Chapter 15 - The House Without FearThe Laurelhurst estate changed.
The heavy curtains were removed.
Margaret's portraits disappeared.
Her office became a library.
The locked filing cabinets were destroyed.
The housekeeper returned.
The gardens bloomed again.
One evening, Ava sat beside the window overlooking Lake Washington.
Ethan walked in carrying two glasses of sparkling cider.
"To what?"
Ava smiled.
"Peace."
He raised his glass.
"To peace."
They touched glasses.
Outside, the city lights shimmered across the water.
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The house no longer felt like a prison.
It felt like home.
Related Stories
Chapter 16 - A New PurposeAva decided she would never again allow someone else's cruelty to define her.
Chapter 17 - The Last LetterMonths later, a letter arrived.
Chapter 18 - The First DanceOne year after Margaret's arrest, Ethan organized a private celebration.
Chapter 19 - The Second SunriseSixteen months after the day the wheelchair hit the floor, the Sterling estate hosted a celebration.
Chapter 20 - What Waits Beyond the HorizonThe party ended late.
