SUGAR BABY

Chapter 15: A Place Called Home

Monday morning arrived with crisp sunlight filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse.

Glory adjusted the soft silk throw blankets on the plush daybed in the newly renovated guest suite. The room had been transformed over the weekend into a bright, cheerful space filled with indoor plants, an adjustable easel, and a complete set of professional sketching materials. Every detail had been meticulously arranged to ensure Hope's transition from Saint Jude’s was as seamless and comfortable as possible.

The soft chime of the private elevator signalled David’s arrival. Moments later, the doors slid open to reveal Hope sitting comfortably in a lightweight wheelchair, clutching a brand-new leather sketchbook to her chest. Behind her stood Alexander, carrying two luggage bags with effortless ease.

"Glory!" Hope gasped, her eyes widening as she took in the towering, sunlit living area. "Is this... where do we get to live?"

Glory rushed forward, dropping to her knees beside the wheelchair to wrap her arms around her sister. "It is, sweetie. Welcome home."

Hope looked up at the vast marble foyer, the high ceilings, and the sweeping panorama of the city below. "It doesn't look real. It feels like a palace."

"It's real," Alexander said smoothly, setting the bags down and stepping forward. He crouched down to eye level with Hope, his cold executive demeanour completely melting into a warm, genuine smile. "And if there's anything in this room you want changed or redecorated, you just let David know."

Hope beamed at Alexander, her cheeks holding a healthy, rosy colour that Glory hadn't seen in years. "Thank you, Alexander. For everything. For the hospital, for the doctors... and for taking care of my sister."

Alexander glanced up at Glory, his dark grey eyes holding a quiet, profound intensity. "Your sister took care of herself—and proved to all of us how strong she is. I'm just lucky she let me stay."

Later that evening, after Hope had fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep in her new room, Glory stood on the balcony holding a cup of tea. The cool night air brushed against her skin, bringing a sense of calm she hadn't felt since her parents passed away.

A pair of warm arms wrapped gently around her waist from behind, pulling her back against a broad chest. Glory leaned into Alexander’s embrace, resting her head against his shoulder.

"She's finally safe," Glory murmured softly. "I used to wake up every morning wondering if we'd have a roof over our heads or if the medical bills would sink us completely. Now... it feels like a dream."

"It's not a dream, Glory," Alexander whispered into her hair, his arms tightening around her securely. "You fought through the darkest circumstances to bring her here. You earned this peace."

Glory turned in his arms to face him, looking up into his sharp, handsome features. "And what about us? What happens now that the storm is over?"

Alexander gently raised her jaw with his finger, his thumb tracing the soft curve of her lip. "Now, we build something real. No timelines, no corporate pressure, and no hidden agendas. Just you and me."

He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a tender, lingering kiss that filled her with absolute certainty about their future.