Chapter 10 - A Garden Under the Sun
Two years later.
The summer sun beamed down brightly over the sprawling gardens of the Vance estate, painting the emerald lawns and vibrant flowerbeds in warm, gold light. The gloomy clouds that had hung over the manor for years were completely gone.
Under the shade of a massive ancient oak tree, a grand garden party was in full swing. Children from the newly constructed Vance-Eli Medical Foundation ran across the grass, laughing and playing tag. The foundation, funded by Arthur’s repurposed fortune, provided free biological treatment and rehabilitation to thousands of families affected by the Lower District tragedy.
Near the center of the garden stood Clara. She wore a simple yellow sun dress, her hair flowing down her back. She wasn't just walking; she was dancing, moving effortlessly among the guests, pouring drinks and sharing laughter.
Arthur stood on the terrace, a cup of warm coffee in his hand, watching his daughter with a look of peaceful fulfillment. Beside him sat a framed photograph of his late wife—no longer a symbol of grief, but a memory honoured.
Eli walked up the stone steps toward the terrace. He was fourteen now, taller, healthy, and dressed in simple, comfortable clothes. He no longer looked like the forgotten street boy from under the bridge, though his eyes retained that deep, gentle stillness.
"You're not out there dancing with Clara?" Arthur asked with a soft smile, placing a hand on Eli’s shoulder.
"I don't know how to dance, Mr. Vance," Eli replied with a slight grin, watching Clara spin across the lawn. "I'm better at standing still."
"You gave her back her life, Eli. You gave both of us back our lives," Arthur said, his voice rich with quiet emotion. "This home... this family... it belongs to you as much as it does to us."
Clara looked up from the garden, caught Eli’s eye, and waved frantically, gesturing for him to come down.
May you like
Eli looked at Arthur, who gave him an encouraging nod.
Walking down the steps into the warm sunlight, Eli stepped onto the lush green grass. Clara ran to meet him halfway, grabbing his hands—the same hands that had once held hers in the dark when everything seemed lost. Together, surrounded by sunlight, laughter, and the gentle breeze of a new beginning, they walked forward into a future they had fought so hard to reclaim.
