Fuck.
I never imagined that hearing that word would hit me so hard, and touch me so deeply.
Husband.
It feels good, very good, and I immediately press my lips to hers again.
“Both. How are you?” I ask, pulling back carefully and lying down beside her on the bed. I lift my arm, and she snuggles against my chest right away.
“Now I’m fine. The better question is, how are you?” She looks up at me, and by now it’s so natural that I’m always touching her, my fingers gently brushing her cheek.
“Hmmm, no idea. Better than I should be, I guess? I mean, my father’s an asshole, my brother is dead because of him, and my mother’s suffering. My wife almost died too, and my best friend really screwed up. Still, right now in this moment, I feel content. As for what that says about me, we’ll just ignore it.” I grin crookedly at her, but she doesn’t return the smile. Her blue eyes study me seriously and attentively.
“There’s nothing wrong with that, Nicolas. After everything we’ve been through, even small moments like this are allowed to make us happy, even if the world around us is still burning,” she murmurs quietly and lays her head back on my chest.
Maybe she’s right, and I should just enjoy this.
Amelia
In the days and weeks that follow, my body and mind gradually begin to heal, but it will still take time before I’m truly whole again, at least my soul. Talking about it is still difficult for me, which is why I see a therapist twice a week to help me process the years of violence I endured.
My nightmares have lessened, but they haven’t completely disappeared, just like the shame that clings to me like an oily film on my skin.
“What are you thinking about?”
I turn my head and see my best friend sitting down on the grass next to me. I’m visiting Phil’s grave again, because talking to him and coming here often helps me manage my grief and all this mess.
Richardson and Edward have caused so much suffering with their actions that it’s hard to fully comprehend.
TheHarlington Posthas since published a comprehensive report that refutes and corrects all accusations, rumors, and allegations against me. But the internet doesn’t forget—and neither do people. There are still plenty who hold a grudge against me, but by now I’m managing better.
“How do you manage to be so calm? I mean, after everything that happened?” I ask her, and Lizzy looks at me thoughtfully for a moment.
“You mean the fact that my father is a cheating asshole who roped in some sleazy reporter to help cover up his own secrets and schemes?”
I grimace at her question.
“I was trying to put it nicely, but yes,” I reply, and she laughs.
“Well, these are just facts, and just because it’s my father doesn’t mean I feel any responsibility for it. He stopped being a real father and husband a long time ago. Look at my mother, she’s blossoming, handling her role as queen beautifully, and the people adore her. Nicolas is like a new man, and you, you’re finally starting to come out of your shell. So why shouldn’t I be looking ahead too?” She glances toward the graveyard entrance, her eyes growing wistful.
“I miss him. I miss him so much. But he would want us to be happy, Lia. Phil always hoped that Nic, me, and especially you would find our own happy ending. So far, it seems like at least two of us are on the right path.”
A bittersweet heaviness settles on my heart as she nudges me with her shoulder, and I look at Philipp’s picture.
“I think I’m in love,” I murmur with a smile, and Lizzy bursts out laughing.
“You think? I’m pretty sure you are,” she chuckles, and my cheeks warm up.
“You’re silly, you know that?” I grumble, and she puts an arm around me, pulling me close.
“Oh, come on, let me enjoy this little moment. I deserve it, I was the one who told you both it would happen.” Grinning, she pinches my cheek, and I laugh, then suddenly freeze as I notice movement behind Lizzy. Someone slowly steps into my view.
“Lizzy…” I’m on my feet before she even realizes what’s happening and take a few steps back, putting distance between me and my brother. My best friend doesn’t immediately understand what’s going on, but she still stands up and turns to see who’s behind her.
How did he get onto the grounds unnoticed? How?
“Oh shit,” she swears, reaching for her phone, but Henry is quicker. He rushes forward, surprisingly fast despite being drunk again. I can tell from his bloodshot eyes.
