The soft warmth of the sun cast a gentle glow over the private villa as Erica and Julian stepped onto the terrace, overlooking the pristine shoreline. They had escaped to this secluded coastal retreat after months of relentless work and battles, finally giving themselves the space to breathe, reconnect, and truly savor the life they had built. Julian had insisted on the trip, booking a beautiful villa with sweeping ocean views and a private beach, determined to make it special.Erica closed her eyes, letting the breeze brush against her face as the ocean’s rhythmic roar filled her ears. She felt an overwhelming sense of peace—a calm she hadn’t experienced in years. For once, there were no phones ringing, no urgent meetings, and no hidden threats lurking in the shadows.“It’s beautiful here,” she murmured, leaning into Julian’s side as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.Julian looked down at her, a soft smile lighting his features. “You deserve this, Erica. Every single moment of
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room as Julian gently cradled their newborn daughter, his heart swelling with a love he had never known before. Erica watched him from her hospital bed, her own heart full and overflowing, knowing this moment would forever change them.Julian looked down at the tiny bundle in his arms, her delicate features so small and perfect. He traced a gentle finger along her cheek, marveling at the life they had brought into the world. "She’s beautiful, Erica," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I still can’t believe she’s ours."Erica smiled, her eyes misting over as she reached out, her hand covering his. "We did it, Julian. After everything, we finally have our family."Their daughter stirred slightly, a soft, sleepy sigh escaping her as she nestled closer to Julian’s chest. He looked up at Erica, his expression one of pure adoration and wonder. "Thank you," he whispered. "For giving me this… for build
The morning sun poured through the kitchen windows, casting a golden glow over the room. Erica was at the kitchen counter, carefully slicing strawberries for breakfast, lost in thought as the gentle hum of the day began. Just then, she heard the sound of small, quick footsteps padding down the hallway. She turned around, catching sight of Olivia toddling in with her favorite stuffed bunny in hand and a huge, delighted grin on her face.“Mommy!” Olivia’s little voice, still laced with the softness of sleep, filled the room.Erica’s face lit up as she bent down to greet her daughter. “Good morning, my love!” She held her arms out, and Olivia practically leaped into her embrace, wrapping her small arms around her mother’s neck. The warmth and innocence in that little hug melted Erica’s heart, as it did every day.Just as Erica stood up with Olivia in her arms, Julian walked into the kitchen, looking relaxed but slightly disheveled from sleep. “Ah, I see my two favorite people are already
Chapter 94The soft waves lapped gently against the shore as the sun began to rise, casting a warm, amber glow over the beach. Julian and Erica had taken Olivia on a family vacation to a secluded coastal resort, something they had both looked forward to for a long time. It was a chance to escape the bustling demands of the company and the lingering tensions of past conflicts, to simply focus on each other and their little family.They watched as Olivia, wearing a tiny straw hat and carrying her red sand bucket, toddled excitedly along the beach. Her little feet left soft impressions in the sand, and her laughter danced on the breeze as she discovered seashells scattered along the shore.Julian walked beside Erica, his hand entwined with hers, as they strolled behind their daughter. “I don’t think I’ve seen her this happy,” he mused, watching Olivia crouch down to examine a tiny crab with wide, fascinated eyes.“She’s free here,” Erica replied, smiling as she took in the sight of her l
The next morning dawned softly, casting a gentle glow through the windows of their home. Erica and Julian were up early, sharing a quiet moment in the kitchen as they sipped coffee and watched the sun rise over the city. It was a rare moment of peace before the day began, and they cherished it.Soon, they heard the light patter of little feet as Olivia trotted into the kitchen, her eyes wide with the excitement only a child could muster so early in the morning. She was carrying her favorite stuffed bunny, the one Julian had given her on her last birthday, and she wore her pink pajamas with the tiny star prints."Mommy! Daddy!" she said, her voice filled with delight. "Can I have pancakes today?"Erica knelt down, smiling as she brushed Olivia’s hair back. "Of course, sweetie. Special pancakes for our special girl."Julian, smiling at his wife and daughter, pulled out a mixing bowl. "You’re going to help me, aren’t you, Olivia? I need my little chef."Olivia nodded eagerly, climbing ont
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the quiet room. Erica sat by the window, cradling a mug of tea as she watched the soft rise and fall of Julian and Olivia's breathing in the bed beside her. Their two-year-old daughter had managed to nestle herself between them during the night, her tiny arms sprawled in a carefree manner that only a child could achieve.This morning felt different—there was an unusual sense of nostalgia, a feeling that pulled her back into memories she had long set aside. Her mind drifted to fragments of a life before this one, a life she had left behind when she reincarnated. It felt like remembering someone else’s life, yet she knew it was hers—the ambitions, the relentless pursuit of power, and the solitude that had filled her days back then.In her previous life, she had always wanted control, so focused on her career that there hadn’t been time for much else. Her world had been fast-paced and full of achievements, but al
As the sun rose over the estate, Erica sat on the balcony, gazing out over the gardens that she and Julian had carefully restored. The scent of blooming roses drifted through the air, mingling with the early morning breeze. Julian soon joined her, bringing two cups of coffee, his quiet presence offering a comforting warmth.“How are you feeling?” Julian asked softly, his gaze tracing the distant hills.Erica smiled, her eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and contentment. “Sometimes it feels like a different lifetime,” she replied, thinking back to everything she had endured, everything that had shaped her into the person she was now. From her life before, to her battles to protect her father’s legacy, to finding love and building something entirely her own.Today, she and Julian had planned to visit her old childhood home—a place she hadn’t been to since her life was filled with battles and power struggles. The thought stirred something deep within her, a pull toward the past she had
The morning sun cast a warm glow across the family room as Erica and Julian sat on the floor with Olivia, now almost three years old, who was enthusiastically arranging her collection of stuffed animals. Her little fingers worked with careful concentration as she lined them up, occasionally glancing up at her parents to make sure they were watching.Julian chuckled, giving Olivia an approving nod. “Perfect line-up, Olivia! Those animals look like they’re ready for their next adventure.”Olivia beamed, her green eyes—a striking mix of Erica and Julian’s shades—lighting up with pride. “They’re going to a big party!” she declared, arranging a tiny teddy bear in the center as if it were the guest of honor. “Mama, Papa, you come too?”Erica and Julian exchanged amused glances. "How could we say no to an invitation like that?" Erica replied, joining Olivia and seating herself at the edge of the circle of toys.With each passing day, Erica and Julian marveled at how much Olivia was growing—h