Chapter 25%
The familiar scent of the estate greeted me as I stepped inside, but it no longer felt suffocating. It felt like home. After everything- the betrayal, the chaos, the pain–I was finally back where I belonged.
Johan was beside me, his grip firm on my hand, as if afraid I’d disappear again. My mother and stepfather were behind us, quiet but watching closely. And in my arms, Angelo stirred, letting out a tiny sound.
I tightened my hold on my son. We had fought through hell to get here, and I wouldn’t run anymore. Not from him. Not from our family
Johan’s voice broke the silence. “You’re home.”
I turned to him. His face was unreadable, his blue eyes locked onto mine
I nodded. “Yes.”
But deep down, I wondered if he could ever forgive me for leaving.2.
The estate was quiet as I settled back into my old room.
Everything was as I left it, yet nothing felt the same. I ran my fingers over the vanity, remembering the girl who had sat there before–a woman who thought she had no choice but to run.
Now, I wasn’t sure if leaving had been the right decision 3
A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.?
I turned as Johan stepped inside, his eyes guarded. “Can we talk?
I nodded, swallowing hard.
He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Why didn’t you tell me
I knew what he meant. Why did I leave without a word? Why did I let him suffer, thinking I had betrayed him?
Tears burned behind my eyes, but I forced myself to stay strong. “I thought I was doing the right thing.”
Johan scoffed. “The right thing? His voice was low dangerous. “Leaving me at the altar? Disappearing with our child?”
| flinched. “Your father–“%.
“I don’t care about him.” He pushed off the door stepping closer. “You should’ve told me. We could’ve fought together.”
I looked away, guilt heavy in my chest. “I was scared I didn’t want to be the reason you lost everything”
Johan exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “You were everything I wanted, Anastacia. Don’t you get that?”
Silence stretched between us.
Then, softly, I whispered, “I’m sorry.” ¦
Johan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It doesn’t change what happened
know
His jaw tightened, but he reached out, gently tilting my chin up so I met his gaze. “Are you staying this time?“k
I didn’t hesitate. “Yes”
Johan nodded, his expression unreadable. “Good”
And just like that, the tension in the room lifted.X
That night, the estate buzzed with quiet excitement. My mother and stepfather were discussing plans for a small dinner to celebrate our return. Even Jayson was here, sitting across from me at the dining table
He watched me carefully before clearing his throat. “You look better.
I smirked. “So do you!!!
Ty fore
everything.”
Jayson sighed, shifting uncomfortably. “Listen… I know I messed up. But I never wanted to hurt you. And I’m sorry
I studied him for a long moment before nodding “I forgive you”
His shoulders relaxed. “Thank you.”2
Later that night, I stood on the balcony, staring at the moonlit gardens below.
I heard Johan before I saw him.).
“You’re thinking too much.”%
I turned as he stepped beside me, slipping his hands into his pockets.
I let out a soft laugh. “I have a lot to think about.”&
Johan exhaled, his eyes fixed on me. “Then stop thinking.”I
Before I could respond, he reached into his packet, pulling out a small velvet box. My breath caught
He flicked it open, revealing a simple but beautiful ring.
“I know we’re engaged but you ran away from me, so this time I want to make it right.”
Tears welled in my eyes R
Johan took my hand, his voice steady. “Marry me, Anastacia. No more running this time.
I didn’t hesitate. “Yes”
His lips crashed against mine, sealing a promise that this time, we were forever!
The next day, there was no extravagant event, no press, no distractions. Just us, our families, and our son Johan stood at the altar in an open garden, the sunset casting golden hues over the white roses surrounding us..
As I walked toward him, dressed in a simple ivory gown, holding Angelo in my arms, I realized–this was all I ever wanted.
Not wealth, Not revenge. Not running.
Just love. Johan took our son from me, cradling him gently as I reached the altar.
We’exchanged vows in front of the people who truly mattered.
And when Johan kissed me, it felt like coming home.
That night, in our room, Johan didn’t waste time.
He kissed me the moment the door shut, his hands gripping my waist. “Mine.”
I gasped as he lifted me effortlessly, pressing me against the wall!!
His lips were rough, desperate. 1 missed you,” he murmured against my skin.
I pulled him closer. Then don’t stop.
Clothes disappeared. Hands explored. And for the first time in forever, there were no secrets between us. Just love, passion, and a new beginning. Together.”
Days turned into weeks. The past still lingered, but it no longer controlled us. Johan ran his own company now, free from his father’s
grasp.
I focused on our family, raising Angelo with the man I loved. And finally, after everything, I could say I was happy. We were happy.li
And this time, nothing would tear us apart
