Chapter 8 - THE WEDDING THAT NEVER HAPPENED
Celeste returned to the mansion six months later.
She was different.
No diamonds.
No designer gown.
No entourage.
She came alone.
Grace opened the door.
Celeste looked exhausted.
“I need to apologize.”
Grace said nothing.
Celeste looked toward Ivy.
“I hurt you.”
Ivy stood beside her mother.
“You ruined my house.”
Celeste nodded.
“I know.”
“Why?”
Celeste looked down.
“Because I was afraid.”
Ivy frowned.
“Of a house?”
“No.”
Celeste swallowed.
“Of the truth.”
Grace finally spoke.
“Why did you help your father?”
“Because I thought protecting my family meant protecting him.”
She looked at Grace.
“I was wrong.”
Grace studied her.
“Are you testifying?”
“Yes.”
“Against your father?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Celeste's eyes filled with tears.
“Because I finally understood that silence doesn't protect families.”
She looked at Ivy.
“It destroys them.”
Grace stepped aside.
“Come in.”
Celeste entered.
---
The trial lasted nine weeks.
Graham Mercer was convicted on multiple counts.
His assets were seized.
The Volterra victims' families received compensation.
Noah's reputation was restored publicly.
The newspaper that had once called him a thief printed a full-page correction.
NOAH REED WAS INNOCENT.
Grace kept the newspaper.
Not because she needed anyone to apologize.
But because one day Ivy would ask.
And Grace wanted her daughter to know the truth.
---
Owen sold the mansion.
Grace was surprised.
“You love this place.”
“I did.”
“Why sell it?”
He smiled.
“Because Ivy hates the west hallway.”
Ivy called from the other room.
“It's too cold!”
They all laughed.
Owen bought a smaller house overlooking Lake Washington.
It had a garden.
A workshop.
A sunroom.
And a room for Ivy where she could build anything she wanted.
Grace moved in months later.
She was still unsure.
Owen never pressured her.
One evening, they stood on the porch.
“I don't want to replace Noah,” Owen said.
Grace looked at him.
“I know.”
“I couldn't.”
“I know.”
“I just want to build something good with you.”
Grace smiled.
“You already are.”
He took her hand.
May you like
Neither needed to say more.
---
