Chapter 5 - A New Beginning
Security guards, realizing which way the wind was blowing, quietly approached my parents and Vivien, politely but firmly asking them to vacate the premises. Vivien was sobbing hysterically, her mascara running down her cheeks in black streaks, screaming obscenities as she was dragged out of the grand ballroom.
As the doors closed behind them, the heavy, suffocating weight that had oppressed my entire life vanished into thin air. I exhaled a breath I felt like I’d been holding for thirty-two years.
I looked down at Ethan. He rubbed his tired eyes, looking up at me with absolute adoration. "Mommy? Can we go home now? The loud people are gone."
"Yes, baby," I whispered, kissing his forehead. "We're going home. And everything is going to be okay."
Before I could turn toward the exit, Daniel stepped in front of us. He knelt down so he was eye-level with Ethan, pulling a small, comforting smile onto his face.
"Hey there, champion," Daniel said softly. "I'm Daniel. I'm sorry about all the noise tonight. Would it be alright if your mom and I took you out for ice cream right now? Anywhere you want."
Ethan blinked, tilting his head. "Can we get sprinkles? Chocolate ones?"
"As many sprinkles as the restaurant has," Daniel chuckled, his eyes softening as he looked up at me.
"Morgan," Daniel said, standing up and taking my hand gently in his. The warmth of his skin sent a sudden, unexpected jolt straight through my chest. "I know this is chaotic. I know you've been through hell tonight. But I’ve loved you from afar for a very long time, watching you fight for that little boy with a strength that put every lawyer I know to shame. Please... let me spend the rest of my life making sure you never have to fight alone again."
May you like
Tears welled in my eyes once more, but this time, they weren't tears of pain or humiliation. They were tears of pure, unadulterated relief.
"I'd like that, Daniel," I smiled softly, sliding my hand securely into his.
