Chapter 198
Chapter 199
Five Years Later
The sound of laughter filled the Sinclair estate, loud, unrestrained, echoing through the high ceilings and polished halls that had once been silent, somber things. Now, it was alive, every corner touched by giggles, squeals, and the pitter-patter of small, restless feet.
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Five years had passed since that long, aching night in the hospital. Five years since Aaron had named his son with trembling hands and held his daughter with tears in his eyes. Five years of slow rebuilding, of rediscovering joy where sorrow had threatened to take root.
And now, their children-George Anselm Sinclair and Iris Rosemary Sinclair-were five years old. Bright. Mischievous. Spoiled beyond measure.
“Daddy, Daddy, look p>
George came barreling into the living room, wooden sword in hand, his dark hair tousled in the way that always reminded Rosemary of Aaron in his most reckless youth. His eyes sparkled-mischief and determination alive in their depths-as he pointed the sword dramatically at his sister.
Iris followed, her curls bouncing wildly as she stomped after her brother with all the fury a five-year-old could summon. “He stole my crown! That’s mine, George p>
Aaron looked up from the armchair where he sat, papers spread across his lap, and one brow arched in the way that still froze entire boardrooms but meant absolutely nothing to his children. They were immune to his authority, and he both loathed and loved it.
“What crown?” he asked, his voice a lazy rumble.
George puffed his chest, gripping the paper and glitter monstrosity perched on his head. “I’m king now p>
Iris stomped her tiny foot, tears threatening to spill. “No! Uncle Colton said I was queen today p>
Aaron’s lips twitched, but before he could intervene, Colton himself sauntered into the room, carrying two stuffed bears and a guilty smirk.
“Alright, alright, don’t throw me under the bus, Iris,” Colton said, crouching to her level. He held stuffed bear dressed in lace. “You’re still queen. George is king. You both rule p>
up
the
Iris blinked, her fury instantly disarmed. She snatched the bear, hugged it to her chest, and declared, “Fine. But George has to share his castle p>
George rolled his eyes with exaggerated dramatics that made him look exactly like Connor when he was exasperated. Still, he lifted the crown from his head and gently placed it on his sister’s curls.
“Happy now?” he muttered.
Aaron leaned back, one hand pressed over his mouth, hiding his smile.
Colton straightened and shot him a smug look. “See? Best uncle, right here p>
20:52 Wed, Jan 14
Chapter 199
58
As if on cue, Connor walked in behind him, carrying bags that looked suspiciously like toys. He narrowed his eyes at Colton. “Best uncle? Please. Let’s see whose gifts the twins like more p>
The twins’ squeals answered before Connor had even unzipped the first bag.
Later that evening, after the chaos of toys, sugar, and two overly competitive uncles had calmed, Venus found herself in the nursery. The twins had outgrown their cribs long ago, but they still insisted on falling asleep in the cozy corner chair that Aaron had first sat in, all those years ago, when he wept over missing their birth.
Now, George and Iris were curled together, arms tangled, their breaths steady. Venus tucked a blanket around them, her hands lingering on their soft hair.
“Goodnight, my loves,” she whispered, pressing a kiss to each head.
When she turned, Aaron was leaning in the doorway, his arms crossed, his presence so commanding and yet softened in these moments.
“They’re getting too big,” Venus murmured.
Aaron stepped closer, his hand brushing over her swollen belly. The baby shifted beneath his palm, strong and restless. His eyes softened, his jaw flexing as if he still couldn’t quite believe he was here for it this time.
“They’ll always be small to me,” he said quietly.
Venus’s heart clenched. He had not missed a single appointment this pregnancy. Not one. He’d been there for every heartbeat, every sonogram, every craving she demanded at three in the morning. He refused to let time steal another moment from him.
“You’re making up for it,” she teased, her voice tender.
His gaze snapped to hers, sharp and full of an emotion that melted her insides. “No. I’ll never make up for it. But I’ll spend my life trying p>
Life had blossomed for all of them.
Gianna and Lucien had finally taken the world by storm. They sent postcards from Paris, Cairo, Marrakesh, each note scribbled with love and stories of deserts, oceans, and art. Gianna, who had once been tethered by grief, now wore freedom like a second skin.
Connor and Sabine had grown steady, their love tempered by everything they had endured. Their wedding was planned for the summer, and the twins were already practicing walking down the aisle.
Even Dorian, scarred by his mother’s shadow, had carved out his place. He had stepped back from Sinclair Industries once Aaron returned, but he remained in orbit, a quiet ally, a reminder that not every legacy needed to be repeated. The twins adored him, though George once announced, “Uncle Dorian looks scary, but he’s nice,” which earned the boy a genuine laugh from the man himself.
20:52 Wed, Jan 14 …
Chapter 199
And then there was Richard.
He never came back. He never knocked on their door again. Aaron never spoke of him, and Venus never asked. Some wounds healed best by never being touched again.
(5
The final scene unfolded on a quiet Sunday evening.
The house smelled of roasted chicken and rosemary, the table cleared, the twins freshly bathed and dressed in pajamas that still somehow ended up mismatched. They clambered onto the sofa, each fighting for a spot on Aaron’s lap until he gave in, strong arms wrapping around both.
George leaned against his chest, Iris tucked beneath his chin. Venus curled into his side, her hand resting over the curve of her belly.
The fire crackled, shadows dancing across the walls.
Aaron looked at them-really looked at them. His children, his wife, the life he had built from ashes and pain and choices that had nearly cost him everything. He held it all in his arms now, and his voice, low and certain, broke the silence.
“We survived everything meant to break us,” he said, his hand brushing over Venus’s. “And now, they’ll grow up knowing nothing but love p>
Venus’s throat tightened as she pressed a kiss to his shoulder. The twins murmured sleepily against his chest.
And for Aaron Sinclair-the man who once believed he was born of nothing but ruin-this was the truest victory.
The room was quiet. Whole.
Home.
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.