The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Yuri had long since stopped feeling the deep pang of grief.

After all, it had been over twenty years since Julie had passed away. Over those two decades, he'd gotten used to the absence, the waiting, the void left by Julie. But certain days, like today, made it hard not to feel a touch of sadness, a whisper of what could have been if Julie were still here to share life with him and Brittany.

The Lynette Family Cemetery was vast, a sprawling expanse of history and memories, mostly visited by members of the Lynette lineage.

Julie's headstone was a labor of love personally overseen by Yuri.

Majestic yet solemn.

Understated yet powerful.

Daniel approached the grave, his legs giving way beneath him as he knelt with a soft thud.

He carefully opened a picnic basket, taking out a piece of pumpkin pie, gingerly setting it down.

"Grandma, it's me, Daniel. I came to visit you."

His voice had lost its babyish lilt, edging more into the realm of a young man's.

Daniel, Dad, and I are doing

as if she could hear, then took Daniel by the hand, preparing to leave. She paused, turning back to Yuri, "Dad, if there's anything you'd like to

and Daniel slowly walked away, leaving Yuri alone with

photo on the tombstone, his eyes filled with regret, "Julie, I'm sorry. I've let Bri face

smiling face on the tombstone seemed to echo

himself. If only he had been stronger, perhaps Brittany wouldn't have had to face threats

they bumped into Derek Bishop, who had

when did you

"Cousin Derek-"

and rushed into Derek's arms, "Cousin Derek, I've missed you so

tickling him, eliciting giggles and pleas, "Cousin Derek,

as Derek

with joy, gripping Derek's head, his

"Where's Mr. Lynette?"

replied, "When

about coming over to the Bishop

Brittany nodded, "Sure."

barely having