Chapter 10 - The EpilogueSix months later, the Newport harbor was blanketed in a crisp, clean layer of early winter snow, turning the historic waterfront into a postcard-perfect winter wonderland.
From the second-story window of our newly renovated home overlooking the water, I watched the snowflakes drift lazily down past the glass. My vintage platinum wedding band caught the afternoon light, gleaming softly against my finger every time I turned the page of the book I was reading.
Life had settled into a rhythm that was peaceful, authentic, and entirely our own.
Vanessa had packed up her things and fled Newport within forty-eight hours of the wedding, disgraced and socially radioactive after Ryan’s legal firm quietly leaked the transcript of the audio recording to mutual circles who demanded accountability. Last I heard, she had moved to the West Coast to try her luck in real estate—though I doubted her talent for manipulation would fare any better out there than it did against a bride who refused to be played.
As for Kendra and the others, they had sent sheepish, guilt-ridden text messages over the holidays attempting half-hearted apologies. I hadn't bothered to reply. Some bridges aren't meant to be rebuilt; some chapters are meant to be permanently closed so better ones can take their place.
Heavy footsteps echoed up the wooden staircase, followed by the rich, comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Ethan walked into the study, wearing a cozy cable-knit sweater, carrying two steaming mugs. He stopped behind my armchair, leaning down to press a soft, lingering kiss against the top of my head before setting my coffee down on the mahogany desk.
"What are you looking at so intensely?" Ethan asked, resting his hands on my shoulders and massaging away the lingering tension of the afternoon.
"Just watching the snow," I replied, covering his hand with mine. "Thinking about how far we've come since that night at the Lakeview Hotel."
Ethan chuckled softly, resting his chin on my shoulder. "Honestly? Sometimes I still get chills thinking about you sitting in that hotel room alone, listening to them plot, and just calmly deciding to outsmart the entire room."
"Never underestimate a woman who refuses to play the victim," I said, smiling up at him.
"Never," Ethan agreed, leaning down to press his lips gently against mine. "So, what's our next master plan, Mrs. Vance? World domination, or just deciding what to make for dinner?"
May you like
I laughed, turning back toward the snow-covered harbor as the winter sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of gold and violet.
"Let's start with dinner," I said, lacing my fingers through his. "And save the world domination for tomorrow."
