Eclipsed Hearts

Chapter 5

A New Dawn

The sharp buzz of an alarm cut through the early morning stillness, but before I could fully register it, the sound of little feet padding quickly across the floor reached my ears. My bedroom door flew open, and in the next moment, I was greeted by an excited, high-pitched voice.

“Mommy! Mommy! It’s time! We gotta get ready!” Frankie bounded into the room, his enthusiasm infectious as he jumped onto my bed.

I laughed, blinking away the sleep from my eyes as I reached out to tousle his curls. “Slow down, buddy. It’s still early.”

“But it’s my first day of school, and I’m ready!” His eyes sparkled with excitement, and I could practically feel the energy radiating off of him.

I sat up and glanced at the clock. It was earlier than I had planned to get up, but his excitement was too contagious to ignore. “Alright, alright. Let’s get ready then,” I said, swinging my legs over the side of the bed and standing up.

Frankie bounced off the bed, running ahead of me toward his room to get dressed. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched him go. Today was a big day for both of us—his first day of school and my first day at the company. My heart swelled with pride as I thought of how far we had come. Frankie was growing up so fast, and as much as I wished I could slow down time, I was also excited to see the amazing little person he was becoming.

I got ready quickly, pulling on a sleek, tailored suit that gave me the confidence boost I needed for the day ahead. The woman staring back at me in the mirror wasn’t the same person who had left Lilygrove years ago. I had been through so much since then—hardship, growth, motherhood—and every experience had shaped me into the woman I was now. Stronger, more confident, and ready to take on the world.

After making sure Frankie was dressed and his backpack was packed, we made our way to the kitchen for a quick breakfast. He chattered the whole time, barely able to contain his excitement about meeting his new classmates and playing on the school playground. I couldn’t help but smile at how eager he was to start this new chapter.

As we finished eating, I grabbed my car keys and we headed out the door. The crisp autumn air greeted us as we stepped outside, the leaves on the trees already beginning to turn shades of orange and red. It was a beautiful day—a perfect day for new beginnings.

The drive to Frankie’s school was filled with chatter and laughter, and by the time we pulled up to the building, I could tell he was practically vibrating with excitement. I walked him inside, and as we approached his classroom, I knelt down in front of him to straighten his collar.

“You ready for this, big guy?” I asked, smiling at him.

Frankie nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, Mommy! I’m gonna make lots of new friends!”

“I’m sure you will,” I said, pulling him into a hug. “Have fun today, okay? And if you need anything, your teacher is right here.”

“I know,” he said confidently. “I’ll be good, Mommy. Promise.”

I kissed his forehead and stood up, watching as he walked into the classroom without a second glance. My heart squeezed a little at the sight of him heading off into the world on his own, but I also felt an overwhelming sense of pride. He was going to be just fine.

After one last look, I turned and made my way back to the car. Now it was my turn. The drive into the heart of Lilygrove was quiet, the morning sun casting long shadows across the familiar streets. It had been years since I’d been back here, but the memories were still vivid—memories of running through the maple fields, of exploring the halls of the factory with my dad, of feeling like the whole world was at my fingertips.

But today was different. Today, I wasn’t just the daughter of Jeff Hughes. I wasn’t just a girl playing make-believe in her father’s office. Today, I was the next CEO of Hughes Industries, and I was ready to prove that I was more than capable of running the company.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I took a deep breath and let the moment sink in. The building loomed large in front of me, its glass windows reflecting the morning light. It was a place that held so many memories, both good and bad, but today, it represented something new—my future.

I stepped out of the car, smoothing down my suit and adjusting my bag on my shoulder. A part of me had been dreading this day, knowing that it would mean facing the ghosts of my past, but as I stood there, looking at the building that would soon be mine to run, I felt a surge of confidence. Nothing was going to stop me—not even Mark.

With renewed determination, I headed toward the entrance. The building hadn’t changed much since I was a kid, but today, it felt different. It felt like a place of possibility—a place where I could make my mark and build something for Frankie’s future.

I still had a few minutes before the meeting with the board, so I decided to take a stroll through the factory. The sound of machinery hummed in the background as I walked through the familiar halls, watching the workers go about their day. They didn’t know who I was yet, which was exactly how I wanted it. I wasn’t here to be treated like the boss’s daughter. I was here to understand the inner workings of the company—to see the people who kept everything running.

As I walked through the factory floor, I observed the workers quietly, taking mental notes of how things operated. Despite my official-looking suit, no one seemed to pay much attention to me, which was perfect. I wanted to see things as they really were, without the filter of titles and expectations.

The factory was a well-oiled machine, but there were still areas where improvements could be made—places where efficiency could be increased and processes streamlined. It wasn’t just about making a profit; it was about creating a company where people were proud to work, where they felt valued and respected. That was the kind of legacy I wanted to build.

Satisfied with what I had observed, I made my way toward the conference room. The meeting with the board was only minutes away, and I could feel the weight of the moment settling in. This was my chance to show them that I was ready—that I could take on this role and lead the company into the future.

As I entered the conference room, the board members were already seated, their eyes turning toward me as I walked in. I recognized a few familiar faces—people who had worked with my father for years—but there were also new faces, people I would need to win over.

I stood at the head of the table, my heart pounding in my chest. But as I looked around the room, I reminded myself of everything I had accomplished. I had earned my place here, and I wasn’t going to let anyone—including Mark—make me doubt that.

“Good morning,” I said, my voice steady and confident. “Thank you all for being here. I know many of you have worked with my father for years, and I want to assure you that I am committed to upholding the legacy he built. But I also believe it’s time for us to take Hughes Industries into the future—to embrace new ideas and innovations that will ensure our success for generations to come.”

I could see the curiosity in their eyes as I spoke, the subtle shifts in their expressions as they sized me up. But I didn’t let it faze me. I had spent years preparing for this moment, and I wasn’t going to let anyone undermine me.

As the meeting continued, I outlined my vision for the company—my plans for growth, my ideas for improving efficiency, and my commitment to creating a workplace where everyone felt valued. The board members listened intently, some nodding in agreement, others jotting down notes. I could tell that some of them were skeptical, but that was to be expected. Change was never easy, especially in a company as old and established as Hughes Industries.

But by the time the meeting ended, I could feel the shift in the room. The board members were beginning to see me not just as Jeff Hughes’s daughter, but as the leader who would take the company into the future. It was a good start, and I knew that with time, I would earn their full trust and respect.

As I left the conference room, a sense of pride washed over me. I had done it. I had faced my first big challenge, and I had come out stronger on the other side.

But as I made my way toward my new office, a familiar figure caught my eye. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the tall, broad-shouldered man standing near the elevator, his back turned to me. It was Mark.

For a brief moment, I froze, memories flooding back—memories of betrayal, of heartbreak, of everything that had torn us apart. But then I took a deep breath and reminded myself of who I was now. I wasn’t that broken girl anymore. I was a mother, a CEO, a woman who had rebuilt her life from the ground up.

I straightened my shoulders and walked past him without a second glance.

This was my time. And nothing—not even Mark—was going to stand in my way.