Chapter 19 - One Year Later
The weather was absolutely perfect for Leo’s first massive birthday celebration in our sprawling backyard.
I had completely transformed the lawn into a magical, brightly colored carnival wonderland.
There were bouncy castles, loud music, massive balloon arches, and dozens of happy, screaming children.
My incredibly supportive friends and loyal neighbors filled the patio, drinking cocktails and laughing loudly.
There was absolutely no tension, no fake smiles, and no toxic mother-in-law lurking in the beautiful shadows.
Sarah, my brilliant lawyer, showed up with a massive, ridiculously expensive stuffed bear for the birthday boy.
“You look absolutely radiant, Nora,” Sarah said, hugging me tightly.
“I feel completely unstoppable,” I replied genuinely, watching Leo smash his tiny hands into his messy birthday cake.
Liam was currently serving a five-year sentence in a minimum-security federal prison for massive corporate fraud.
He had completely lost everything because he chose to be a weak, pathetic coward.
I had gained absolutely everything because I finally chose to be a powerful, fearless warrior.
I held my messy, frosting-covered son high in the air, spinning him around until we both dizzy.
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This was my beautiful home, my perfect child, and my entirely peaceful life.
No one would ever take it away from me again.
