Chapter 29
CHAPTER 30 — The Unbroken Circle
One year later.
The backyard of Mia and Elias's home was bathed in the warm, golden light of late afternoon.
String lights zigzagged across the patio. Elias was at the grill, flipping burgers and laughing with a group of friends. Music drifted lazily through the warm summer air.
Julia sat on a wooden bench under the shade of a large oak tree.
A few feet away, little Lily, wearing a bright yellow sundress, was taking her first wobbly, uncertain steps across the green grass.
Mia knelt a few feet in front of the toddler, her arms outstretched, her smile radiant.
"Come here, Lily! You can do it!" Mia encouraged, her voice ringing with absolute, unfiltered joy.
Lily took one step. Then another. She lost her balance and tumbled onto the soft grass.
She didn't cry. She didn't look around in fear of a reprimand.
Lily just giggled, popped right back up, and threw herself into her mother's waiting arms. Mia caught her, spinning her around in the air, burying her face in the baby's neck.
Julia watched them.
She touched the simple silver chain around her own neck.
The trauma was a story they used to tell. It was a chapter that had been permanently closed, locked away, and left behind.
Julia closed her eyes, feeling the warm sun on her face and listening to the sound of her daughter's unburdened laughter.
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The cycle wasn't just broken. It had been replaced.
They had built an empire out of peace, and its foundation would never, ever be shaken again.
