Chapter 20 - The Blossom
A full year had passed since the terrible night in the dark hallway.
I was sitting in a comfortable rocking chair on my porch, sipping a cup of hot, sweet tea.
The scar on my collarbone ached occasionally when it rained, but it was just a faint memory of a war I had won.
Lily was sixteen now, healthy, vibrant, and completely full of life.
She was sitting on the grass, weaving a beautiful crown out of fresh spring daisies.
She ran up the steps and gently placed the flower crown on my graying hair.
She kissed my cheek and told me that I was the greatest grandmother in the entire world.
I smiled, looking out over the blooming garden, feeling incredibly wealthy in ways money could never buy.
I had survived the absolute worst of my own flesh and blood.
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I had protected the ultimate secret and saved a beautiful life from the ashes of betrayal.
The storm was permanently over, and the sun was finally shining on the Vance family.
