Chapter 20
I looked out across the sprawling, beautiful skyline of the city where I had built my empire, fought my battles, and reclaimed my soul.
“I was just thinking about how strange life is,” I murmured softly, watching a lone taxi drift down the avenue far below. “How a single moment—even the most painful one—can change everything.”
Julian tightened his arms around me, his presence a steady, comforting anchor in the cold winter air. “Are you thinking about the past?”
“Only how glad I am that it’s gone,” I said, turning my head to press a gentle kiss to his cheek. “I used to think survival meant keeping your head down, biting your tongue, and letting others dictate your worth. But I was wrong.”
“What does survival mean now?” Julian asked, his hazel eyes shining with genuine devotion.
I smiled, turning completely around in his arms to look him straight in the eyes, my heart lighter and freer than it had ever been.
“Survival means never letting anyone make you forget your own power,” I said firmly. “And knowing that no matter how dark the room gets, you always hold the keys to the door.”
Just as I finished speaking, a soft, single chime echoed from the hallway inside—a polite, gentle knock at the front door.
Julian raised an eyebrow, looking toward the foyer. “Expecting someone?”
May you like
I looked back at the closed wooden door, a calm, curious smile playing on my lips. I didn't know who was standing on the other side, and for the first time in my life, it didn't matter in the slightest. Whatever it was, whoever was there, I was ready for them.
“No,” I whispered, turning back to the balcony with Julian by my side as the snow fell gently over the city lights. “Let them knock.”
