flash

Chapter 18 - The Final EchoA year after the verdict, I received a final, unexpected piece of mail at my private office.

It was a standard-issue, unsealed envelope bearing the return address of the federal correctional facility. Inside was a single piece of lined paper, covered in messy, frantic handwriting.

Victoria, I hope you're happy. I have nothing left. My mother passed away in the prison ward last week. Nobody came to claim her things. I am writing this because I want you to know... I finally understand what you meant when you said I didn't know who I was married to. You were always the storm. I just didn't realize it until the lightning struck. — Ethan

I read the letter once, my expression completely neutral. There was no anger left in my heart, no lingering bitterness, and certainly no pity.

May you like

I walked over to the sleek metal shredder beside my desk, fed the letter into the slot, and watched as the sharp blades turned Ethan's final words into fine, unreadable dust.

Some ghosts don't deserve to haunt you. You simply sweep them away.

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