Chapter 9 - Snowfall in Aspen
Three days later, the morning sun glistened over the snow-capped peaks of Aspen, Colorado.
Inside a breathtaking private timber cabin featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a roaring stone fireplace, and a massive Christmas tree covered in gold lights, Darcy sat on a plush sofa sipping hot cocoa.
Ren was sitting on a soft sheepskin rug by the fire, giggling happily as she unwrapped a giant set of professional art supplies her mother had bought her. Outside, soft snowflakes drifted down onto the pine trees, creating a picture-perfect winter wonderland.
Darcy's phone buzzed on the coffee table.
It was a barrage of text messages from Mom and Kelsey, who were currently stuck in a budget motel two hours outside of Honolulu after spending twenty thousand dollars of Kelsey's fiancé's savings just to get basic economy standby tickets. Kelsey's wedding had been downsized to a quick public beach ceremony with no guests, no catering, and no luxury villa.
Mom: "Darcy, please answer. Kelsey's in-laws are refusing to speak to us. You completely destroyed this family."
Darcy looked at the message, felt no guilt, no sorrow, and no regret whatsoever.
May you like
She swiped the notification away, tapped on her settings, and permanently blocked both of their numbers from her phone.
👉 Continue to Part 10 for the heartwarming final conclusion.
