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Chapter 19%
Cameron didn’t want to leave. Of course he didn’t. He stood at the center of the estate’s grand hallway–disheveled, pale, eyes wild like a man stripped of everything. And in many ways, he was
“No,” he said hoarsely. “You can’t do this. Alicia–please–I just need to talk to you.”
But I said nothing.
I stood by the staircase, arms crossed over my chest, chin lifted in silent defiance.
Jackson’s men closed in around him. Professional Sharp. Unshaken by the billionaire’s tantrum. Two of them grabbed Cameron’s arms, and he flinched, fighting against them with more pride than strength.
“Let go of me! Do you know who I am?! I said LET GO
The guards didn’t answer. They simply dragged him toward the door.
And I watched. Calm. Still, Free.
His eyes locked with mine as he struggled against the hold. “Alicial Don’t let them do this! I love you
I tilted my head and smiled
That was it. That was the exact moment I knew
I’d won. This wasn’t just revenge. This wasn’t just justice. It was liberation. And it was mine.
The door slammed shut behind him, his shouts fading into nothing.
you–I love you, damn it!”
Jackson walked over, that signature grin playing on his lips. “Well,” he said, brushing invisible dust from his sleeves. “I think this calls for a celebration.“”
I didn’t say anything, but I nodded once.
Because yes, it did.!!
The days that followed were surreal. Jackson flew us to a private island–some secret paradise owned by one of his father’s obscure companies Crystal–clear waters, soft golden sands, skies that bled orange and pink at every sunset.
There were no screaming, no chains, no cold marble floors
Just laughter. Laughter and wind
And peace. For the first time in years, I slept without fear.
Jackson took me boating. He cooked–badly, but with heart. He taught me how to ride a jet ski, and I taught him how to make decent coffee. We talked, and sometimes we didn’t. Silence wasn’t awkward with him,&
It felt like breathing_X
And Cameron?
He tried. Calls, one after another, day and night, Unknown numbers. Emails. Messages left on voicemails that I never opened. I blocked him from everything. I shut him out like a whisper I no longer cared to hearX
There was no confrontation. No shouting match.
There was just… nothing.
And that was the most satisfying revenge of all.
After a week on the island, we flew back. Back to the city, back to reality–but not back to him.
Jackson dropped me off at his house–modern, open, with too many windows and too few walls. He insisted I stay there until I found a place of my own. Roger visited the next morning, bringing fresh fruit and his usual warm smile.
But before he could even ask how I was, the news came &
“Cameron’s in the hospital, Jackson said casually over breakfast.
I looked up from my toast. “What?”
“Car crash. He was drunk. Hit a pole at full speed. He’s fine–banged up, maybe a few broken bones, but nothing fatal.”
Iblinked
Then smirked
“Fitting.” I murmured.
Jackson raised an eyebrow. “You okay?”
“Better than ever.
Because Cameron Green was finally broken in the way that mattered
And I? I wasn’t even looking back.
Later that day, Roger pulled me aside. He sat me down in the garden, the sunlight filtering through the glass ceiling above us.
“You look well,” he said. “Peace suits you.”
I smiled softly “Thank you”
Then his expression turned serious, though still gentle.
“You’re carrying a child now,” he said. “My grandchild, in a way. This family. It needs healing. And you deserve stability.”
(looked at him warily
He smiled. “You should marry.
y Jackson
I stiffened. “What?”
“Don’t rush it,” he said quickly. Tm not pushing you. But think about it. You trust him. He cares for you. And this child deserves a father who will love you both fiercely
I didn’t answer right away
Marriage?
After everything I’d been through, the idea felt foreign. Distant. I glanced over at Jackson, who was lounging lazily on the patio couch, flipping through some magazine like he didn’t have a care in the world
He looked up. caught my gaze, and grinned.
“Want a mango smoothie? he called.
My heart stuttered.
Something about the way he smiled–like I was his entire reason for being there–made me feel something I hadn’t in a long time. Safe.
Cherished.
Loved
Maybe it wasn’t fireworks. Maybe it wasn’t madness.
But maybe that was a good thing
Because love that burned too hot had already ruined me once
Jackson got up and walked over holding out the smoothie. “You okay?”
I took it from him.
And nodded.
Then looked him in the eye.
“Yes,” I said. “Let’s get mamed“}
His eyes widened slightly. “Wait, seriously?”
I smiled.
“Seriously.”
He stared at me like he didn’t believe it–like he was afraid I’d take it back.!
But I didn’t
Because I meant it!
I wasn’t choosing Jackson because I needed saving
I was choosing him because he made me feel free.
And this time, I wasn’t walking into a cage.
I was walking into a future I built myself.
