THE SECRET BENEATH THE MARBLE FLOOR

One year later.

At 9:00 AM on a bright Sunday morning, the marble foyer of the Caldwell estate reflected the crystal chandelier beautifully. But this time, it wasn't a place of cold torture. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, warming the stone.

Noah was sliding across the marble in his socks, laughing uproariously as one of the new golden retriever puppies chased him.

Grace stood near the bottom of the sweeping staircase, wearing a stunning, simple white dress. She held a steaming mug of coffee, her healed hands resting comfortably against the porcelain.

Nathaniel walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. He kissed her cheek, pulling her back against his chest.

"Are you ready for today?" he murmured.

Grace leaned into him, looking down at the magnificent diamond ring sparkling on her left hand. Today, the estate was filling with friends and family for their wedding.

She looked at the spot on the floor near the gold-legged table—the exact spot where she had once bled, where she thought her life was breaking apart. Now, it was just a beautiful floor in a house filled with love.

"I'm ready," Grace smiled, turning her head to capture his lips in a soft, lingering kiss. "I've never been more ready for anything in my life."

The shadows were gone, replaced by a radiant, unbreakable light.