Chapter 159 A happy beginning

Chapter 159 A happy beginning
Violet,

" You won't do it?" I repeated, staring at his face fondly, my brows knitting together as I searched his expression.

" Well," he said quietly. He sat down on the sofa, elbows resting on his knees before he leaned back and met my eyes. " This is the first month since I ever woke up when I didn't need to sleep with guilt every night."

I went to him and sat on the armrest, my fingers brushing his shoulder instinctively.

" Whenever I took a person's life, I couldn't sleep." His voice dropped. " The only thing I could do was drink as much whiskey as possible." He swallowed hard. " Each time I couldn't shut down those scenes, I would go to a bar, drink more, and then sleep with random women just to forget." Tears streamed down his face as he explained, his shoulders trembling.

" Yes. I am an alcoholic, Violet." He let out a shaky breath. " My head keeps spinning when I can't drink." His jaw tightened. " But in front of my son, I feel suffocated thinking that I might start drinking in front of him." He sniffled as he looked at me, eyes red-rimmed and glassy.

" I couldn't concentrate on my thoughts or my relationships." He ran a hand through his hair roughly. " I feel pressured. I feel like my world is turning upside down, and I don't know where I am heading." His voice cracked. " I don't like killing people, Violet." He exhaled sharply. " I loved releasing my frustration on random bastards. I loved watching them bleed because I thought that was the only way to prove I was worthy of becoming the next leader." His jaw clenched. " But whenever I saw their pitiful gaze, I knew it was going to be hell."

" It's fine." I pulled him into my arms, holding him tightly as his body shook. " It's alright. It's over!" A sob broke through my chest. " I am sorry. I truly am."

" No. I am sorry." His voice was muffled against my shoulder. " I can't forget those things." He trembled. " As if drinking more, hitting more, and being with more women could help me hold onto the life I was used to."

" Don't... don't think about that life." I stroked his hair slowly. " Make a new life. It's just a bad dream." I pressed my cheek against his head. " Think of it as a bad dream. Now, this is your reality."

He nodded slowly, hugging me tighter, his grip desperate. " I am sorry, Violet. I'm not the man you like." His breath hitched. " And it hurts me more."

I didn't know how to convince him, so I stayed there, holding him quietly. Both of us were scared, confused about the future we needed to face. I loved him, and I would be there for him forever.

After that night, Knox decided to go through therapy every single day without skipping. He talked more about his fears, his life, and his addiction to alcohol.

This time, he looked genuine in trying. From medical treatment to therapy sessions, everything stayed balanced.

In the meantime, we found the Smith family hiding somewhere outside the city. Sarah had been following Knox since he started visiting the hospital. That was why she knew he went to the café regularly.

They were investigated thoroughly. Unlike movie series where people regain their memories overnight, Knox had a very slow process of recovery.

But he looked more like himself again. After his inability to think straight and confusion about where his life was heading, he seemed to have found a new rhythm.

Spending time with Cyrus, joining family activities, therapy, medical treatments, and speaking with the legal team working with me on his case. He wanted to clear his guilty conscience.

The legal team assured him that even if it hadn't been him, legal assassins would have acted sooner or later.

That reassurance helped him stay calm.

Right now, it was Cyrus's second birthday. Everyone was busy planning the party.

It wouldn't be anything grand. Just us, where for the first time we would spend the best day with everyone I considered family.

" You can't run like this, Cyrus!" Julia ran after him as Cyrus clutched a balloon in his small hand.

" Papa... save me!" He ran toward Knox, who was setting up the cake.

" Come here, little guy! You are running faster now!"

Cyrus giggled and looked at me. " Mamma, no cake yet?"

" Just half an hour, baby." I kissed his cheek.

A soft giggle escaped him. Knox gave me a sweet smile.

Anna and Xavier arrived soon after, holding a huge gift box. They had been spoiling him too much. Recently, Anna told me that Jenny was arrested for breaking the restraining order her husband had placed on her.

" What are you thinking, Boss? It's not time to doze off, you know!" Mirah smirked as she walked toward me, one hand resting on her belly. She had found out she was pregnant two months ago and was now planning to get married soon.

On that day, I finally told Knox about our marriage and Sarah's involvement. Thankfully, Knox didn't doubt anything.

" Nah. I'm just recalling all the cinematic incidents that have happened to me." I smiled faintly. " Don't you think it looks like a happy ending to my life?"

Mirah smirked and leaned closer. " Indeed. Look where we are now." She stood beside me. " I am glad those painful days have ended."

That's true. It had ended, and the ending was perfect.

After the birthday party, Knox, Cyrus, and I went up to the rooftop. Cyrus fell asleep after eating cake.

" It's cool here," Knox said as I rested my head on his lap.

" Yeah. Come to think of it, we spent your eighteenth birthday in a cottage."

" The one my grandpa exploded?"

My eyes snapped to him. " What did you say?"

" The cottage we bought?"

I stared at him. " You remember?"

His brows lifted slightly. " A little. I think it just came to my mind, and I said it out loud."

" You mean you're remembering it?" My eyes lit up.

He remained calm. " It's possible."

" Aren't you excited?" I asked.

" No." A soft smile touched his lips. " I feel relieved." He kissed my forehead. " The subtle noise in the back of my mind has been removed. And when I look at you, I feel like this is what I used to feel for you."

I smiled, my hands reaching his neck. " Please keep loving me. I need nothing more."

" How could I not love you more, Vio? After all, you are the world I belong to."

Warmth washed over my chest. I held onto his neck as the quiet moonlit night, gentle breeze, and our son's soft snoring filled the silence.

Our lips met with untold promises and unfinished dreams we would fulfill together, no matter what.

Our story may have a long way to reach its ending, but I know this time he will be ready to write the next chapter of our lives.

Until then, I will write the happy beginning of the next chapter.