More Than Ready
Chapter 295: More Than Ready
Savannah
Everything felt unreal. Like I had slipped into a dream so vivid my senses couldn’t decide whether to trust it or fear waking from it.
One moment I had been curled on River’s lap, my face buried against her thigh while she stroked my hair with patient, soothing motions. She had whispered quiet reassurances into the heavy air, telling me everything would be alright. Telling me she believed her brother would make the right choice.
She had said it with conviction — the kind that almost forces hope into a heart too tired to believe on its own.
“He’ll choose you,” she’d murmured. “Roman won’t lose you. He'll always put you first.”
And then… The door burst open.
Roman stood there like a superhero from an action film. Like a man who had already made a decision and burned every bridge behind him to reach it.
His presence filled the room before he even spoke. His gaze found mine immediately, unwavering, intense, and something deep inside me recognized the finality in it.
He extended his hand toward me. “Let’s go, my love.” That was all. No explanation. No hesitation. Just certain and final.
For a moment, I simply stared at him, unable to breathe, unable to think. My heart pounded so violently against my ribs that it hurt. Joy surged through me so fast and so strong that it left me dizzy.
He chose me. He chose us. He chose a future with me.
The realization rushed through my body like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. My chest felt too small to contain it. My fingers trembled as I placed my hand in his, afraid that if I hesitated even a second longer, the moment would vanish.
He pulled me gently to my feet, and suddenly everything was motion.
I barely remembered grabbing my phone or wallet. Everything else — clothes, belongings, memories tied to this suffocating place — no longer mattered. They could remain here, buried with the ghosts that haunted these walls. I didn't care.
Freedom was waiting outside.
River followed us into the hallway, her expression a fragile mix of happiness and sadness. She said nothing, but her presence somehow felt like she had been thrust into mourning at our backs as we walked through the corridors of the manor one last time.
Each step felt lighter than the last and by the time we reached the grand entrance and stepped out into the open air, something inside me shifted. I breathed in deeply.
For the first time in what felt like forever, air filled my lungs without resistance. I hadn’t realized how long I had been suffocating.
The fountain at the center of the grounds shimmered under the morning light, water cascading in steady, endless motion. The sound was calming—almost cleansing.
Freedom had a sensation. It actually had a taste. It tasted sharp and clean on my tongue, like rain after a storm.
And I wanted to memorize it forever.
Roman led us toward the garage, his grip on my hand firm but gentle. He paused beside the parked vehicles, scanning them briefly before pulling out his phone. His thumbs moved quickly across the screen.
He was arranging something. Preparing. Taking control.
“How are we getting home?” I asked quietly, suddenly realizing neither of our cars were present and Roman was still recovering.
River glanced between us, curious as well.
“I texted Reese,” Roman replied, slipping his phone back into his pocket. “He agreed to drive us.”
Relief settled softly inside me.
River shifted beside us, her voice softer now. “You’re really leaving?”
Roman stepped forward and wrapped her in a tight embrace. He pressed a kiss to her head — a rare gesture of warmth between the siblings that made my chest ache unexpectedly.
“Thank you,” he said quietly. “For taking care of her.”
River hugged him fiercely, sniffing as she laughed softly. “I forgot what it felt like to have you around,” she admitted. “I got a little used to having you here again. Even if it was only for a little while.”
When they separated, Roman studied her carefully. “You can come with us, you know,” he offered. “We’ll figure something out.”
She shook her head gently. “I can’t,” she said. “Arthur has been very kind to me. I won’t embarrass him like that.”
Roman’s expression tightened, but he didn’t argue further. “If anything changes,” he said firmly, “I’m coming back for you.”
She nodded, accepting the promise.
Then she turned to me. “Will I see you again, Sav?”
The question lodged in my throat. I wanted to promise her yes. I wanted to cling to the idea that this wasn’t a goodbye but was only a pause.
But as I looked around the estate, something deep inside me understood the truth. This place was not somewhere I would ever willingly return to. Not willingly. Not while Reginald was still breathing.
Tears burned behind my eyes. “I hope so,” I whispered.
She smiled gently and pulled me into a hug that felt warm and sweet. “Send me pictures of your baby,” she said softly. “When she arrives.”
I blinked, surprised. “She?”
River nodded confidently. “I just know it's going to be a girl.”
Emotion swelled in my chest as we embraced one last time. “I’ll miss you,” I whispered. “Thank you for everything.”
She smiled, though her eyes shimmered. “Maybe I’ll be able to visit you someday.”
Footsteps approached.
Reese emerged from the house, wearing a faded band tee and dark jeans, followed by Alex, who looked as though he had been dragged into the morning against his will.
“That was fast,” Reese remarked dryly. “I aspire to never love anyone enough to make life decisions this dramatic.”
Alexander snorted. “You’d need someone to love you first.”
Reese rolled his eyes. “I’m irresistible.”
Alex snorted. “As if love would ever find you.”
Reese smirked. “Yeah. I guess you're right. Cupid better not waste his precious arrows here.”
We laughed and the sound felt strange after so much tension. Light. Almost fragile.
He looked at me then, softer. “I’ll miss you, Savannah,” he admitted. “You kind of shook things up around here.”
“She did more than shake things up,” Alexander added. “She brought the drama.”
Heat rose to my cheeks.
“Don’t name your kid after me,” Alex added. “I know I’m memorable.”
Roman answered for me. “Not happening.”
Reese exhaled slowly. “Ready?”
Roman nodded. “More than ready.”
“Me too,” I whispered.
We followed Reese toward his car. Then a voice called out. “Ma’am!”
Ramsey stood at the entrance, waving enthusiastically. The sight of him made my heart swell unexpectedly.
I waved back, smiling. “Bye, Ramsey!”
“He’s going to miss you,” Reese murmured.
“You guys talked?” Roman asked, lost.
I nodded, still waving. “Of course. He grew on me. He's quite adorable.”
Roman opened the car door for me. “You getting attached to Ramsey is still strange,” he said.
“He’s sweet,” I replied, sliding into the seat.
Roman joined me, still watching the house as if memorizing every threat within it.
River and Alexander stood nearby, quiet observers of our departure.
I leaned out slightly. “Tell Riley I said goodbye.”
Alexander checked his watch. “German class started eight minutes ago.”
I groaned softly. “I hate your father.”
He smirked. “Welcome to the club.”
Reese started the engine. And just then I felt it. A cold, heavy gaze.
I looked up toward the manor. And there he was, watching from the window silently.Something fierce rose inside me — not fear, but defiance.
And before I could stop myself, I rolled down the window, raised my hand, and flipped him off.
River gasped. “Savannah!”
Reese followed my gaze. He snorted before he burst out laughing.
Alexander followed suit and burst out laughing too.
Roman pulled me closer, pride unmistakable in his expression. “That’s my girl.”
And for the first time since stepping onto those cursed grounds… I truly believed we were leaving them behind.