One year later.N
f someone had told me a year ago that I would find peace–not just the quiet kind, but the joyful, full–hearted kind–I wouldn’t have believed them.
But here I was.
n Paris.
Married to the man who loved me without condition. Doing what I loved. Living without fear.”
My name had slowly grown beyond the walls of the atelier. Invitations poured in from Milan, Tokyo, and New York. Clients waited months for custom pieces. My work was being featured in galleries. My sketches had become art, not just fashion.
They now called me a “visionary.”
But for me, the best part was waking up next to Riley each morning.
The way he always kissed my forehead before getting out of bed.
The way he never let the world touch me without shielding me first.
We didn’t just build a life–we built a home.
And for once, I didn’t feel like I had to earn it.
I was preparing fabric samples for a new spring line when I heard the bell chime at the boutique door.
looked up from my workspace, surprised to see a familiar face–two, actually.
Arthur… and his wife, Clara.}
My breath caught. I hadn’t seen them in almost a year.
Arthur looked nervous, his hands behind his back. Clara was glowing, her belly round under a soft cream sweater. “Hi, Mom,” Arthur said quietly.
Clara smiled warmly. “Hi, Mrs. Alonzo.“}
I stood slowly, unsure how to feel. “What are you two doing here?“}]
Arthur stepped closer, clearing his throat. “We… have news.“}
I waited.
“You’re going to be a grandmother,” Clara said gently.
I blinked, stunned.}
“She’s due in two months,” Arthur added. “A girl.”
A granddaughter.
My knees felt weak, but I didn’t sit down. Instead, I placed a hand over my heart.
“That’s… beautiful,” I said softly.
Arthur nodded. “We wanted you to know. And to see you. I… I wanted to say thank you. For everything. And I’m sorry again for before. I was too late, but I hope it’s not too late forever.”}
He reached into his coat and handed me a small photo of the ultrasound.
“She’s healthy,” Clara whispered. “And we hope… maybe one day, you’ll meet her.“}
I held the photo like it was made of porcelain.
“She’ll be lucky,” I murmured. “To have parents who already know how to love.“}
Arthur’s eyes were glassy when he said, “Also… about Grandpa. David.”
My chest tightened.
“He’s not well. They said it could be weeks. Maybe less.”
I looked at him. “And Camille?”
“She moved. Somewhere in Italy. Last I heard, she’s working with a startup brand. We don’t talk much anymore.“N
“And Kier?”
Arthur looked down. “Busy with business. That’s all he has now.”
I nodded slowly.
There was silence.!!
“Thank you for coming,” I said, and I meant it.
Before they left, Arthur paused at the door. “Congratulations,” he added. “On… everything. You’re the best version of yourself now, Mom. I see it. Everyone sees it.“%
I smiled gently. “Thank you.”
The next morning, I booked a train ticket.
The house smelled different. Colder. Quieter. The air was heavy.
David was lying in bed, thinner than I remembered. His eyes fluttered open when he heard the door creak.
:40 PM
e blinked in disbelief. “Erika?”
sat down beside him. “Hi, Dad.“}
e tried to sit up, but winced. I reached forward and placed a hand gently on his.
‘ou don’t have to speak,” I said softly.”
ears rolled down the corners of his eyes. “I was cruel.“>
‘es,” I whispered. “You were.”
don’t deserve to see you.“>
Maybe not,” I said. “But you’re still my father.“>
e closed his eyes.
‘ve made peace,” I told him. “Not because you earned it. But because I need it.”
is voice was hoarse. “I’m sorry.”}
know.”
nd somehow, that was enough.
le passed that night.
Quietly. Without pain.
And for the first time, I cried for him.
later that week, I sat across from Kier at the funeral.
We didn’t say much at first. Just silence. Then finally, he looked up.
I was a fool,” he said.”
didn’t argue.
‘I thought you’d wait forever,” he whispered.
‘I did,” I said gently. “And then I stopped.“>
He nodded, his hands trembling slightly. “You’re happy now.”
“Yes.”
“With him?”
“With me,” I corrected.
He looked down. “That’s all I ever wanted for you.”>
I stood. “Then want it from afar.”
And with that, I left.
Back to Paris.
Back to Riley.
Back home.
That evening, I returned to the atelier, where Riley was waiting with tea and a soft blanket.
“How was it?” he asked.
“Necessary,” I replied, curling beside him.”
We didn’t need to talk more.
His arms wrapped around me, and I rested my head on his shoulder.
Outside, the city sparkled.!
Inside, I felt something I hadn’t felt in years.”
Wholeness.
I wasn’t someone’s shadow anymore.”
Not a forgotten wife
Not a daughter seeking validation.
Not a woman grieving her past.
I was finally at peace.
