The New Contract
321 Words
Six months had passed since the fire on the island. New York City was covered in a fresh blanket of winter snow, but inside the Sterling penthouse, it was warm and filled with the scent of pine and cinnamon.
The legal battles were over. Marcus Sterling and Sophia Vance were serving long prison sentences for fraud, attempted murder, and conspiracy. The Sterling Empire had been rebranded as Sterling & Thorne Holdings, and its stock was higher than ever.
Elara stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the city lights. She was wearing a simple silk dress, her hair flowing freely. She wasn't the vengeful auditor anymore; she was a woman who had reclaimed her soul.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Liam’s voice came from behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"I was just thinking about the first day I walked into your office with those audit papers," Elara smiled, leaning back into him. "I was so ready to destroy you."
"And instead, you saved me," Liam murmured, turning her around to face him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. "The first contract we had was built on lies and pain. Then we had a one-year agreement for the audit. But I’m tired of temporary contracts, Elara."
He dropped to one knee, the Manhattan skyline glittering behind him. He opened the box to reveal a diamond so bright it looked like a fallen star.
"Elara Thorne, will you sign a new contract with me? One with no expiration date, no hidden clauses, and a lifetime of love? Will you marry me?"
Tears blurred Elara’s vision. "Only if I get to audit your heart every single day," she whispered.
"Deal," Liam laughed, sliding the ring onto her finger and pulling her into a kiss that tasted like forever.
- Writer
