Chapter 10 - The New Beginning
Six months had passed since the heavy doors of the state penitentiary had closed behind Carol.
The toxic dark cloud that had hovered over the family for years had finally dissipated, replaced by a profound sense of peace.
Richard, completely bankrupt and abandoned by his high-society friends, was forced to take a mid-level management job just to pay rent on a small apartment.
Jackson was finally learning the harsh realities of the real world, having to attend public school and do his own laundry.
Meanwhile, Thomas and Jade had moved out of their suburban home and relocated to a stunning, sprawling estate overlooking the ocean.
It was a gift from Marcus Sterling, who had finally embraced Thomas as a worthy son-in-law after watching him fiercely protect Jade and Zoey.
Thomas had stepped down as CEO of his old firm, choosing instead to run a non-profit foundation funded by the Sterling empire.
It was a crisp, beautiful spring afternoon, and a gentle breeze was blowing off the coast.
Jade was sitting on a plush outdoor sofa on their expansive patio, watching Thomas chase Zoey across the lush green lawn.
Zoey was laughing hysterically, her face glowing with pure, unadulterated joy, completely free of the fear that had once shadowed her.
There was no red mark on her cheek, only the rosy flush of a happy, healthy three-year-old child.
Jade placed a hand over her slightly swollen belly, smiling as she felt the tiny flutter of their second child kicking.
She had fought a brutal war against cruelty, entitlement, and abuse, and she had won everything that mattered.
Thomas scooped Zoey up into his arms, spinning her around before walking back toward the patio to kiss his wife.
May you like
They had drawn a hard line in the sand to protect their family, and in doing so, they had built a fortress of love that no one would ever break.
The nightmare was finally over, and their beautiful, peaceful new life had only just begun.
