Chapter 8 - A New Normal
Spring transitioned into a bright, vibrant summer.
The manicured lawns of the Sterling estate were filled with the sound of laughter—not the tense, hushed whispers of the past, but genuine, carefree laughter.
Marcus and Emily had established a new routine. Every morning, Marcus made pancakes—often burning the edges, much to Emily’s endless amusement. They walked together in the private garden behind the mansion, planting bright yellow sunflowers along the stone pathway.
One afternoon, as they watered the newly sprouted stalks, Emily looked up at her father with wide, curious eyes.
"Daddy?"
"Yes, my love?" Marcus smiled, turning off the garden hose.
"Are we poor now?"
Marcus paused, stunned by the question. He knelt down on the grass, taking her small hands in his. "Poor? What makes you ask that, Em?"
"Well... you don't wear your fancy suits every day anymore. You work on your laptop at the kitchen table instead of the big office downtown. And you sold the extra sports cars in the driveway."
Marcus chuckled, gently booping her nose. "We aren't poor at all, sweetie. In fact, we are richer than we've ever been. Do you know why?"
"Why?"
"Because wealth isn't measured by how many cars are in the driveway or how big our house is," Marcus explained softly, looking deep into her eyes. "True wealth is having the time to spend with the people you love. Daddy was chasing ghosts for a long time, thinking that buying things made me a good provider. But the best thing I ever bought isn't a car or a house—it's the time I get to spend right here with you."
May you like
Emily beamed, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tight. "I like this new wealth better."
"Me too, kiddo. Me too."
