Lines We Cross

Epilogue

New York skyline was the backdrop of YN and Elizabeth's life together, and their penthouse — a blend of style and warmth — felt like a true reflection of both of them. The spacious, open-plan living area was flooded with natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a view of the city. Bookshelves lined one wall, overflowing with political theory volumes, classic literature, and contemporary reads. A leather reading chair sat in the corner, looking well-loved and lived-in, while the carefully curated art on the walls brought a touch of elegance to the space. It was stylish but cozy, with touches of both their personalities.

YN moved with purpose as she set her coffee mug down on the sleek kitchen island, her eyes catching the morning light. She wore an easy confidence these days, softened by the years she'd spent making Sterling Enterprises her own. She wasn't just running her family's empire — she was reshaping it, putting her stamp on every project, every decision. The job was demanding, but she had learned to find balance, even if it meant taking a few more late nights at the office. At the heart of it all, she was happiest coming home to Elizabeth.

Lizzie stepped into the kitchen, her footsteps soft as she approached. She had shifted her career, taking a part-time role as a professor at NYU. It was a decision they'd made together, understanding that quality time mattered to them more than anything. Though she still carried that deep love for academia, Lizzie's days now held space for YN, for quiet evenings together and spontaneous city outings.

"You're already up?" Lizzie asked, a smile forming as she moved closer.

"Had an early call with the Tokyo team," YN replied, reaching to pull her close. "But it's all sorted, so now I'm all yours for the morning."

"Any interesting plans for today?" Lizzie asked, settling comfortably.

"Actually, there is," YN replied, smirking. "Guess who's been invited back to Yale for a conference on legacy and innovation?"

Lizzie's eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. "You?"

YN laughed. "Apparently, they want to honor a few alumni who made, and I quote, 'distinct and meaningful strides' in their fields." She gave Lizzie a sly grin. "I thought it might be fun to go together. You know, stir things up a bit."

Lizzie's hand reached for YN's, her thumb grazing over the ring on YN's finger. "So, you want to show off your fiancée?"

YN chuckled, her hand wrapping around Lizzie's. "Maybe. Or maybe I just want everyone to see exactly how well things turned out for us."

Lizzie laughed, leaning into her shoulder. "I can think of worse reasons to visit."

———

The sun shone brightly over the Yale campus as YN and Lizzie walked side by side, a quiet anticipation in the air. YN's speech was scheduled for mid-afternoon, but she wanted to walk with Lizzie around first, to revisit the memories of her undergraduate years and share those pieces of her past.

Finally, they arrived at the conference hall. As YN took the stage, she glanced at the packed room. Her parents sat in one of the rows near the back, a quiet but proud presence, and Lizzie was front and center, watching her with a smile that made everything else fade away.

YN cleared her throat, her voice confident but sincere. "Thank you all for the opportunity to be here today," she began. "Five years ago, I couldn't have imagined standing here — or doing so with the sense of purpose I feel now. But over the years, I've learned that building a legacy isn't just about success in numbers or headlines. It's about the people who stand by you, the ones who remind you of who you are when the world tries to tell you otherwise."

The audience listened intently as she continued, weaving stories about her journey with Sterling Enterprises. She spoke of her early resistance to the role, the weight of expectation, and how she eventually found a way to reconcile her family's legacy with her own vision.

"Being a part of Sterling Enterprises meant navigating more than just boardrooms," she said, her gaze softening as it drifted toward Lizzie. "It was about finding my own identity within it, and understanding what legacy truly means. For me, legacy isn't just about making an impact in business. It's about living with integrity, standing up for what I love, and choosing to build something meaningful every single day."

As she finished, applause filled the room. YN stepped down, her heart racing as she met Lizzie's gaze — a look that held a thousand unspoken words, a shared pride in how far they'd come.

———

Later that evening after taking the jet back to New York, they found themselves at home, their penthouse quiet and peaceful in the twilight. They sat together on the couch, each savoring the moment, the buzz of the day fading into a serene contentment.

YN turned to Lizzie, her hand once again reaching for the ring. "You know, going back there with you... it felt right."

Lizzie brushed a thumb over her hand, her eyes warm. "And watching you speak up there, with so much confidence, so much heart... it reminded me why I fell for you."

YN grinned, pulling her close. "Good, because I'm planning on keeping you around for the long haul."

~ The End ~

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900 words

There's the happy ending folks😉