A CITY ABLAZE
The news hit like wildfire.
"ELARA WYNN PREGNANT: BLACKWOOD CEO CHOOSES LOVE OVER POWER."
Lucien stared at the phone in his hand, jaw tight. The entire city seemed to be watching.
Everywhere he looked—headlines, social media, even the office building across the street—people were talking about them. Some cheered, some mocked, and some envied.
He turned to Elara, who sat quietly on the hospital bed, exhausted but glowing.
"They're not going to let us live," he said softly.
She shook her head.
"I don't care. I've never cared about what they think. Not anymore."
Lucien studied her. The calmness in her voice, the strength in her posture, the fire in her eyes… it made him want to protect her even more fiercely.
---
The Boardroom Fallout
Lucien's office had been emptied of all unnecessary staff. The board had called for an emergency meeting, furious over the news and his decisions.
His uncle leaned forward, voice sharp.
"You've ruined this company, Lucien! Walking away from power, from your responsibilities—"
Lucien interrupted, calm but deadly.
"I chose her. I chose what's real. Not this meaningless empire built on fear and control."
A murmur went through the board members. Some nodded in reluctant respect. Others were seething.
"Sir," one executive said nervously, "investors are reconsidering their positions. Stocks may crash if this continues."
Lucien's eyes darkened.
"Then let them reconsider. I will rebuild, but no one—no investor, no board member—will ever threaten her. Not now, not ever."
---
Media Storm
Outside, reporters were relentless. Cameras flashed as Lucien left the building, hand on Elara's back as he helped her into the car.
Questions came at them like bullets:
"Mr. Blackwood, will you resign?"
"Are you leaving the company for good?"
"Miss Wynn, how do you feel about the news?"
Elara remained composed.
"I feel… free," she said, voice steady despite the exhaustion.
"This is the first time I can live my life on my own terms."
Lucien didn't speak. He only held her hand, shielding her from the cameras as best he could.
---
Serena's Spiral
In her prison cell, Serena's screams echoed through the small room.
"How dare they!" she shouted at the wall.
"They took everything from me! My life, my family, my power!"
Evan, sitting quietly in the corner after testifying, looked at her with disgust.
"You made your choices," he said.
"You destroyed yourself. You can't touch them now."
Serena's hands shook as tears mixed with rage.
"Not over… not over…" she whispered, her voice low and dangerous.
"I will come back. They haven't seen the last of me."
---
Lucien and Elara: A Quiet Balcony
Later that night, the city lights stretched endlessly below them.
Elara rested her head against Lucien's chest, feeling his steady heartbeat.
"It's… overwhelming," she admitted.
"The media, the attention, the world knowing everything…"
Lucien brushed a lock of hair from her face.
"I know. But we've survived worse. Together."
Elara looked up at him, eyes shining with tears.
"And the baby…" she whispered.
"I'm scared I won't be able to protect them."
Lucien cupped her face, his voice firm.
"You don't have to. I will. Every step of the way. Nobody will hurt you. Nobody will hurt our family."
She felt a warmth she hadn't felt in years—complete safety, unwavering love, and devotion.
For the first time, she believed in a life without fear.
---
A New Chapter Begins
That night, as the city slept below them, a quiet determination settled between the two of them.
Lucien had lost his empire, but he had gained what mattered most.
Elara had reclaimed her identity, but she had found a protector and partner who would never let her fall.
And together, they would face whatever the world had left to throw at them—because now, they weren't just surviving. They were unstoppable.