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It was my mother’s favorite room. She always talked to Ethan here and had the perfect view of his place. I kept it as a reminder of the loss and guilt.
But I’m happy now. I am in love, and I am loved. I’m ready to let go of the guilt and helplessness that the memories of my mother and Jenny gave me.
I pick up the picture of Jenny and stroke her face. She was so young and innocent, just a pawn of a horrible man.
I am sorry I failed, but I want to believe you are in a better place. I know I can’t save them all, but I will save as many as I can.
I move to my mother’s picture. I forgive you, and you can rest in peace now. It’s time that you are next to me, not in this room where I’ve hidden my need to mourn. You would have loved Violet. She makes me better, Mother. She makes everything better.
I take my mother’s photo with me and go downstairs to my office, where I place it on the cabinet. I remember what my sister said as we talked about her with Hayden. Our mother always used to say to her, Be strong, be brave, be happy. Hayden completed the puzzle by saying it was three for all her children. The first two were a no-brainer when you grew up with my father, but the latter always eluded me until now. I whisper into the air, hoping she can hear me. “I am happy, Mother.”
Marie knocks and enters. “How is Violet?”
“Asleep.”
She sees the picture, and her hand flies to her chest. “My boy.”
“It’s time. I’ve been holding on to them for too long.”
“What now?”
“Empty that room. My wife can do whatever she wants with it.”
Marie cries, and I force my own tears back. It’s taken me ten years, but I can finally let go.
My phone rings. It’s Kieran, “Are you okay?”
“I am now. I’ve paid enough homage to the ghosts of my past.”
“You did more than that.”
Nodding to myself, I acknowledge the truth. I was the one who dismantled one human trafficking ring after another. And I’ll continue to do so, lurking in the shadows where I serve as both judge and executioner.
In our bedroom, I find Violet curled on her side. When I pull her to me, she stiffens in my arms, but her eyes are closed, and her breaths even.
I turn on my side with a smile on my face. I understand why the guys can’t and won’t live without their women now.
You can’t live without the light illuminating the black in your life.
I wake up to Cameron kissing my neck. I tense, yet again, not being able to control my emotions. He tilts my head to him, confusion transforming his face.
“I’m not feeling well,” I say.
“I’ll call Alessandra.”
“No need.”
I get out of bed. With my back turned to him, a sigh rolls out of my mouth. Last night was supposed to be the beginning. Now, I am just tired and sad. After he made love to me, I followed him and found him in that room. All my hopes got slaughtered.
In the shower, tears mix with the water. My head drops, my shoulders sag, and my heart deflates. Jenny still owns him. But who am I? The woman he got comfortable with, but who can never replace her?
He’s in bed, his eyes trailing after me. Where does this leave us, then?
“I’m going to visit my family and then I have to get ready for the championship.”
“Violet?”
I force a smile on my lips. “I’m fine.”
