Chapter 15: A Gala to Remember
A full year had passed since the night Arthur had found Lily crying on the kitchen floor. The time had come for the annual charity gala, the very event Arthur had been preparing for on that fateful evening.
This time, the atmosphere in the house was entirely different. There was no tension, no fear, and no hiding.
Arthur adjusted his black bowtie in the mirror, smiling as Eleanor walked up behind him in a stunning emerald gown.
"You look beautiful," Arthur said, turning to kiss her cheek.
"And you look incredibly handsome," she replied, smoothing the lapels of his tuxedo. "Are you ready?"
May you like
"Almost," Arthur said. He walked out to the hallway and whistled. Finn came trotting around the corner, now a robust, healthy adolescent dog with a shining golden coat. Around Finn’s neck was a custom-made, miniature black silk bowtie.
Tonight, the charity gala was not just to raise funds for the hospital ward, but also to support the local animal rescue—the very network that had connected them with Dr. Evans. Finn was the guest of honor. As the family walked out the front door together, Arthur felt a profound sense of pride. He had not only rebuilt his career, but he had salvaged his family's trust.
