Chapter 19 - One Year Later
The first year of Leo’s life had been the hardest and most beautiful year I had ever experienced.
To celebrate his first birthday, I threw a massive party in our sunny backyard.
I invited my lawyer Sarah, the hospital nurses who helped deliver him, and even Chloe, who drove up from Ohio with her lovely daughter, Lily.
The yard was decorated with colorful balloons, a massive bouncy castle, and a table full of gifts.
“I can't believe how big he has gotten,” Chloe smiled, watching Leo clumsily learn to walk across the grass.
“He is practically running away from me these days,” I laughed, sipping a glass of lemonade.
It was surreal to see the village of strong women that had formed around my son.
Later in the afternoon, Sarah pulled me aside near the dessert table.
“I just wanted to let you know, Eleanor filed for bankruptcy last week,” Sarah mentioned casually.
Without Marcus's stolen funds to support her lavish lifestyle, her debts had finally caught up with her.
I looked out over my beautiful yard, at my happy child playing with his friends.
“That is really unfortunate for her,” I said simply, feeling a brief flash of pity before letting it go completely.
Karma had handled the Vance family better than I ever could have imagined.
They had tried to leave me with nothing, but they only succeeded in bankrupting their own lives.
I walked over to the center of the yard, picking up Leo as everyone gathered to sing happy birthday.
He smashed his tiny hands into his smash cake, getting blue frosting all over his nose and my dress.
I laughed loudly, the sound ringing free and clear through the open air.
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This moment was worth every tear, every court battle, and every moment of fear.
The nightmare was a distant memory, replaced entirely by a life full of unconditional love.
