Chapter Fifty-Six: The Launch

The grand ballroom was alive with energy, filled with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the hum of excited conversation. The chandeliers above sparkled like diamonds, casting soft light on the well-dressed guests as they mingled and admired the displays around the room. It was the launch night for Theo’s new company—a moment he had dreamed of for years, and now, it was finally coming to fruition. 

Eleanor stood at the side of the room, her arm linked with Duchess Catherine Darlington’s, both women smiling proudly as they watched their husbands, Theo and Edmund, engage in conversations with some of the most powerful CEOs in the room. The event was a resounding success, and from the looks of things, it was just the beginning. 

Theo’s company, the brainchild of both him and Edmund, was already generating a buzz. It wasn’t just a typical venture—it was groundbreaking, innovative, and forward-thinking. The media had already begun to take notice, and within hours of the event’s start, the room was buzzing with news of its success. 

Eleanor couldn’t help but smile as she watched her husband move through the crowd with ease. His charisma, charm, and sharp mind had made him a natural at networking. The powerful men and women surrounding him all seemed drawn to him, but she knew the truth—he was completely and utterly hers. 

As they made their way through the crowd, Theo paused to speak with a prominent CEO, a woman with striking features and an air of confidence. Eleanor observed from a distance, her eyes narrowing slightly as the woman laughed at something Theo had said. There was a flicker of something in her expression—something that might have once made Eleanor feel threatened. But not tonight. 

She turned to Catherine, whose gaze was also fixed on their husbands. There was an understanding between the two of them, a silent acknowledgment that no matter who else was in the room, their husbands belonged to them. 

“You’re right, you know,” Eleanor said softly, her voice filled with quiet pride. “I always knew they would create history. This company—this dream of Theo’s—it’s bigger than all of us.” 

Catherine smiled at her sister-in-law, a warmth in her eyes. “You’ve always known. You’ve always believed in them, just like Edmund and Theo have believed in each other. It’s that kind of partnership, that kind of trust, that makes them unstoppable.” 

Eleanor’s gaze shifted back to Theo, who was now surrounded by a group of powerful men, each one eager to shake his hand or discuss business. He was effortlessly at the center of attention, his easy smile and confident demeanor drawing people in. He might be surrounded by a sea of powerful CEOs, many of them women who were every bit as capable as the men, but Eleanor knew one thing for certain—he was completely and utterly captivated by her. 

“And look at them,” Catherine continued, glancing toward her husband, Edmund, who stood proudly beside Theo. “They’re not worried about the others. They have their eyes on us. Always.” 

Eleanor couldn’t help but laugh at that, her heart swelling with affection. “No matter how many CEOs or ambitious women are in this room, we’re the ones they come home to.” 

“Exactly,” Catherine said, her eyes glinting with pride. “We’re their constants, the ones who remind them of what really matters. And they’ll never forget that.” 

As the evening wore on, the room continued to fill with influential individuals from all walks of life, but for both Eleanor and Catherine, nothing else mattered. They weren’t concerned with the power plays, the business negotiations, or the whispered words of admiration about their husbands. All that mattered was that their husbands had succeeded—not only in business but in everything they set out to do. 

Eleanor’s heart swelled with pride as she watched Theo approach her. His eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the noise of the room seemed to fade away. He was smiling, his eyes bright with excitement. He had done it—he had made his dream a reality. 

“Eleanor,” he said, his voice low and filled with warmth. “I couldn’t have done this without you.” 

Eleanor’s heart skipped a beat. She tilted her head slightly, offering him a soft smile. “I always knew you could do it, Theo. I never doubted you for a second.” 

He reached for her hand, pulling her closer. “Still, you were the one who supported me every step of the way. You were the one who believed in me when no one else did.” 

Eleanor’s smile softened as she gazed up at him. “Because I knew you had something special. You were always meant for greatness.” 

Theo leaned down, brushing a kiss against her forehead. “And now, look at us. We’ve built something incredible together.” 

Eleanor couldn’t help but laugh softly, the joy in her heart almost overwhelming. “Not just together,” she teased, “but you and Edmund—together, you two have created something that will change the world.” 

Theo’s eyes sparkled with pride. “And we’ll keep building it, Eleanor. With you by my side, I know we can do anything.” 

As they shared a quiet moment, Eleanor glanced around the room once more. The event was a success, and Theo’s company was sure to make waves in the business world. But what stood out to her more than anything else was the way Theo looked at her—like she was the only woman in the room, the only one who mattered. 

And as for the other women in the room—the CEOs, the business leaders, and the women who had once intimidated her—Eleanor realized something important. No matter how successful or powerful they were, no matter how much attention they garnered from the men around them, there was one thing that would always set her apart. 

She was Theo’s. 

And that, in the end, was all that mattered. 

As the night continued, Eleanor found herself surrounded by well-wishers—friends, acquaintances, and even a few strangers who were eager to congratulate her on Theo’s success. But despite the excitement of the evening, she kept her eyes firmly on him, her husband—the man who had turned his dreams into reality, and the man who had always been her rock. 

Theo, for his part, couldn’t keep his eyes off of her either. He was proud of what they had accomplished, proud of the company they were launching, and most of all, proud of the woman standing beside him. 

As the night wore on, the guests continued to toast to Theo’s success, to his brilliance, and to the future of his company. But for Theo and Eleanor, the true celebration was in the quiet moments shared between them—the whispered words of love, the gentle touch of a hand, and the knowledge that, no matter what the world thought, they had everything they needed. 

Together. 

And as the evening drew to a close, and the guests began to filter out of the ballroom, Eleanor and Theo stood side by side, their hands intertwined, a silent promise between them. They had created history, and they would continue to make it—together. 

The world was theirs for the taking.