Chapter 9 - The Kitchen Confession
Later that evening, the grand mansion was quiet. The rain had cleared, leaving a beautiful, starry night sky over Lake Forest.
Clara was in the kitchen, packing her canvas suitcase. Her contract with the staffing agency was officially over; Owen was fully recovered, and the estate had hired a full team of professional medical staff for his ongoing physical therapy. She felt a profound ache in her heart at the thought of leaving, realizing that over the past month, this cold mansion had become the only place that felt like home.
"Where do you think you're going?"
She turned around to find Nathan standing in the doorway. He had taken off his suit jacket, his shirt sleeves rolled up, looking younger and more relaxed than she had ever seen him.
"My contract is up, Mr. Whitmore," Clara said, offering a small, wistful smile. "Owen is safe. Your brother is behind bars. My job here is done."
Nathan walked across the marble floor, stopping just inches from her. He reached out, his large hand gently taking the handle of her suitcase and setting it on the floor.
"Your job as a maid is done, Clara," Nathan said, his dark eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "But I’m officially terminating that position. I don't want an employee."
May you like
Clara’s heart fluttered. "Then... what do you want, Nathan?"
"I want a reason to come home every night," Nathan whispered, his hands rising to gently cup her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "I spent ten years running away from my life because I thought love only brought pain. But you walked in here with a cake and a smile, and you saved my son. You saved me. I don't want you to leave, Clara. I want you to stay here. With me. Permanently."
