Chapter 125
Chapter 127: Secrets in the Morning Light
Soft beams of dawn filtered through the lace curtains as Brielle stirred awake. She lay curled against Damian’s back, his arm draped over her waist. The world was quiet except for the slow rhythm of his breathing and the distant call of birds.
Her first thought was the ring on her finger. Warm, real, his promise under the stars. A smile eased across her lips.
She shifted so she could look at him. His dark hair fell in soft waves, a stray lock brushing his closed eyelid. Even asleep, he seemed at peace.
She studied his face and felt tears come unbidden. All the battles and secrets and danger had led to this tenderness.
Careful not to wake him, she slipped from the bed and padded to the small kitchen. Lira was already there, sitting at the table with her laptop, steaming mugs set before her.
“Morning,” Brielle whispered, wrapping her arms around her aunt’s shoulders.
Lira returned the hug, then sighed. “We have work to do.”
Brielle sank into the chair across from her. “I thought we’d rest.”
Lira clicked open the folder Damian and Brielle had brought. “We will. Soon. But first we need to finish this.” She tapped at the keys. On the screen scrolled names, dates, coded transactions.
Brielle leaned forward. “What does it say?”
Lira zoomed in on a file. “The money trail ends here. University Foundation account. Large deposits labeled ‘Phase Two Funding.’ All routed through a shell company.”
Brielle felt a twist in her stomach. “So the school president funded our fall?”
Lira nodded. “And more. This money came from donors who thought they backed a scholarship program. Instead they’re bankrolling a smear campaign.”
Brielle’s hand spasmed around her mug. “We need proof.”
Lira opened another document. “Emails. Memos. Approvals in the president’s own handwriting.”
She hit print. A stack of papers slid out the printer. Brielle gathered them, voice trembling. “This is it.”
Lira closed the laptop. “We present this to the federal agents tomorrow. Then we clear our names—and expose him.”
Brielle placed her hand over Lira’s. “Thank you.”
Lira smiled. “Now go see your husband.” She teased.
A rush of warmth filled Brielle. “Husband.”
She hurried back to their room. Damian still slept, the morning sun stitching patterns on his skin. She crawled in beside him, tucking her head under his chin.
He stirred, eyes opening. “Morning, love.”
She kissed his chest. “Morning.”
He used his free arm to pull her tight. She felt safe in his hold.
He brushed her hair back and whispered, “Ready for a normal day?”
She laughed softly. “What’s normal?”
He smiled. “Coffee and a walk. Then papers and agents.”
She pressed her lips to his collarbone. “Save some tenderness for me?”
He grinned. “Always.” He kissed her gently.
They moved through the cottage hand in hand, sipping tea as the sky brightened. Each glance held promise—of justice, of peace, of a future built together.
Later, they crossed the garden toward the road. Brielle paused to pick a wild daisy, tucking it behind Damian’s ear. He laughed and spun her around in a quick dance step.
“Still perfect,” he said, eyes warm.
“So are you,” she replied, arms around his neck.
They fell into step toward the bus stop, fingers entwined, hearts light—even as the papers in Lira’s bag waited to bring down their final enemy.
As they reached the road, a sleek black car rolled by slowly. The tinted window lowered, revealing the college president’s face, pale and furious.
He stared at them, lips twisted into a barest sneer, then the window snapped shut.
Damian’s jaw clenched. “He’s watching.”
Brielle tightened her grip. “Let him. We have truths that burn brighter than his threats.”
He pulled her into his side. “Together.”
She nodded. “Together.”
They boarded the bus, ready for whatever came next—and certain that, side by side, they could face any storm.