Chapter 10 - Writing Our Own Ending
The autumn leaves swirled across the driveway in a gentle gust of wind as Marcus and Clara’s town car finally pulled away into the night, their taillights fading into the distance.
Michael and I stood on the front porch, the cool evening air wrapping around us like a comforting blanket.
Inside the house, Lily had already fallen fast asleep in her own bed, clutching her stuffed toy and surrounded by peace, safety, and unconditional love.
Michael slipped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me tightly against his side. I reached up, my fingers lightly touching the silver locket resting against my collarbone.
"Penny for your thoughts," Michael murmured against my hair.
I smiled into the darkness, resting my hand over his heart.
"I was just thinking about that plate of food on the patio," I said softly. "How a single moment of absolute malice tried to destroy everything we loved."
"And how it failed," Michael added firmly, kissing the top of my head.
May you like
"Yes," I agreed, looking up at the brilliant canopy of stars twinkling above the Boston suburbs. "Because love is louder than greed. And the truth will always find a way into the light."
We turned off the porch light and walked back inside, closing the door on the past, ready to write every single remaining chapter of our lives together.
