What Remained After the Storm
Maya stayed.
Not as staff.
As family.
The mansion filled with a warmth it had never known. Echoes were replaced with laughter. Lucas grew strong. Richard’s daughter from his first marriage finally had a mother who listened.
Months later, in the garden, Richard took Maya’s hands.
“This house was empty before you,” he said. “I don’t want a life without you in it.”
She said yes through tears.
