Ava’s POV

The crisp autumn breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves as I stood before Richard’s tomb, dressed in a flowing white dress that billowed around my ankles. It had been two years since the chaos, since the battles that tested our strength, our love, and our resilience. Two years since we lost the man who gave me—gave all of us—a new chance at life. A chance at love, at family, at something real.

I felt a gentle press against my hand and turned slightly, meeting the warm gaze of my mother-in-law. Without words, I passed her a knowing smile and squeezed her hand back. We had arranged this ceremony not as a mourning, but as a reunion. A day to celebrate Richard’s life rather than grieve his absence.

Laughter and quiet conversations floated through the cemetery as familiar faces gathered. Holly stood a few feet away, her phone in hand, a small, amused smile playing on her lips as she typed away. I narrowed my eyes, curiosity sparking in my chest. Was she texting… a boy?

I made my way over, teasingly peeking at her screen. “Who’s got you smiling like that, Hols?”

She startled, locking her phone and raising an eyebrow at me. “Ava, don’t start.”

I smirked. “Oh, I’m starting. You’re glowing. Is it a boy?”

She scoffed, crossing her arms. “Not everything is about romance, you know.”

I gave her a knowing look, but before I could push further, Orion’s deep voice called me over. I turned to find him standing with a few acquaintances, our one-year-old son, Liam, in his arms. Holly took the boy without hesitation, rolling her eyes. “Fine, I’ll babysit, but only because he’s adorable.”

As I approached my husband, he slid his hand over my waist, drawing me in close, his touch unwavering. His fingers would either find my shoulder, my back, or my hand—but he never let go. Not for a second.

---

Days Later

The soft fabric of my dress cascaded around my frame—a simple, elegant choice, but one that screamed, ‘I’m the happiest woman on earth.’ As I adjusted my hair in the mirror, strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me flush against a firm chest.

Orion nuzzled my neck, his voice laced with a playful whine. “I should go with you.”

I turned in his hold, pressing a hand to his chest. “We talked about this. It’s something I need to do alone.”

His jaw clenched slightly before he sighed, resting his forehead against mine. “You won’t be long?”

“I promise.”

His grip tightened for a moment before he reluctantly let me go.

---

The prison walls loomed before me as I stepped inside. A guard escorted my father into the visitation room, his orange jumpsuit hanging loosely off his frail frame, his hands shackled. His face, though worn by time, still held that cold, remorseless glint in his eyes.

For a moment, I simply stared. This was the man who murdered my mother. The man who tried to destroy me and Holly.

And yet, I felt nothing. No anger, no pain. Only indifference.

“I hate you,” I said, my voice steady. “For everything you did. For taking my mother from me. For selling me like I was nothing. But you know what? You don’t deserve a place in my heart—not even my hatred.”

I leaned in slightly, my voice dropping to a whisper. “My life is beautiful. Holly is thriving. My husband and son are everything to me. I rose from the hell you left me in.”

Silence. He didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to say anything.

I straightened, my gaze unwavering. “I hope your dreams are haunted by my mother’s face. By every sin you’ve committed.”

His expression never changed. Not a flicker of guilt, not an ounce of remorse. Just that same twisted, empty gaze.

I stepped back and gestured to the guards. “Enjoy your life sentence.”

He was taken away without another word.

---

I waited patiently for another past I needed to confront.

Moments later, another prisoner was brought in.

Peter.

The boy who tormented me, the face that once haunted my nightmares. But prison had worn him down—his eyes were hollow, his body thin.

He barely sat down before the apologies poured from his lips. He sobbed, begging for forgiveness, admitting to every scheme he’d been a part of, every plan to ruin my life.

I watched him quietly, unmoved. “I forgive you,” I finally said. “But when your sentence is over, I hope you choose a better path. Leave behind the ruins of what you’ve done.”

His tears fell harder as I stood to leave. “Goodbye, Peter.”

---

As I stepped outside, a familiar figure rushed toward me with an umbrella.

“Let me guess,” I said dryly. “Orion said the sun shouldn’t touch me?”

Joe chuckled, adjusting the umbrella over my head. “You know him more than anyone.”

I rolled my eyes playfully. “Where to now, Mrs. Miller?”

I exhaled softly. “The psychiatric hospital.”

---

The waiting room smelled of antiseptic and something stale, but I barely noticed. My phone buzzed, and I glanced down to see a message from Orion.

A picture of him holding Liam, his lips in an exaggerated pout.

“Your boys are missing you. Come home, mama.”

I smiled, warmth flooding my chest.

Just then, a shrill laugh pulled my attention back to the present. Two massive orderlies flanked a familiar, disheveled figure. Chloe. Strapped in a white jacket, her eyes wild with madness.

“Well, well, well,” she drawled, her voice loud and theatrical. “It’s the fake Mrs. Miller! Everyone, listen up! This woman is a gold digger! She stole my identity, my man, my baby, and threw me in here!”

She thrashed against her restraints, screaming, “I’M NOT CRAZY!”

I sighed, watching her with pity.

“You haven’t changed,” I murmured. “I came to see how you were, but it seems you’re still up to no good.”

Chloe lunged, but the men held her back as she shrieked hateful words.

I met her frantic gaze, my voice soft but firm. “Miss Chloe Roland, everything you did—the pain you caused—it’s all over now. I only hope one day, you regain your sanity so you can fully comprehend the weight of your actions.”

Her screams continued as they sedated her. I stood, exhaling deeply. It was done. Every demon, every ghost of my past, finally put to rest.

It was time to go home.

---

As I stepped into the house, I made a detour to Holly’s room—only to find her on the phone again. Smirking, I crept forward and snatched it from her.

The call disconnected.

“Who were you talking to?” I teased. “A boyfriend? Hols, are you seeing someone?”

Holly laughed, shoving me playfully. “Relax! I was talking to Uncle Mason.”

I stilled. Mason?

Before I could say anything, she waved me off. “It’s not what you’re thinking, Ava. Just go already.” She pushed me toward the door, shutting it behind me.

I frowned slightly, but shook the thought away. It’s definitely not what I’m thinking. Right?

Just as I turned to head upstairs, strong hands wrapped around my waist, pulling me back.

“If it isn’t my husband,” I murmured, turning in his hold.

Before I could say another word, Orion crushed his lips to mine, devouring me in a deep, urgent kiss.

“Fuck, I missed you,” he growled against my lips.

I laughed breathlessly. “I was only gone a few hours.”

He lifted me effortlessly, cradling me in his arms. “Oh, love… Do you know how much could have happened in those few hours?”

I squealed, half-laughing, half-protesting as he carried me toward our room.

This was the life I deserved. The life I had fought for.

And I would fight for it all over again.

The End.