Chương 17 - A New Chapter Begins
Two months later, Natalie’s suburban home was filled with the warm, rich scent of roasted rosemary and garlic. It was a crisp Saturday evening, and she was hosting an intimate dinner party to celebrate her promotion to Vice President of Regional Healthcare Operations.
The dining room table was set with fine china and sparkling crystal wine glasses. Laughter echoed from the living room as her father, Robert, regaled Tessa and Marcus with an amusing story about Natalie’s childhood science fair project.
Natalie stood in the kitchen plating the main course, feeling a profound sense of gratitude wash over her. Every scar from her past—both physical and emotional—had transformed into armor. She had learned that true love doesn't demand self-erasure, and that a house only becomes a home when it is filled with mutual respect, kindness, and genuine affection.
Marcus walked into the kitchen quietly, wrapping his arms gently around her waist from behind, resting his chin softly on her shoulder. "Need any help carrying these out, Chef?" he murmured, kissing her cheek.
Natalie leaned back against his chest, smiling as she handed him the heavy ceramic platter. "Just follow my lead, Doctor. And remember—no talking about surgical complications at the dinner table."
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"Deal," Marcus laughed, pressing one more tender kiss to her forehead before walking into the dining room ahead of her.
Natalie paused for a moment at the kitchen counter, looking out through the window at the starlit night sky. For the first time in her life, her heart was entirely at peace.
