Chapter 19 - A NEW DAWN
The media frenzy shifted overnight from attacking Hannah to obsessively covering the explosive downfall of the Hale family.
Victoria Hale's bail was immediately revoked, and she was locked in a federal holding cell to await trial alongside her father.
For the first time in weeks, the sun shone brightly over the Blackwood estate, bringing a deep, profound peace.
Hannah sat on the back patio, sipping her coffee and watching Noah happily build a massive Lego tower in the grass.
Ethan walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and burying his face in the crook of her neck.
"The federal prosecutors said Arthur will likely serve twenty years, and Victoria won't see daylight for at least ten," Ethan murmured.
Hannah leaned back against his strong chest, letting out a long, shuddering breath of pure relief.
"It's really over, isn't it?" she asked softly, turning her head to look into his dark, loving eyes.
"It's over," Ethan promised, turning her around to kiss her deeply and passionately.
"No more secrets, no more tabloids, and no more ghosts from the past trying to tear us apart."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out two first-class plane tickets to a private island in Greece.
"I think it's time we finally start planning that wedding, Mrs. Blackwood," he grinned, his handsome face radiant with joy.
May you like
Noah looked up from his Legos, clapping his hands excitedly at the mention of the wedding.
Everything they had suffered through had finally led them to this perfect, unbreakable moment.
