Chapter 30 – All’s Well That Ends Well!!
Lily’s eyes burned with rage as she charged at me, the knife raised high.
I couldn’t move. My feet were stuck.
“Faye, move!” Hunter yelled behind me.X
But I didn’t
I couldn’t
I didn’t actually think Lily would stab me even though I know she killed my step–sister but I was just overcome with shock that my brain and feet refused to cooperate.
Then-
“Ugh!”
A grunt tore through the air.
The knife didn’t reach me.
It struck someone else!
“Daddy!” lan’s voice cracked.
“Gabriel!” I gasped.
Blood.!!
Everywhere.
Gabriel fell to the ground, groaning, clutching his stomach.!!
Lily stared at him for a split second. Then she turned and ran out the door, disappearing into the night “Call an ambulance!” I shouted &
“I already did!” Hunter said, pulling out his phone. “The police too
The kids were crying. Ace dropped to his knees. Ian held Gabriel’s hand.
“Don’t die, Dad,” Ace sobbed. “Please don’t die.
Gabriel looked up at me, pale and shaking. “Fuye…”
“Don’t talk,” I said, kneeling beside him. “Just stay awake.”
“No,” he whispered. “I have to say this. I’ve been a fool.”
“Save your breath,” I muttered, pressing a towel on his wound &
“I always loved you,” he continued. “I just didn’t realize it until it was too late.”
I stared at him, heart pounding. “You think I did this so we could be a family again?“!
He gave a weak nod. “Didn’t you?”
I laughed. “No, Gabriel. I told you the truth because I didn’t want someone as sick as Lily around my He flinched
ever loved you.”
children.”
forgive me. Be with me again. Please
“There’s so much I didn’t know about you,” I went on. “Now that I do, I can’t believe He gasped for breath. “Til change. I swear. I’ll pay for my crimes. Fill go to jail. Just “Yeah, you’re definitely going to jail,” Hunter cut in. “That’s one thing we can all count on.” Gabriel looked at Hunter, then at the kids. “Faye… Please. Just say you still love me.” I said nothing
“Please.” he whispered again X
Sirens wailed in the distance. Flashing lights approached the house.
The paramedics rushed in, followed by police officers.
“Step aside” a medic shouted.
They lifted Gabriel onto a stretcher. Blood stained the carpet.
“Wait–wait!” he called as they wheeled him out. “Faye! Please!”
I stood in silence
An officer walked over to me. “Ma’am, the children will stay in your custody. You’re now their legal guardian.”
I blinked. “What?”
The kids froze
lan sniffled “You don’t want us, do you?
Ace wiped his face “We were so mean to you. We’re sorry”
“I thought you hated me,” I said quietly
“We were wrong.” lan whispered
R:15 AM &
“I thought you hated me,” I said quietly
“We were wrong.” lan whispered.!
“I was scared,” Ace admitted. “But you’re not like Lily. You’re better.”
I sighed. “You’re just kids. You were manipulated. I get it.”
Hunter placed a hand on my back. “Let’s go. They’ll take it from here.”
I nodded and took the boys home to my grandparents‘ house.
They didn’t say much. Just sat on the couch, holding hands.1)
That night felt long.X
By evening. Hunter’s phone rang.
He picked up “Hello? Yes, this is he “X
His eyes widened. “She’s awake?“}
He paused, stunned. “She’s really awake?”
I turned toward him.8
He hung up and looked at me, stunned. “Hailey. She woke up.”
My breath caught. “Hunter…
“She’s awake,” he repeated, smiling. “My sister’s awake.”
I stepped closer. That’s wonderful.”
He grabbed me in a sudden hug. “You helped me get justice for her,”
I smiled. “I’m glad.”
He pulled back and looked into my eyes. “So… what now?“R
“What do you means
“My grandfather still wants me to marry you.“%
I laughed. “You think that’s happening just like that?”
He grinned. “Why not?”
“You still have to woo me, Hunter”
He stepped closer. “Woo you, huh?”
“Yeah.”
Before I could blink, he leaned in and kissed me.
Soft. Sudden, Warm.
When he pulled back, I stared at him, wide–eyed.
“I’m glad I met you,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face “You’re strong. Brave. And you helped me get justice for my sister.“H “I just did what needed to be done.”
He winked. “And now I’m going to woo you. Prepare yourself, Faye. Because you’re going to be my wife.“!
He walked away with his familiar smirk and for the first time in a long while I let myself smile happily as I felt a small warmth feeling in my chest E
