The Quiet Contract

Epilogue

Jennie POV

If you told me ten years ago that I'd be here, married to the love of my life, with two beautiful kids and a heart so full it might burst, I would've laughed in disbelief. But here I am, sitting on the patio of our dream home, watching Jay chase Elle around the garden while Lisa lounges beside me, her laptop open but long forgotten.

Life has a funny way of working out.

After our wedding, Lisa and I decided to dive headfirst into building our family. A year later, I stepped down as CEO, passing the reins to Jisoo. It wasn't an easy decision, but I knew it was the right one. I wanted to focus on our dream of becoming parents and give myself the space to nurture our relationship. Lisa, ever supportive, was hesitant at first, worried I might miss the world of business. But honestly? Watching her thrive as the CEO while I cared for our family made me happier than I ever thought possible.

Jay came into our lives first, a bright-eyed, curious little boy who inherited Lisa's goofy grin and my stubbornness. From the moment I held him, I knew nothing would ever matter more than this little life we created together. Three years later, Elle joined us—a sweet, sassy little girl with Lisa's expressive eyes and my penchant for bossing people around. Together, they're the perfect mix of us, and they've filled our home with more laughter than I could've imagined.

Lisa remained as CEO of her company, but she never let her work overshadow our family. Every evening, she makes it a point to be home for dinner, no matter how hectic her day was. She's the kind of mom/dada who lets Jay and Elle climb all over her during bedtime stories, even when she's dead tired. And as a wife? Well, she's still the same hopeless romantic who leaves love notes in my coffee mug and surprises me with date nights when I least expect it.

Of course, life isn't without its quirks.

"Mommy, Jay won't share his Legos!" Elle's voice rang out, breaking the serene moment.

Lisa smirked, pushing up from her seat. "Hey, Jay, remember what we said about sharing? Don't make me come over there!"

Jay groaned but relented, handing Elle a piece. "Fine, but only the red ones!"

I laughed, shaking my head. "You're such a softie with them."

Lisa plopped back down beside me, shrugging. "What can I say? They're adorable little monsters." She glanced at me, her smile softening. "But not as adorable as you."

Her hand reached for mine, and I felt that familiar spark, the one that's never faded despite the years.

"You're still a flirt," I teased, leaning into her touch.

"And you still love it," she shot back with a wink.

Our lives might look perfect from the outside, but we still have our moments. Like when Lisa gets jealous of the occasional flirty glance I get at the grocery store or when I catch her brushing off overly friendly business associates. She's possessive in the most endearing way, always reminding me—and the world—that I'm hers.

And me? I'm no saint. The number of times I've glared at women who dared to bat their lashes at Lisa is too many to count. She likes to tease me about it, but deep down, I know she secretly enjoys it.

"Hey," Lisa said suddenly, her tone turning serious. "Thank you."

I looked at her, puzzled. "For what?"

"For everything. For stepping away from your career, for putting up with my crazy schedule, for being the best mom and wife I could ever ask for," she said, her voice thick with emotion.