Chapter 8 - The Family at the Window
Six months later. October in Boston.
The grand ballroom of Mercer Manor was filled with light, music, and flowers. Over two hundred guests—city officials, corporate executives, and trusted associates—had gathered to celebrate the marriage of Adrian Mercer and Claire Bennett.
Claire stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the rear gardens. She wore an exquisite, custom-designed ivory silk gown that hugged her soft curves with absolute perfection, her dark hair styled in an elegant, low updraft adorned with white orchids.
Beside her stood Lily, wearing a matching ivory flower-girl dress with a velvet sash, holding Claire’s hand tightly.
"You look like a princess, Claire," Lily said, looking up at her with adoration.
Claire leaned down, kissing the little girl’s cheek. "And you look like a queen, sweetie."
The crowd parted, and Adrian walked toward them. He wore an absolute masterpiece of a black tuxedo, looking grand, terrifyingly handsome, and completely dominant.
He stopped in front of Claire, his silver eyes sweeping over his new wife with open, unrestrained devotion.
"Mr. Mercer," Claire murmured playfully, her hand resting on his lapel.
"Mrs. Mercer," Adrian corrected, his deep voice rich with pride.
He picked up Lily with one arm, holding her against his hip, and wrapped his other arm around Claire’s waist, pulling her flush against his side.
Together, the three of them turned to look out the tall windows. Outside, the autumn leaves were falling softly across the estate grounds, glowing gold and crimson under the clear Boston sky.
"The stars were always there, weren't they, Daddy?" Lily asked softly, resting her head against Adrian’s neck.
May you like
Adrian looked down at his daughter, then turned his gaze to Claire—the warm, beautiful, extraordinary woman who had filled his dark world with light.
"Yes, liebling," Adrian whispered, kissing Claire’s lips gently. "They were just waiting for us to find them."
