Chapter 10: The Final Piece
Months turned into a year, and Phoenix Rising continued to flourish. The organization had become a household name, synonymous with hope and second chances. Allison’s life was busier than ever, but it was a good kind of busy—the kind that left her feeling fulfilled rather than drained.
Still, there was one piece of her past that lingered, unresolved. Colton’s trial was finally approaching, and Allison knew she would have to face him one last time. She had avoided thinking about it, focusing instead on the work that gave her purpose. But as the date drew closer, the reality of it became harder to ignore.
One evening, as she was preparing for a fundraising gala, Marcus called. “You doing okay?” he asked, his tone gentle.
Allison sighed, setting down the dress she had been holding. “I’m fine. Just… dreading the trial, I guess.”
“You don’t have to go, you know,” Marcus said. “You’ve already done more than enough.”
“I know,” she replied. “But I need to see this through. For closure.”
Marcus was silent for a moment. “Alright. But if you need anything, I’m here.”
The day of the trial arrived, and Allison walked into the courthouse with her head held high. She wore a simple but elegant suit, her hair pulled back into a sleek bun. She looked every bit the confident, powerful woman she had become.
The courtroom was packed, the air thick with tension. Colton sat at the defense table, his once-polished appearance replaced by a haggard, defeated look. He glanced at Allison as she entered, his eyes narrowing, but she didn’t flinch. She had nothing to fear from him anymore.
The trial was a blur of testimonies, evidence, and arguments. Allison took the stand, her voice steady as she recounted everything—the corruption, the betrayal, the trap he had set for her. She didn’t hold back, and the courtroom listened in stunned silence.
When it was Colton’s turn to speak, he tried to defend himself, but his words rang hollow. The evidence against him was overwhelming, and his attempts to shift the blame only made him look more guilty.
Finally, the judge delivered the verdict: guilty on all counts. The courtroom erupted into murmurs, but Allison remained silent, her eyes fixed on Colton. He looked at her one last time, his expression a mix of anger and regret, before being led away in handcuffs.
It was over. Truly over.
After the trial, Allison stepped outside into the sunlight, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. Marcus was waiting for her, a small smile on his face.
“You okay?” he asked.
She nodded, taking a deep breath. “Yeah. I think I am.”
They walked to a nearby café, where they sat in comfortable silence for a while. Finally, Marcus spoke. “So, what’s next for you?”
Allison smiled, stirring her coffee. “I’ve been thinking about that. Phoenix Rising is in a good place, and we’ve got an amazing team. I think it’s time for me to step back a little, focus on some personal projects.”
Marcus raised an eyebrow. “Personal projects?”
She nodded. “I’ve been working on a book—a memoir, I guess. About everything that’s happened. I think it’s important to share my story, to show people that it’s possible to rise from the ashes.”
Marcus grinned. “That’s amazing, Allison. I think it’ll inspire a lot of people.”
“I hope so,” she said. “And who knows? Maybe I’ll even take a vacation. Somewhere quiet, where I can just… breathe.”
Marcus laughed. “You? Taking a vacation? I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Allison smiled, feeling a sense of peace she hadn’t known in years. The past was behind her, and the future was full of possibilities. She had faced her demons, fought her battles, and come out stronger on the other side.
As they left the café and walked into the sunlight, Allison felt a renewed sense of purpose. The final piece of her past had fallen into place, and she was ready to embrace whatever came next.
The journey hadn’t been easy, but it had been worth it. She had built a life she could be proud of, and she was ready to keep moving forward—one step at a time.