Chapter 10 - The Unbroken Light
One year later.
The summer sun was setting over Lake Norman, painting the water in brilliant, breathtaking shades of gold, rose, and violet.
Our back lawn was decorated with warm string lights hanging from the old oak trees—not like the cold, performative lights of my mother's birthday party, but warm, golden lanterns that cast a soft glow over thirty people who truly loved us.
Our real family was there: Ethan's parents, who had embraced me as their own daughter; my physical therapist, Clara, who had become one of my closest friends; Detective Miller; Assistant District Attorney Sarah Jenkins; and dozens of women whose lives had been saved by our foundation.
We were celebrating two things: the one-year anniversary of the foundation, and something far more magical.
I stood near the edge of the lawn wearing a flowing white sundress, my hair catching the golden evening light.
Ethan walked up behind me, wrapping his hands gently over my flat stomach, resting his chin on my shoulder.
"How is the future dictator doing?" Ethan whispered into my ear, a soft laugh in his voice.
I smiled, laying my hands over his. "Dr. Patel says he's measuring perfectly. Twenty weeks tomorrow."
Ethan kissed my cheek, his arms tightening around me with a warm, protective love that had never wavered, never doubted, and never failed.
We looked out at the guests laughing near the patio, enjoying fresh barbecue, clinking glasses, celebrating a life built on truth, courage, and unconditional love.
My sister had tried to burn my life to the ground so she could take what was mine. My mother had stood by, hoping the flames would erase her greed.
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They had thought the fire would destroy me.
They hadn't realized that some women are made of the light—and no matter how dark the pit is, the light always, always finds its way back home.
