Amelia slowly woke up. Sunlight poured through the curtains, warm and golden and peaceful, and she lay there for a long moment, breathing, existing, letting herself feel the stillness. Not a problem. No worries. Take your time. Only peace.
She looked down. He lay beside her, his hand next to hers, close enough to reach, close enough to sense his warmth. She watched his chest rise and fall, the softness of his face when he wasn’t on guard, the faint scar near his jaw. He’d fought so hard for her. Sheltered her. She believed in her. And she was beginning to believe in herself, too.
Her fingers found his hand and touched it lightly. He stirred, his eyes snapped open and immediately met hers.
“Morning. His voice was human, rough and sleepy.
She gave a smile. “Morning.”
He did not stir, only looked at her. You look different.” “Different how?”
Peaceful.
The word fell softly, warmth blossoming in her chest. I’m feeling calm.
He sat up slowly, rubbing his face. “That’s new.
She giggled a little. “Everything looks fresh.
His hand squeezed hers. “Good news?”
She thought it over. Scary news. “Good.”
He smiled. A real smile. The kind that reached his eyes. “Then let’s keep going.
“Together.
Together.
They lay there a little longer, just breathing together, being together. Outside the world was waiting for them, but in this room, anything was possible.
A soft knock interrupted the moment. Amelia?” “You awake?” said Sophia.
Amelia sat up straight. Come in.
Sophia jumped in, her face a mixture of excitement and something else. Nervousness. So what happened? “Amelia asked.
Sophia raised her phone. “The statement just came out from your father’s legal team.”
Amelia’s stomach clenched. “What did they say?”
Sophia read from the screen. Richard Laurent is innocent. “The evidence was planted,” he says. He’s requesting a new trial.”
Her heart clenched. Damien sat up straight away. “That’s what you expect. His lawyers will do anything.
“I know,” said Sophia. “But there is more.” “What?”
Sophia paused. Victor just testified against him. In public.
The words came like a wave. “Victor?” “He released a statement this morning,” Sophia said. “He confirmed everything. The murder. The corruption. The kidnapping.”
Amelia shook her head. “I don’t believe it.”
“He’s protecting himself,” Damien said, his voice steady. “What?”
Anger rose in her chest. “He’s a coward.”
“Yes.” Damien squeezed her hand. “But his testimony will help us.”
She nodded slowly. “I know.”
Sophia stepped closer. “The media’s already reacting. They’re calling Victor a traitor.”
Amelia laughed bitterly. “He is a traitor.”
“He’s also a survivor,” Damien said. “Just like you.” “I’m not like him.”
“I know.” His voice softened. “You survived differently. You didn’t betray anyone. You fought back.”
The words sank in. “I did fight back.”
“Yes.”
She straightened her shoulders. “And I’m going to keep fighting.”
He smiled. “That’s my girl.”
The words sent warmth all through her chest. Sophia cleared her throat. “I’ll leave you two alone.” She headed for the door.
“Sophia.”
She turned.
Amelia smiled. “Thank you.” “Always.” And she was gone.
Amelia looked at Damien. “What happens now?”
He thought about it. “Now we wait for the trial. We keep protecting ourselves from Edward. We will rebuild.”
“And my father?”
His jaw tightened. “Your father will face justice.”
Something at last eased inside her chest. “Good.
They stood together and walked to the window, looking out at the city stretched below bright, alive, full of possibility. She leaned against him a little. I never thought I’d feel this.” “Feel what?”
“Hopeful.”
He wrapped an arm around her and drew her close. “You deserve hope.”
She lifted her eyes to him. “So do you . “
Maybe we both deserve it.
Maybe we do
The morning was ahead, new and strange and exciting. She looked at the city, her city now, her future, her life. All was changing. And for the first time she was ready.
She looked and said, “I love you.”
The words came out soft, true, open. Her heart stopped and then began again, faster and stronger. She glanced at him. “Damien.”
His hand came up to caress her cheek. I know it’s quick. I know we began as revenge. I know you’re still recovering.” He lowered his voice. But I do love you. And I’m not going anywhere.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “I love you, too. The words came tumbling out before she could stop them.
His expression changed, relief and joy and hope all at once. “Oh, really?”
She laughed through the tears. “Really.”
He pulled her close, arms around her, and she buried her face against his chest, his heartbeat thumping strong against her ear.
“I’m still scared,” she said softly. “Me too.
But I’m staying.
He pulled her tighter. “Good.
And they stayed there, holding each other close and the world outside kept on turning, and everything inside felt, for once, perfect. She leaned back a little, looking up at him. What now?
“Now we figure it out together.”
Together.
He bent down and kissed her forehead softly, warmth spreading through her whole body before he pulled away. Breakfast?
She laughed. ” You’re cooking a brekkie?
I am ordering breakfast.”
“Much better.
He put his hand on hers and led her down. The mansion was somehow different now. It was lighter, warmer, more like a real home.
Sophia was already in the kitchen, waiting for her, a knowing grin on her face. ‘Bout time.’ ‘What? Amelia scowled.
Sophia shrugged her shoulders innocently. “Nothing.
“You knew?” Damien asked. Sophia said, “I’ve known since the ballroom.”
Amelia laughed. “You didn’t.” “I did. The way you looked at him. How he used to look at you.Sophia edged forward. I knew it was more than revenge.
“You’re impossible.”
I am right, but.
Amelia looked at Damien and she knew Sophia was right. It was never just revenge. It always was something else.
He squeezed her hand. “Let’s eat.
Breakfast. Laughter. Friendship. The three sat together. Everything Amelia had been missing for so many years. Finally she had everything she wanted.
The morning continued, the sunlight streaming through the windows. Life was good, very good.
For the first time in years Amelia felt like she was worthy.