Chapter 44 - Looking BackThat evening, after the guests had departed and the mansion returned to its quiet evening calm, Julian and Elena stood together on the balcony overlooking the illuminated gardens.

The warm summer breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming jasmine. Below them, teenaged Lily and young Leo were laughing near the fountain, tossing pennies into the water to make wishes.
Julian wrapped his arms around Elena from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Remember the day you walked through those front doors with your little nanny bag?"
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Elena laughed softly, leaning her head back against his chest. "I thought you were the coldest, most intimidating man in New York."
"And I thought you were just a stubborn nanny who refused to follow my rules," Julian teased, kissing her neck gently. "Turns out you were my guardian angel."