my life, Delia. You saved my soul. I don't want to just survive anymore. I want to live. With you. For the rest of my days."
"Name your price," he whispered, echoing the words he had said to her in the rain.
Delia smiled, her eyes filling with happy tears. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close.
"My price is simple," she whispered against his lips. "Just let me stay beside you forever."
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"Done," Lincoln murmured, before pulling her into a deep, passionate kiss.
As the sun began to set over the estate, casting a warm, golden glow over the family on the lawn, the shadows of Hadley finally faded away, replaced by the only sanctuary that mattered: the love they had found in each other.
