Chapter 10 - SIX MONTHS OF PEACESix months passed.
Olivia grew stronger.
Ryan got his job back.
Richard moved closer.
My father slowly returned to our lives.
He never gave a dramatic apology.
Instead, he built Olivia a crib.
He learned how to change diapers.
He attended her doctor's appointments.
He was trying.
And somehow, that meant more than words.
Diane disappeared to Florida.
Her reputation collapsed.
Her friends abandoned her.
The country club revoked her membership.
The investigation continued.
For the first time, I felt safe.
We went to the beach.
Olivia laughed as waves touched her feet.
Ryan talked about buying a house.
We talked about another baby.
About growing old.
For one weekend, we forgot about Diane.
Then we came home.
The apartment door was slightly open.
Ryan stopped.
"Did you leave it unlocked?"
"No."
He entered first.
Nothing was missing.
Nothing was broken.
Except for one thing.
A photograph sat on the coffee table.
Olivia.
On the beach.
Taken that very day.
From a distance.
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On the back, four words were written in Diane's handwriting.
I ALWAYS KEEP MY PROMISES.
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