Chapter 9 - The Stolen Decade Reclaimed
Lucas slowly stood up, holding Lily securely in his left arm.
He reached out his right hand, gently pulling Jessica forward. The beautiful woman in the pale silk gown finally let out a long, shaky breath, the paralyzing terror she had carried for ten years completely melting away. She collapsed against his chest, crying tears of pure, unadulterated relief as Lucas held her tightly.
"I'm so sorry, Jess," Lucas whispered into her hair, kissing the side of her head. "I should have protected you. I should have known."
"You know now," Jessica wept, wrapping her arms around both him and their daughter. "That's all that matters."
Lucas looked up at his silent, stunned corporate guests. He didn't offer them an apology or an explanation. He didn't owe them a single thing.
"The gala is over," Lucas announced firmly, his voice echoing through the grand room. "Everyone go home."
He didn't wait for them to leave. Lucas turned around, holding his daughter and holding his true love's hand, and walked out the private side exit of the ballroom, completely leaving his dark, tragic past behind him.
Six months later, justice was served with absolute, beautiful perfection.
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Eleanor was completely cut off from the massive family fortune. Unable to maintain her arrogant, lavish lifestyle, she was forced to sell all of her expensive jewelry and move into a tiny, rundown apartment on the outskirts of the city, completely abandoned by her wealthy, snobby friends.
👉 Lucas officially married Jessica, proving that true love could survive even the most terrifying betrayals.
