Chapter 71

Megra

The sun filters through the café’s open terrace, casting a warm glow on the bustling scene around us. I watch Mia play in the small garden, her red curls bouncing with each step as she chases a butterfly. She giggles, her laughter light and pure, and I can’t help but smile. It’s been two years since everything changed, but seeing her happy brings a fleeting sense of peace.

Nathaniel sits across from me, looking relaxed for the first time in what feels like ages. He has not stopped looking at her. We’ve been through so much, and yet here we are, together again. There’s a sense of normalcy to this moment, a quiet joy in sharing lunch and watching our daughter play. I reach for my glass, taking a sip of iced tea, the coolness a welcome relief from the summer heat.

He looks at me, his eyes soft. “Are You okay?” he asks, a hint of concern in his voice.

I nod, smiling. “Yeah, just... grateful. For this. For us.”

He squeezes my hand gently. “Me too. I told Anna to leave, Megra. I will