“I need to stop hiding,” she said. “I can’t stay in New Zealand forever. This job… it’s not just a job. It’s a chance to build something. To prove I’m more than what happened in Vegas. More than what happened in Oxford. More than…”
Dana’s voice softened. “You are. You always were.”
Mia let out a shaky breath.
“I’m accepting the offer,” Mia said. “I’ll sign today. I’ll be back in London by the end of next month.”
Dana laughed—relieved, bright. “I’m so fucking proud of you.”
Mia smiled—small, real.
“Tell Jax I’ll fix his media training when I get there,” she said. “He’s probably butchering every interview without me.”
Dana snorted. “He is. You have no idea.”
They talked a little longer—logistics, flights, promises to meet for coffee the second Mia landed.
When they hung up, Mia sat in silence for a long time.
Then she opened her laptop.
Signed the contract.
Closed the lid.
And went to find her parents.
They were in the kitchen—her dad reading the paper, her mum kneading dough for tomorrow’s bread.
Mia leaned in the doorway.
“I’m going back,” she said.
They looked up.
“To England,” she continued. “I accepted the job with Ascari. Comms lead. I fly out in three weeks.”
Her mother’s eyes filled instantly. Her father set the paper down slowly.
“You sure?” he asked.
Mia nodded. “I’m sure.”
Her mother crossed the room and pulled her into a hug—tight, fierce, smelling of flour and home.
“Then go,” she whispered. “But come back when you need to. Always.”
“I will,” Mia promised.
Her dad stood, walked over, and rested a hand on her shoulder.
“You’re stronger than you think,” he said quietly.
Mia looked between them—tears threatening again, but different this time. Not grief. Not loss.
Hope.
She booked the flight that night.
