Chapter 17 - A Mother's Second ChanceMonths passed.
Victoria changed.
She no longer lived behind walls of security and silence.
She cooked breakfast with Elena.
Walked with Clara.
Watched old movies with both daughters.
Sometimes they argued.
Sometimes they cried.
Sometimes they laughed until they couldn't breathe.
It wasn't perfect.
It was better.
One evening, Victoria opened the old nursery.
The room that had once represented grief now held photographs of all three women.
Clara touched the old crib.
"I wish I remembered this place."
Victoria smiled sadly.
"You don't need to remember."
She took Clara's hand.
"You survived."
Elena stood beside them.
The three women embraced.
Outside, the sunset painted the mansion gold.
For the first time, the Sterling estate didn't feel haunted.
May you like
It felt alive.
But peace never lasts forever.
