Chapter 89

Nathaniel

Walking into the apartment, I feel lighter than I have in weeks. There’s a spring in my step, a brightness in my chest that makes it hard to keep the smile off my face. The past few days have been blissful—no threats, no phone calls, no dark shadows hanging over us. Just peace and hope for the first time in what feels like forever. The news of my arrest has died down, and for a minute, my distorted relationship with Megra was all that was circulating. The felon and the mistress, the headlines read, but I could not care less.

I’m eager to see Megra and Mia, my family. It’s a strange feeling, this happiness. I almost don’t trust it, like it could vanish at any moment, but I can’t help myself. At 50 years old, I am a father to the most beautiful 2-year-old daughter, and finally I have a woman I adore; no one will take this from me. The doctor’s good news about Archer’s recovery has also lifted a weight off my shoulders, and for once, the future doesn’t look so bleak.

Even And