Chapter 16%
I studied him, unsure of what to say. Ethan Harris, the man who had once been my whole world, now stood before me as little more than a stranger!
“I never meant to hurt you” he continued, his voice trembling. “If I could go back, I’d do everything differently”
A part of me wanted to stay angry, to let him feel the weight of my pain. But anger was exhausting, and I was so tired, I didn’t even think that he was going to apologize after all these years. It’s funny how people regretted everything once it’s too late.
“I forgive you, Ethan,” I said, my tone flat but final. “But this doesn’t mean anything I don’t want you in my life anymore. Whatever guilt you’re carrying, deal with it somewhere else. I’m done.”
His face crumpled, but he nodded. “I understand.”
“Good,” I said, stepping back. “Now leave.”
He hesitated, then tumed and walked away without another word.}
Preston appeared at my side as soon as Ethan was gone, “You okay?“!
I nodded, leaning into him. “Let’s just move on 28
The next morning, a bouquet of flowers arrived.
The card was simple: I’m truly sorry–Ethan.
I didn’t even flinch.
Preston walked into the room, spotting the flowers immediately. He raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “Should I be jealous now? I laughed, shaking my head. “Not a chance.”
Preston stepped closer, wrapping his arms around me…
“Good” he murmured. “Because I love you, Zoe. And I’m never letting you go.”
My chest tightened as I smiled up at him. “I love you, too”
He leaned down, his lips brushing against mine, and I kissed him back, feeling the warmth of his embrace melt away the lingering shadows of my past.
Later that evening, I was curled up on the couch, mindlessly flipping through channels when a breaking news segment caught my
attention.
“Ethan Harris has officially filed for divorce from Madison Moon,” the anchor announced. “Sources confirm that Madison’s modeling agency has also chosen not to renew her contract, effectively ending her career.“”
I leaned forward, watching as the screen filled with images of Madison leaving a courthouse, her head down and her expression defeated.
The report continued, detailing how Madison’s finances had crumbled. She was living in a hotel, selling off her possessions just to stay afloat
Preston walked in, catching the end of the report. Then, one of my staff entered the room, handing me a folder. “Travis doesn’t care about her anymore,” he said. “She’s completely on her own
I closed the folder without even glancing at it. “Let her stay in the gutter where she belongs. I don’t care about her anymore. All I want is for Travis to go to jail.”
Preston nodded. “That’s exactly what’s going to happen.“)
The day of the trial finally came.!
The courtroom was packed, the tension so thick it was suffocating.
Travis sat at the defendant’s table, his face pale but still defiant. The evidence was undeniable, the testimony airtight
When the judge entered, everyone fell silent.
The verdict was read, the words ringing through the room like a bell.
“Guilty”
Travis‘ expression shattered, evident of crumbling as reality hit him.
He was sentenced to life in prison, with no possibility of parole.!!
As the courtroom erupted in whispers and murmurs, I turned to Preston, tears streaming down my face.
“It’s over” I whispered, my voice trembling.
Preston pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly. “It’s over,” he echoed.X
We walked out of the courthouse together, the media swarming around us. Cameras flashed, reporters shouted questions, but none of it
The headlines were already being written: Travis Harper Sentenced to Life in Prison.
For the first time in years, I felt free 2
That night, we celebrated quietly at home
The house was warm and filled with laughter as we ate dinner together. Preston kept making jokes, and for once, I couldn’t stop smiling.!!
But then, out of nowhere, my stomach tumed
I dropped my fork, rushing to the bathroom as nausea hit me like a wave.
Zoe?” Preston called
12:32 PM
“Zoe?” Preston called.
I tried to answer, but my head spun, and the next thing I knew, everything went dark.
When I opened my eyes, I was lying in bed, Preston sitting beside me, his hand gripping mine tightly.
“You scared me,” he said softly, his brow furrowed with worry.
“What happened?” I asked, my voice hoarse.
“The doctor’s here,” he said, gesturing toward the figure standing at the foot of the bed.
The doctor smiled gently. “You’re fine, Mrs, Urie. Just a little fainting spell. Nothing to worry about.”
“Then why did I faint?” I asked, confused.
The doctor’s smile widened. “Because you’re pregnant.”
My heart stopped.
“What?” I whispered.
“You’re pregnant,” the doctor repeated. “Congratulations.”
I turned to Preston, who looked stunned for a moment before his face broke into a wide grin.
“We’re having a baby,” he said softly, his voice filled with wonder.
I nodded, tears streaming down my face.
For the first time, they weren’t tears of pain.
They were tears of joy
