The morning sun filtered through the massive windows of the Vale estate.

Mara was no longer dressed in a maid’s uniform.

She sat at the dining table, wearing a soft cashmere sweater Julian had given her.

Julian sat beside her, sliding a folder across the polished mahogany table.

“What is this?” Mara asked, opening the cover.

Inside was a fully paid tuition receipt for her younger sister’s medical school.

Tears spilled over her lashes as she looked up at him in disbelief.

“You didn’t have to do this, Julian,” she wept, overcome with gratitude.

Julian reached over, wiping a tear from her cheek with his thumb.

“I didn't do it because I had to. I did it because you are my priority now,” he said softly.

He leaned in, pressing a gentle, lingering kiss against her lips.

The silver locket caught the morning light, shining brighter than it had in eleven years.