Chapter 6: A Full House
Six months later.
The Olive Branch Bistro was completely closed to the public for a private Sunday brunch. The green awning outside gleamed in the spring sunshine, and the window boxes were overflowing with fresh white daisies.
Inside, the long corner booth had been extended to accommodate a high chair, two booster seats, and an array of toy trucks that occupied most of the white linen table.
Leo was currently sitting on Sebastian’s lap, wearing a tiny navy blazer that perfectly matched his father’s. He was pointing a French fry at a legal document Marcus had brought for signature, completely unfazed by the corporate gravity of the Thorne empire.
"Sign here, Daddy," Leo ordered, tapping his tiny finger on the line.
Sebastian laughed, a deep, booming sound that the employees of Thorne Tower had never heard. He signed the paper, then kissed the top of his son’s dark hair. "Excellent work, partner. Take the rest of the day off."
Across the table, Elena was helping Chloe with her strawberry pancakes, a bright, diamond-less ring on her left hand—a simple gold band Sebastian had bought from a street vendor in Queens, the exact opposite of the Thorne family jewels. Mateo was quietly reading a picture book beside her, his amber eyes bright with content.
The Maybach was parked outside, but it wasn't waiting to rush Sebastian to a Singapore acquisition or a heartwell call. The calendar was clear. The tower could wait.
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Sebastian looked across the table at his wife, then at the three miniature versions of his own soul currently wreaking beautiful, chaotic havoc on the elite brunch setting. For five years, he had lived in a world where every breath felt heavy, expensive, and completely artificial.
But here, amidst the smell of warm bread and the sound of his children's laughter, Sebastian Thorne finally remembered how to breathe.
