In the Lake house, the evening sun poured into the study, casting long golden streaks across the floor.
Harry sat behind his mahogany desk, reviewing documents, his tailored suit coat folded neatly over the back of his chair. He glanced up as the door creaked open and Ana stepped inside, unsure if he had summoned her.
"Come in," he said, his deep voice softer than usual.
She walked in cautiously, her eyes wide with curiosity. Harry set down his pen and leaned back in his chair. "I made a few calls," he began, "You've been enrolled at Avondale University. You start next week."
For a moment, she simply stared at him in disbelief, her lips parting as though to speak, but no words came out. Ana blinked, her breath catching in her throat. "I… I'm going to college?" she asked in disbelief.
It wasn't until she saw the faint, knowing smile playing on Harry's lips that it finally dawned on her that he was serious.
Harry nodded with a small smile, pleased by her reaction.
"You kept your promise," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "Thank you, Harry."
Her words were barely out before she rushed to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He rose to his feet, holding her tightly. Their eyes met full of emotion, trust, and a passion that had steadily been building between them.
"Go and chase your dreams," he had said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll handle the rest."
Harry kissed her. Gently at first, then with rising intensity as desire consumed them both. He swept her off her feet, carrying her to the long leather couch by the window.
Their mouths moved in rhythm, fingers tangling in hair and fabric. Clothes fell to the floor like petals in the wind. He took his time with her worshiping every inch of her skin as if memorizing her.
She lay beneath him, sighing softly, her body responding to every brush of his lips, every stroke of his hand. Harry was gentle yet firm, dominant yet patient. He kissed down her neck, down her stomach, until she trembled beneath him, her heart pounding with anticipation.
Their bodies joined in a slow, passionate rhythm, rising and falling like waves. Each movement, each gasp, was filled with emotion neither of them could put into words. Ana arched into him, moaning his name as they reached the edge together, clinging to each other in the aftermath. For a long moment, they simply lay there, limbs entangled, skin glistening, hearts beating as one.
He kissed her temple. "You deserve the world, Ana."
The scent of antiseptic lingered faintly in the air, mingling with the soft hum of machines and the occasional encouraging words of therapists echoing down the hallway.
Inside one of the therapy rooms, Kimberly Fairchild sat in her customized wheelchair, her hair tied neatly back with a silk scarf. Though her limbs remained unresponsive, her eyes gleamed with determination.
Beside her stood Ana, dressed casually in jeans and a soft sweater, gently massaging Kimberly's hand like the physiotherapist had taught her. She had been attending every session with Kimberly since she returned to the estate from school each afternoon, forming a bond with the girl that neither of them had expected.
"Alright, Miss Kimberly," the physiotherapist said cheerfully, adjusting the padded braces on Kimberly's legs. "Let's try some leg stimulation exercises today. No pressure. Just see what your body's willing to give."
Ana knelt beside the girl, her voice warm and bright. "You've got this, Kim."
Kimberly rolled her eyes affectionately. "You sound more nervous than I do."
They both giggled.
As the therapist began the session, Ana stayed close, holding Kimberly's hand through the gentle, repetitive motions. The room was quiet for a while, focused, tense with hope. Then suddenly...
"There!" the therapist exclaimed, eyes wide. "Did you feel that? Her right foot slight twitch in the toes!"
Ana gasped. "Really?"
"Yes," the therapist confirmed. "It's small, but it's movement. A very good sign."
Ana turned to Kimberly, her eyes misty. "You did it! Kimberly, you moved!"
Kimberly's face lit up with the brightest smile Ana had ever seen on her. "I... I felt something too. Like a pulse."
The therapist beamed. "That's a sign of nerve response. It's beginning. With regular therapy and care, there's a real chance you'll regain partial mobility...maybe more."
Tears spilled freely from Ana's eyes as she crouched and hugged Kimberly carefully, mindful of the medical equipment. "I'm so proud of you. You're amazing, Kimberly."
Kimberly voice was quiet but full of strength. "I'm going to walk again someday. Even if it's just a few steps. I'll do it."
"You will," Ana whispered, brushing back her hair. "And I'll be here. Every single step."
They sat together after the session, watching the late afternoon light shimmer through the window. Ana held Kimberly's hand, and the younger girl leaned slightly into her, comforted.
A few days later, Ana stood before the gates of Avondale University. The prestigious campus stretched before her, elegant stone buildings, students bustling around with backpacks and books, the air filled with chatter and possibility.
By her side, Nolan the Assistant of Harry stood patiently, hands clasped behind his back. He had helped her through the registration process, handling everything with efficiency and quiet dignity.
"Thank you, Nolan," Ana said sincerely.
"I'm just doing my job," he replied with a respectful nod.
Ana wandered the campus for a while, letting the fresh air and vibrant energy of the place fill her. For the first time in a long while, she felt free. No scheming families, no lies, no sorrow just her.
She found a bench beneath a large oak tree and sat down, watching students walk past. Laughter floated through the air. Ana closed her eyes briefly, letting the moment sink in. Peace. That was what she felt.
From a distance, a young man behind a camera clicked away, capturing campus life in vivid stills. He was adjusting his lens when his eyes landed on her sitting there like a dream. The light fell perfectly on her face, illuminating her smooth skin, her thoughtful eyes, and the serenity of her smile.
He raised his camera and quickly took several shots, captivated.
When Ana rose to leave, the photographer made his move. Slinging the camera around his neck, he hurried toward her.
"Hey!" he called, slightly breathless. "I just had to say you're stunning. You have the kind of beauty that steals focus even from nature."
Reina blinked, caught off guard. His smile, however, was warm and boyish, and somehow managed to melt her defenses.
"I'm sorry, that was probably forward," he added quickly, laughing. "I'm Chase. I'm a photography student here."
Ana's lips curved into a small smile. "I'm Ana," she replied softly. "Also a student, apparently."
"Well, Ana," Chase said, reaching out a hand, "it's a pleasure."
They shook hands, and for a fleeting second, something passed between them an innocent spark, a silent curiosity.
Just then, Nolan cleared his throat from behind. "Miss Ana, we should get going."
Ana turned toward the voice, then looked back at Chase. "I have to go," she said with a hint of apology in her tone. "But it was nice meeting you."
"Likewise," Chase said, stepping back slightly.
"But… I hope I'll see you again. Around campus?" he said, his eyes lingering on her face.
Ana gave a gentle nod. "Maybe."
A dreamy smile tugged at his lips as he murmured to himself, "Definitely the highlight of my day."
He didn't know who she was or where she came from, but one thing was certain he wouldn't be forgetting Ana anytime soon.