CHAPTER 14: UNBROKEN BONDS
After the commencement ceremony, the university lawn was filled with graduates taking photos, hugging parents, and popping champagne corks.
Lily pushed her way through the crowd, her gown fluttering behind her, and threw her arms around my neck. I held my daughter tight, burying my face in her hair, letting the tears I had held back for four years finally spill over.
"Congratulations, my sweet girl," I choked out.
She pulled back, looking at me with bright, tear-filled eyes.
"You know something, Dad?" she asked, repeating the phrase she had used on the balcony years ago.
"What, sweetheart?"
"I used to stand in that penthouse living room and feel like I was made of glass," she said, her voice rich with confidence. "I thought if Victoria yelled loud enough, I would break into pieces and nobody would be able to put me back together."
She adjusted the black cap on her head, taking her father's hand in hers.
"Now I know I wasn't glass," Lily smiled softly. "I was steel. You just had to help me polish off the rust."
Marcus stepped up, handing her a small box wrapped in gold paper. "From your legal counsel and official fan club president," Marcus smiled.
Lily opened it. Inside was an antique brass fountain pen engraved with her initials: L.C.W.
May you like
"For signing your first research grant," Marcus said warmly.
"Thank you, Marcus," Lily said, hugging him gently. "For making sure the law worked for us."
