Page 120 of The Call She Made That He Never Answered
Life became vibrant again. With my encouragement, Lucas finally agreed to share company operations with professional managers. Maya was right—he shouldn't waste that incredible business talent, but he didn't need to sell his soul to work anymore either. Now he kept regular hours, always home by evening, bringing leftover work to his study.
I reorganized my life. Mornings devoted to Theodore, afternoons at Saint Heart Sanatorium fulfilling my nursing duties. Evenings home just as Lucas walked through the door. While he handled emails in his study, I sat at the desk beside him with my books.
I pulled out my iPad and started searching for new materials. When the screen lit up, Lucas emerged from his office.
"What's my star nurse studying now?"
He came up behind me and saw what I was looking at, eyebrow raised.
"Driver's Theory Test Guide?"
"Yes. I want to be able to drive myself."
Lucas bent down and wrapped his arms around me from behind, kissing my neck. "You don't have to push yourself so hard, Ella. You're already taking care of Theodore, working afternoons—you're exhausted. We can have the driver handle this."
"I don't want to hand my future to anyone else," I turned my face slightly and kissed the corner of his mouth. "This isn't about duty. It's about being a person who relies on herself first. Like if it's pouring rain and the driver's not available, I can get myself home. But if I can't drive, I'm stuck hoping someone else will help."
I paused, my fingers lightly touching his handsome face. "And I want to be someone you can depend on, not just the burden hiding behind you."
Lucas stared at me for several seconds. Something complicated flickered in his eyes—fear of losing control, maybe, mixed with something like awe. Then he bent down and kissed me back.
Through ragged breathing, he sighed in surrender. "Okay, Ella. From now on, whatever you say. But—"
He switched gears. "I'm teaching you to drive."
His tone was dead serious, making me laugh. "You have time for that?"
"I'll make time. I don't want some instructor alone with you."
I couldn't help laughing. "Are you jealous?"
"Maybe." He pulled me tight against him, voice dropping low. "I don't want anyone near you. You're mine. Always."
I leaned against his chest, listening to that strong heartbeat. Outside the window, the manor lights blazed bright.
Six months ago, I would've done anything to escape this place. Now I was back.
Nothing had changed. But everything had changed.
This time, Rockefeller Manor had finally become my real home.
I'd earned my nursing license and gained independence. I'd get my driver's license and never be trapped in the rain again.
I'd be there for my child, for my husband. This happiness I thought I'd never touch was finally, truly in my hands.
