Chapter 19 - The Rebuilding
One year later.
The wreckage of the past was finally cleared away.
Mark was sentenced to twenty years in federal prison for racketeering, arson, and grand larceny. Lauren’s sentence was extended after she was found guilty of conspiracy in Mark’s wire fraud schemes. Mom was placed in a secure psychiatric facility, forgotten by the high-society friends who once fawned over her.
Dad bought a small beachfront townhouse two miles from the old property. He spent his days gardening, far away from corporate land deals and family drama.
As for Daniel and me?
We stood on the balcony of our new home overlooking the city harbor. It was a modest place, bought with money we earned together, free from trust funds, secret agreements, or motherly interference.
Daniel came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, resting his chin gently on my shoulder.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked softly.
“I’m thinking about the day Lauren wrapped her hands around your arm at that dinner,” I said, looking out at the sun setting over the water.
May you like
Daniel squeezed me tighter. “That was the day our old life died.”
“No,” I corrected him, turning around in his arms to look into his honest, clear eyes. “That was the day we stopped pretending.”
