When Sam and I parted ways, I didn''t head straight home, wanting to have a moment to myself. Deep in thought, I realized that with my twin sister gone, I have to go back to my old life as Arabe Angelstone, the CEO of AA cosmetics to fulfill my responsibility.


    It''s been a long time since I''ve handled thepany on my own. But with everything finally back in its ce it''s clear that I have to take over.


    I experienced a twinge of sadness thinking about leaving the Alexander mansion and saying goodbye to the cherished memories and loved ones I hold dear. Lucas and Niall, in particr, hold a special ce in my heart. Although Niall may not be my biological child, as my twin''s son, he feels like my own.


    I had a strong desire to remain in the mansion, creating more memories with Niall and Lucas. Sadly, I couldn''t find a valid reason to stay. The rtionship between Lucas and myself is unclear. I am unsure of where I stand in his life and know that one day he will find the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, and that woman isn''t me.


    I let out a sigh as I wandered through the crowded streets, my mind adrift in contemtion. Despite the bright sun overhead, the weather was pleasantly mild, with a gentle breeze blowing, creating the ideal atmosphere for a leisurely stroll. I found myself stopping to watch the world go by. People rushed past me, their lives moving at a pace that seemed dizzyingpared to my own.


    Everyone looked so happy. I couldn''t help but feel a pang of envy as I watched couples holding hands,ughing together, sharing intimate moments that seemed so out of reach for me. I longed for that kind of connection, but deep down I knew that it wasn''t meant for me. My path was different, and I had to ept that.


    Continuing to walk, I found myself drawn to a nearby park. The sound of children ying filled the air, filling me with a sense of peace. I sat on a bench, watching as families enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. One day I''ll have a family of my own. It might not be now, but a time wille that I will.


    —


    After spending two hours wandering through the park, contemting my future and the steps I need to take now that my life has returned to normal, Lucas was understandably concerned about my prolonged absence. When I exined that I had lost track of time while walking, he visibly rxed.


    "Can we talk?" I inquired.


    Lucas hesitated briefly before sighing. "Alright." Rising from his desk, he left his paperwork behind in his office. "Let''s take a stroll to the garden." He and I found a quiet corner of the sprawling garden. We sat down on the bench. Silence lingered in the air.


    I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I knew this conversation was going to be difficult, but it was one that needed to happen. We had been through so much together in the short time I had been at the mansion, but it was time for me to return to my life as the CEO of AA Cosmetics.


    Taking a deep breath, I finally mustered the courage to speak. "Lucas, there''s something I need to tell you," I began, my voice barely above a whisper.


    He turned to me, his eyes full of concern. "What is it, Be? You know you can tell me anything," he said softly, cing a gentle hand on my shoulder.


    I took another deep breath before continuing. "I''ve made the decision to leave the mansion. I...I need to go back to my life as the CEO of AA Cosmetics." The words felt heavy on my tongue, but I knew they needed to be said.


    Lucas''s eyes widened in surprise, and I could see a flicker of sadness in them but it disappeared as quickly as it arrived, reced by a papernk expression. "Are you sure that is what you want?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.


    No. I wanted to say but couldn''t. The truth is I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him but I can''t stay with a man who has no feelings for me.


    "I appreciate everything you and everyone else has done for me here, Lucas. But AA Cosmetics is where I belong, my life''s work. I can''t continue to abandon my obligations. I need to go back and continue building mypany," I exined. My voice sounded calm but deep inside I trembled from the intensity of my emotions.


    Lucas fell silent for a moment, processing my words. Finally, he sighed and nodded. "I understand, Be. You can leave the house if that''s what you wanted. But know that you''ll always have a ce here at the mansion, no matter what," he said, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and eptance.


    "Thank you, Lucas." I smiled through my tears, grateful for his understanding. "I''ll never forget the time I''ve spent here, the memories I''ve made."


    Lucas turned to walk away, heading towards the mansion. I watched painfully. Leaving behind the people I hade to care for deeply was difficult, but I knew that I was making the right decision for myself.


    —


    "Mommy," Niall eximed as he ran towards the bench where I was seated. Although I still feel bad after my conversation with Lucas I opened my arms wide and returned the bright smile on the child''s face. He jumped into my arms, I held him close, cherishing the feeling of his small body in my arms knowing I''ll never have another chance to hold him like this in the near future.


    "It''s been some time since we''ve had a chance to just be together like this," the child said softly, his eyes shining with excitement.


    I leaned down and nted a gentle kiss on his head, my heart heavy with the news I knew I needed to share with him soon. It tore me apart to think about telling him I would be leaving soon.


    Niall pulled back and looked up at me with his big eyes. "I have a gift for you!" he said


    "Well, what is it?" I asked, ying along.


    Niall took my hand and led me to his room. I was curious about why he wanted to give me a gift out of the blue. There was no asion so I have no idea why he was giving me a gift.


    "Come here, Mum," he said, patting the space next to him. I sat down, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity.


    "I wanted to give you something," he said, reaching under his pillow. He pulled out a small velvet box and handed it to me.


    I opened it slowly, not sure what to expect. Inside was a beautiful ne, shining in against the light.The pendant was a delicate silver heart, with small emerald stones adorning the edges.


    I gasped, feeling overwhelmed by the beauty of the gift. "Niall, this is stunning," I whispered, feeling a lump form in my throat.


    "I saw it in a store and thought of you. I wanted to get it for you, just because. You mean so much to me, Mum, and I wanted to show you how much I appreciate you."


    Tears welled up in my eyes as I reached out and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Niall. This is the most precious gift I have ever received, because ites from your heart."


    He hugged me back, holding me close.