Chapter 12 - New Beginnings
Spring arrived in New York, bringing blooming cherry blossoms and warm sunshine to Central Park.
Audrey walked along the paved park path pushing a sleek silver double stroller. Beside her walked Julian Vance—Dominic’s estranged older brother. Unlike Dominic, Julian had spent the last ten years working as a dedicated pediatric surgeon at Johns Hopkins, having distanced himself from his family's toxic corporate greed years ago.
Julian had returned to New York three months prior to head the new pediatric cardiac unit at Audrey's hospital.
"They're growing so fast, Audrey," Julian smiled, leaning down to tickle little Liam's chubby cheeks, making the baby giggle loudly. "Liam has your dark eyes, but Chloe definitely inherited your stubborn smile."
Audrey laughed softly, her heart feeling lighter than it had in years. "I'll take 'stubborn' over helpless any day, Julian."
Julian stopped walking, looking at Audrey with genuine warmth and respect. "I want to apologize again for what my brother did to you and these precious babies. The Vance name was tarnished, but seeing what you've done with the hospital... you gave our family a second chance at redemption."
"You don't carry Dominic's sins, Julian," Audrey said gently, placing a hand on his forearm. "You saved three infants in surgery yesterday. You earn your own name every single day."
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Julian looked into her eyes, a faint blush warming his cheeks as he smiled. "I'm just glad I get to be part of their lives as their uncle."
"And as their doctor," Audrey added warmly as they continued their stroll through the sunny park.
