Chapter 76
Laney returned five years later, having graduated from university, now a more mature and composed woman. Her first stop was to see Antonio.
Antonio, don’t you ever get bored, living like this every day?” she asked.
Antonio, standing before her, had long shed the air of a businessman. Dressed in linen clothes, tending to his flowers and reading books, he led a leisurely, carefree life. He hadn’t visited Grace in years, though he’d heard she was doing well with Shane, expanding the family business. He hadn’t even known that Grace had a knack for business. It seemed that her three years as a teacher had been nothing more than a sacrifice for Laney
and him.
Sometimes, Antonio still thought about her. But those thoughts came less and less, and the memories were fading. By the time he truly let go, he might leave this mountain retreat behind, or maybe he would stay here for the rest of his life, never able to forget her. Either way, he would be fine.
“It’s not as boring as you think. This place is wonderful,” he said, his tone steady.
Laney hesitated for a moment before pulling out her phone. She carefully showed him a few pictures, something she hadn’t gotten so excited about in a long time. Antonio took the phone from her without hesitation, intrigued.
Before coming to see him, Laney had visited Grace. Over the years abroad, she’d matured and come to understand Grace’s struggles, growing up without parents, with no one to rely on. She had come to truly view Grace as a sister.
“These are Grace’s two adorable children. They’re already four years old,”
Chapter
Laney said, her eyes filled with affection.
As she spoke about them, her face lit up with love. She told Antonio that Grace had sold both of her villas, giving all the money to Laney. When Laney asked Grace if she still hated her, Grace had said she’d already let go of everything. There was no hatred left.
“Did she… have anything to say to me?” Antonio asked, his voice softer than he intended.
Laney shook her head. Even though they still kept in touch, it was mostly Laney reaching out. Grace might not hate her anymore, but to expect things to return to how they were before, without any lingering tension, was impossible.
“Laney, let’s not bother her anymore, okay?” Antonio said quietly.
Laney nodded. Since he stopped running the business, Antonio had become much more patient. Perhaps he had already come to terms with it. Sometimes, the best thing you could do for someone was to simply wish them well, even if you couldn’t have them.
Grace and Shane had a wedding when their children turned five, with the two kids acting as flower girls and ring bearers, accompanying their parents down the aisle.
“The kids at kindergarten say they’ve never attended their parents‘ wedding, but we got to.”
The girl said proudly to the boy beside her.
“That’s because our mommy and daddy are more beautiful and handsome than theirs!” the boy responded, puffing out his chest.
The two children were a perfect contrast. The girl was mischievous like Shane, while the boy was steady and calm like Grace. Their personalities were completely opposite, but the older brother, a little sweetheart, doted
on his younger sister, taking care of her with endless attention.
Today, Grace looked stunning. At thirty, she was still radiant, while Shane was more mature and steady. The wedding was meant to celebrate their love, but the two children were the happiest.
“Year after year, I feel like the luckiest person in the world, with you and the kids by my side,” Shane said, gazing lovingly at his wife.
She had been by his side for so many years now, and he finally felt at ease, no longer walking on eggshells. Grace was his, and only his.
“Shane, have I ever told you that meeting you was my salvation? Thank you,” Grace said, her voice thick with emotion.
As the couple shared a kiss, their two children shyly covered their eyes. The guests burst into laughter, and even Antonio and Laney, watching from the back of the crowd, couldn’t help but smile. They, too, had finally come to terms with Grace’s happiness.
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.