CHAPTER 281

Julia’s POV

I stepped onto the balcony, feeling the cool, crisp breeze brush against my skin. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the ocean, the sky, and the distant mountains.

I threw my arms out wide, letting out a scream of pure, unadulterated joy. “I’m free!” I shouted, my voice echoing against the stone walls of the chateau. “I’m finally free!”

I had almost lost hope. There were moments when the darkness seemed impenetrable, when escape felt impossible. But here I was, at the top of the world, reveling in the freedom Henry and I had fought so hard to reclaim. I twirled around with my eyes closed, feeling a sense of exhilaration course through me.

Henry soon joined me, his presence as reassuring as ever. I ran to him, throwing my arms around him in a tight embrace. “You’re the best, Henry. You’ve always had my back, even when things seemed impossible.”

He laughed, a twinkle in his eye that made my heart skip a beat. “Of course, Jules. I’ve always been her