Chapter 20
Fiona’s heart gave a small, unexpected leap. []
She’d sensed his quiet admiration during her time with him. []
He was handsome, vibrant, unburdened by past entanglements.]
She admired him too, felt a flicker of possibility – hence her willingness to play along with his ruse.]
But the scars of betrayal ran deep. That flicker wasn’t enough to risk her newfound peace. I
Freedom tasted too sweet.]]
“You’re wonderful, Sebastian, but I-“]
“Whoa! Stop right there!”
Sebastian held up his hands, mock–horrified, though genuine disappointment flickered beneath. “No ‘good guy‘ cards! Please.” []
His expression softened into understanding.
“Fiona, I know what you’ve been through. I get it. Friends. Just friends is perfect. All I want? Is for you to be happy. Truly happy.“]
Fiona studied him, the sincerity in his eyes. []
Slowly, she nodded. A genuine smile touched her lips.
News of Seth’s world filtered through later.[]
Eleanor’s final act of madness – forcing copious amounts of alcohol on the twins – had left its mark. They survived, but their cognitive abilities were permanently impaired. []
Learning the truth shattered Eleanor. She threw herself into caring for them, a twisted penance. []
But the children, often confused, recoiled from her.[]
“Go ‘way! No want Aunt Eleanor!“]
“Want Mama! Old Mama!”]
Eleanor’s pleas – “I am your Mama! I’m so sorry!” – fell on deaf, frightened ears.
“Bad lady! Not Mama! Want old Mama!” ]]
Their rejection escalated from words to scratches, bites, and terrified screams at her approach. []
The final thread of Eleanor’s sanity snapped. She was committed to a psychiatric facility, lost in her own shattered world.[]
Chapter 201
Seth relinquished control of Sterling Enterprises. He secured vast trusts ensuring Connor and Chloe’s lifelong care. Then, he vanished.
No one knew where. Fiona didn’t seek the answer.[]
Their shared history felt like a book belonging to someone else. Gently closed. Finished.[]
Another summer bloomed. Fiona watered roses in the sun–drenched garden.]
Sebastian jogged towards her, sunlight glinting off his hair, two tickets held aloft.[]
“Fiona! Your favorite band! Tonight! Front row!” His grin was infectious.]]
Fiona smiled back, the expression bright and unburdened. “Yes!“[]
The stadium pulsed with energy that night. Tens of thousands roared as the opening chords rang out. []
)
Fiona sang along, the lyrics resonating deep within her soul:[]
“Nothing can hold you back,[]
No more doubts, no more fears,[]
You’ve walked through shadowed years,[]
Left the wandering behind…“[]
As the crowd swelled around her, Fiona added her own silent coda, a quiet affirmation to the woman she’d become:[]
No more wandering for me.[]
