Chapter 26
Sunlight streamed through the Amsterdam floor-to-ceiling windows onto my white wedding dress. I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling an unprecedented sense of security. This time, I was truly marrying someone who loved me.
“Ready, Mrs. Rothschild?” Julian kissed my forehead gently, his eyes full of tenderness.
“More ready than I’ve ever been,” I replied, my voice trembling with happiness.
Three months after our wedding, Julian and I sat on our Amsterdam terrace, his arm around my waist as we watched the sunset over the canals.
“I’ve been thinking.” Julian said, his voice thoughtful. “The European branch is running smoothly now, and my board keeps pushing for me to return to New York. Rothschild Corp’s headquarters needs my direct oversight.”
I tensed slightly. “You want to go back to America?”
H
“We,” Julian corrected, turning to face me. “I want us to go back together. I know you’ve built something beautiful here with Zoe’s company, but I can’t build our future properly while managing everything from across an ocean. New York is where I can give you and our future family everything you deserve.”
I considered this carefully. “What about my work here?”
“Zoe’s been wanting to expand to the American market, hasn’t she?” Julian smiled. “You could head the New York branch, or start something entirely new. With my connections and your brilliant mind, you’d have every door open to you.”
Julian’s eyes softened as he stood and pulled me to my feet. “Elizabeth, I fell in love with your strength, your independence, your incredible mind. New York isn’t about limiting you-it’s about us creating something bigger together.”
Two weeks later, Julian brought me back to New York, purchasing a stunning mansion in Manhattan. “This will be our real home,” he said, carrying me across the threshold. The house was magnificent-floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park, a home office he’d designed specifically for me, and a library that took my breath away.
“You remembered,” I whispered, running my fingers along the mahogany bookshelves.
“Every detail,” Julian replied, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “This is our beginning, Elizabeth. Our real beginning.”
I quickly adapted to New York’s pace. I established the American branch of my consulting firm, and my reputation in the business world grew rapidly. Julian was supportive, attending my company events and celebrating each milestone with genuine pride.
One evening, six months after our return, I felt unusually nauseous during dinner. Julian immediately noticed my pale complexion.
“Are you feeling alright?” he asked, reaching across the table to touch my hand.
“Just tired, I think,” I replied, but a sudden wave of sickness sent me rushing to the bathroom.
When I emerged, Julian was waiting with a concerned expression and a glass of water. “Elizabeth, when was your last period?”
My eyes widened as the realization hit. “I… oh my god.”
The next morning, Julian insisted on going to the pharmacy with me. We stood in our bathroom together, hands clasped, watching the pregnancy test develop.
“Two lines,” Julian whispered, his voice filled with awe. “We’re having a baby.”
I turned to see tears in his eyes. “Are you happy?” I asked softly.
Julian lifted me off my feet, spinning me around gently. “Happy doesn’t even begin to cover it. You’re going to be the most incredible mother.”
During my pregnancy, Julian was attentive beyond measure. He would massage my feet after long workdays, research every pregnancy symptom I experienced, and talk to our unborn baby each night before bed.
“Little one, mommy worked so hard today,” he would say, his hand on my growing belly. “She’s building something amazing for our family.”
I gave birth to Iris on a snowy December morning. Julian held my hand through every contraction, whispering encouragement and love. When our
daughter finally arrived. Julian’s tears fell freely.
“She’s perfect,” he hathed, cradling the tiny baby. “She looks just like her beautiful mother.”
The first three years of Iris’s life were blissful. Julian was a devoted father, never missing bedtime stories or weekend trips to the park. I watched him teach Tris to walk, my heart swelling with contentment I’d never thought possible.
