Chapter 9
With each passing day, my life grew a little brighter. Daniel and I continued to meet, sharing stories, dreams, and laughter. For the first time in years, I felt like I was building something new — something real.
But despite the joy budding in my heart, I knew I couldn’t run away from everything else forever. The Sullivan family, the business pressures, the whispers behind closed doors — they were still there, waiting like shadows.
One afternoon, my phone rang. It was my mother. Her voice was soft but serious.
“Aurora, Lucien’s family is stirring up rumors again. They say you’re trying to sabotage their business.”
I frowned. “What? That’s ridiculous.”
“I know. But you need to be careful. They won’t stop until they see you broken.”
I swallowed the knot in my throat. The past wasn’t done with me yet.
Later that day, Daniel noticed my distracted mood.
“Want to talk about it?” he asked gently.
I shook my head. “It’s just family drama. Nothing you need to worry about.”
He reached for my hand. “You don’t have to face it alone.”
His words gave me strength I didn’t know I needed.
No matter what storms came next, I wouldn’t face them like I did before — alone and broken.
I was ready to fight back. For myself, for my future.
And this time, I wasn’t afraid.