Epilogue One
Hayvin
One Year Later
Mybodyhumswithexcitement as I enter Alek’s building.
“Morning, Ms. Dickinson.” The security guard greets me with a smile. “He’s still in his office.”
“Thanks, Matt. How’s Rachel? She’s due any day now, right?”
His grin widens at the mention of his wife and child. “Just a week left.”
“You make sure to send us a message after mom and baby are okay so we can visit,” I say. I can’t help but feel genuinely excited for him, hoping all goes well.
“Yes, ma’am.” Matt waves me through.
This year with Alek has been extraordinary. Our connection keeps growing as he makes me his priority, always caring for my happiness.
We still go to individual therapy. Months ago, we decided to add a monthly session together. At first, I didn’t think we needed it, but that first session proved me wrong. It isn’t about fixing what’s broken, it’s about making sure our foundation stays unbreakable.
We once stumbled over every conversation, but now, with couples counseling, we’re building a future where miscommunication never stands a chance.
The old fear that he might never truly see me has vanished. Alek shows me, over and over, that I am the center of his world.
Whenever I walk into his building,everyonegreets me by name. Alek makes sure of it, introducing me with pride and never missing a chance to brag about me.
The first time I visited his office, I stood frozen, taking it all in. His walls were covered with articles about me and photos from events, even candid shots I’d never seen. Anyone who enters can see just how proud he is.
My favorite is the framed photo on his desk. A selfie from one of our first dates after we started over. Alek had planned a movie under the stars, with a bed in his truck. I was nestled between his legs, his arm around me, when he snapped the photo. Instead of facing the camera, he turned to me, his expression soft, overflowing with love, as if I mattered most.
If I ever questioned his love, that photo would erase every doubt. And now, his social media is filled with us, a far cry from the yellow flag I once ignored.
Our relationship isn’t the only thing thriving. Alek is, too. He has real friends now and faces difficult conversations instead of avoiding them.
David and Jerica have faded from our lives. From what I heard through Charlie and Amelia, Jerica barely speaks to her brother now. Whatever happened between him and Amelia left him even more broken, though it’s nothing compared to the pain he caused her.
I’m just grateful I don’t have to worry about either of them anymore, a weight I had been carrying finally gone.
Alek has always been attractive, but who he is now leaves me breathless. I gave my heart to this man freely.
As the elevator climbs to his floor, excitement thrums through me, mingled with nervous energy about the news I got this morning.
His team greets me with warm smiles and waves as I make my way to his secretary’s desk.
“Hey, Mia.” I dig through my bag and pull out the envelope I tucked inside before I left the house. “Three front row seats to Paradox of You for you, Jack, and the birthday girl.”
Mia squeals, rushing around the desk to wrap her arms around me. “Oh my god! You’re the freaking best. Sunny is going to love it.” She pulls away, then asks, “What do I owe you?”
“Absolutely nothing. It’s our gift to your precious girl.” I catch a flicker of sadness in her eyes as her smile falters, and worry twists in my chest. “How is she doing?”
“She has her good days and her bad days,” Mia admits. “Sometimes I think her treatment is working, sometimes I’m sure it’s making her worse.”
A shadow crosses her face, and I sense her worry runs deeper than just concern for her daughter. The tension in her eyes makes my own chest tighten with unease.
I place a comforting hand on her arm. “Are you and Jack okay?”
Mia's smile is tighter in the corners than before. “Of course we are.”
