Chapter 17 - A Toast to the Future
That evening, we didn't go to a fancy restaurant or celebrate with champagne in crystal flutes. Instead, we ordered our favorite local pizza, spread a checkered blanket right out on the living room floor, and turned on a classic family movie.
The television glowed softly against the walls of the living room—the very room Nathan had plotted to steal from under my feet just a few weeks prior.
Ben reached over for a slice of pepperoni, grinning widely. "So, Mom, does this mean we're officially rich now?"
I laughed out loud, leaning back against the sofa cushions. "It means we are secure, Ben. It means your college is paid for, your sisters' futures are locked in, and this house is ours forever."
"And no more sketchy guys in expensive suits?" Maya asked hopefully, tilting her head.
"No more sketchy guys," I promised, raising my paper cup of iced tea toward her. "From now on, we set our own standards."
May you like
The kids cheered, clinking their paper plates together in a clumsy, joyous toast.
I looked around the room, taking in the warm lighting, the laughter, and the absolute peace that filled every corner of our home. The betrayal had hurt, and the deceit had been ruthless, but it had also stripped away every illusion I had ever harbored about romantic desperation. I hadn't needed a man to complete my life or provide my stability. I had always possessed the strength to protect my family—I just needed the universe to show me who truly deserved to stand beside us.
