Extended Epilogue

Five Years Later

"Stop running, dear!" Aurelia called after her daughter, but Penelope's eager little feet were already speeding her toward her father.

The bright-eyed girl ran across the lawn, her golden curls bouncing behind her, her giggles filling the air. Philip, just back from a three-day trip to London, saw her from the distance and opened his arms wide with a grin, lowering himself to catch her as she leaped into his embrace.

"Papa!" Penelope squealed, wrapping her small arms around his neck.

Philip lifted her high into the air, spinning her gently before pulling her close. "There is my little Penelope," he said, laughing. "Were you good for Mama?"

Penelope nodded solemnly, but the mischievous glint in her eyes made Philip chuckle as Aurelia approached holding their two-year-old son Gabriel in her arms.

Aurelia smiled at her husband. "Welcome home, my love," she said softly, leaning in to kiss him.

"I have missed you," Philip replied, returning her kiss and resting his forehead against hers. "These trips are dreadful without you."

"I was not the same in your absence," Aurelia whispered, her eyes full of warmth.

Philip laughed heartily and gently lowered Penelope to the ground. "You say that every time I return," he teased, reaching for Gabriel. "And how is my little one?" he cooed at the boy, who smiled and reached for his father with chubby hands.

Gabriel giggled as Philip lifted him in his arms, pressing a kiss to his soft cheek.

"He has grown heavier, has he not?" Philip noted, glancing at Aurelia.

"He has. But he is just as sweet as ever," she replied with a tender smile, watching her family together.

As they made their way inside, the warmth of the crackling fire greeted them, and after dinner, the household settled into a quiet evening.

Just as Philip was about to engage Aurelia in conversation, the butler stepped into the room, bearing a letter. He handed it to Philip with a solemn bow, recognizing the seal on it.

Philip frowned, opening the letter. His eyes scanned the words briefly before he looked up at Aurelia. "It is from the London prison," he said softly.

Aurelia's expression remained neutral as she waited for him to continue.

"Keldbrooke…your father…has passed," Philip said gently, watching her carefully.

Aurelia stood still for a moment, letting the news sink in. She looked down at Gabriel who was resting peacefully in Philip's arms, then over at Penelope who was playing quietly with her toys by the fireplace.

The family she now had, the love she shared with Philip, it was everything she had never imagined she could have.

A strange sense of relief washed over her and she exhaled slowly. "I do not feel anything," she quietly admitted, almost surprised by her own words. "I thought I might, but…I am just glad it is finally over. He is gone."

Philip placed a reassuring hand on her arm and leaned in to kiss her. "I love you," he said.

"And I love you." She said as she kissed him back.

The End.