It's been weeks since my birthday party and my days were filled with closure and preparation. The pieces of my life that had once felt shattered were finally falling into place, and for the first time in a long time, I had complete control over my future.
The company was mine now, but I knew that I couldn't manage it alone, especially not with my plans to leave for Cambridge. My mother had worked too hard to build Bellamy Enterprises into the empire it had become, and I wouldn't allow it to crumble because of my inexperience. I needed someone I could trust to oversee things while I was gone.
The answer had been clear from the moment I thought about it—Alaine.
I met her in my mother's old office, the place where everything had started. She sat across from me, her sharp eyes studying me with curiosity. "I have a feeling I know why you called me here."
I nodded. "I want you to take over as CEO of Bellamy Enterprises."
Alaine leaned back in her chair, exhaling slowly. "That's a bold decision. Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." I folded my hands on the desk. "You've already been a silent partner in the company. You fought to keep Cassandra from taking over, and my mother trusted you. I trust you."
Alaine didn't speak for a long moment. Then, finally, she smiled. "I won't lie—running this company won't be easy. There will be pushback, especially from the board members who were once aligned with Cassandra."
"That's why I need you," I said firmly. "You know this world better than I do. I'll still be involved in major decisions, but I need someone here who can fight for this company like my mother would have."
She considered my words before nodding. "Alright, Elise. I'll do it. But understand this—this is still your legacy. When you come back, whenever that may be, this company will be waiting for you."
I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. "Thank you, Alaine. I won't forget this."
She smirked. "You better not. Now, go enjoy Cambridge. Don't let business weigh you down just yet."
The day of my departure arrived quicker than I expected. My bags were packed, my flight itinerary finalized, and the last of my affairs in the U.S. settled. I stood outside the estate, taking in one last look at the home that had been a battlefield for so long.
Delphine stood beside me. Things between us were still fragile, but they were better. She had been keeping to herself, but every day, she was trying.
"So, this is it," she murmured.
"For now," I corrected. "I'll be back."
She nodded, her expression unreadable. "I know I don't have the right to ask for anything, but... I hope when you do come back, we can keep working on this. On us."
I studied her, searching for any sign of deception. There was none. Just quiet sincerity.
"We will," I promised.
She exhaled in relief, offering a small smile. "Good luck, Elise."
"You too, Delphine."
With that, I climbed into the car, watching as the estate disappeared behind me. I had no regrets. This wasn't a goodbye—it was just the start of something new.
The moment the plane touched down at London Heathrow Airport, a surge of nerves and excitement coursed through me. Cambridge was my fresh start, my escape from everything that had weighed me down for so long.
I made my way through customs, adjusting my bag on my shoulder as I stepped into the arrivals area. My heart pounded slightly as I scanned the crowd, looking for a familiar face.
And then I saw him.
Darren stood near the entrance, hands in his pockets, his signature grin already in place. His sandy brown hair was slightly tousled, his green eyes locking onto mine with a mixture of warmth and amusement.
"Welcome to England, Elise."
A breath of relief escaped me, and before I could stop myself, I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around him. He didn't hesitate—his arms tightened around me, steady and sure, grounding me in the midst of all the change happening around me.
When we pulled back, he smirked. "Miss me already?"
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't fight the smile tugging at my lips. "Maybe a little."
He laughed. "Come on, let's get you settled. You've got a whole new life waiting for you."
As I stepped into the London air, I realized something.
In this moment right here... right now... I felt free.
And I was ready for whatever came next.