Chapter 238

Queenie's Pov

A few days later, I sat on my couch with a sip of wine, the television playing entertaining music softly. I changed the channel to the news report. The news anchor's voice was steady as she reported, "Michael Fisher has been arrested on charges of financial fraud, based on evidence uncovered by Anton Blackwood's legal team."

A wave of relief washed over me, so strong that my knees felt healthy. I sank deeper into the cushions, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. Michael was finally out of our lives. The nightmare was truly over. I could finally breathe. It was a dream come true.

The lies and his manipulation had finally come to an end and I couldn't believe it. Unwanted to jump around the house but it would be far off the best thing I'd think of. I could sleep well, and Anton wouldn't have to skip meals again. He had done so much and I wanted to keep it cool with him.

I went into the kitchen and pulled some fruits and a glass of wine while watching the report again. I thought of Junie, I thought of getting my family back to the way it was. My clinic… the ease that washed over me, when I realized I could get my clinic back and get it registered.

I was almost forced to call Anton, but the barrier between us was yet to drop. He could call to congratulate me, he promised and he made it come true. What else could I have asked for?

My phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. It was Amelia.

"Queenie!" she exclaimed as I answered. "Did you see the news?"

"I did," I replied, my voice still shaky.

"I'm so happy for you," she said. "You've won this fight finally. Isn't it great?”

"Thanks, Amelia," I said softly. "I couldn't have done it without you. Can you come over?"

“Yeah, sure.” She said and hung up.

Soon after a few minutes, the doorbell rang. I opened it to find Amelia standing there, her bright smile almost knocking the breath out of me.

“You didn’t think I’d stay away forever, did you?” she teased, stepping inside without waiting for an answer.

I laughed and hugged her tightly. It felt good, warm, real. “I’ve missed you,” I murmured.

“I missed you too. And more importantly, I needed to see the woman who finally saw Michael Fisher get what he deserved.”

I rolled my eyes and headed to the kitchen. “You make it sound like I slayed a dragon.”

“In a way, you did,” she called after me. “And now it’s time to celebrate!”

I glanced back at her. “Celebrate?”

“Yes!” Amelia said, plopping onto a chair at the dining table. “You’ve spent months in survival mode, Queenie. Legal battles, press attacks, sleepless nights, you haven’t had a second to breathe. And now? He’s gone. His lies are gone. You can finally live again.”

I pulled out a dish I’d prepared earlier, a simple creamy pasta and a bowl of fresh salad. “You know I still have the clinic to sort out,” I said, setting the table. “I’ve pushed it back too many times.”

She gave me a look. “You can handle your clinic and still have a little fun. Balance, remember? That thing you used to preach about back in college?”

I sat across from her and smiled softly. “Maybe you’re right. Just not today.”

We ate in a comfortable silence for a few moments. Amelia hummed her approval at the meal, then wiped her mouth with a napkin.

“I’m proud of you,” she said sincerely. “You walked through fire, Queenie, and you didn’t burn.”

Her words settled deep into my chest. I wasn’t used to hearing that. For so long, I’d been in fight mode. I didn’t even know what surviving had looked like until now.

As she stood to leave, she pulled me into another hug. “I’ll be visiting more often. Someone has to make sure you don’t forget how to have a good time.”

I laughed against her shoulder. “Deal.”

“And one more thing,” she said, pulling back. “If Anton calls or shows up… talk to him. Properly. Don’t freeze him out. That man’s been through just as much as you have.”

I nodded slowly. “I will.”

She gave me a wink. “Good. Now go change the world, Queenie. Bye, girl.”

I locked the door behind and saw that an hour had already passed by.

I picked up my phone and dialed his number. He answered on the second ring.

"Queenie," he said, his voice cautious.

"He's gone, Anton," I whispered. "Thank you. For everything."

There was a pause on the line. "I'm glad it's over," he said finally.

I wanted to say more, to tell him I missed him, that I regretted leaving, but the words stuck in my throat.

"Thank you," I said again, before ending the call.

I sat there, the silence enveloping me, the weight of everything that had happened pressing down. But for the first time in a long time, I felt hope.

Anton’s Pov

The news hit like a thunderclap; Michael Fisher had been arrested. Not for defamation, but for financial fraud. The evidence my team had uncovered had finally brought him down.

I sat in my office, the glow of the television casting shadows across the room. The anchor's voice was steady as she detailed the charges; embezzlement, tax evasion, fraudulent business practices. It was a litany of deceit, and it was all coming to light.

I felt a surge of satisfaction. We had won the war. Michael was finally facing the consequences of his actions.

The call with Queenie was still in my mind, a melody I replayed over and over. Her voice, soft and sincere, had said, “Thank you. For everything.” It was a bridge, a step closer to us.

I leaned back in my chair, a rare smile tugging at my lips. I had fulfilled my promise: Michael was out of our lives. But more than that, I had stood by Queenie, through every storm. And now, I was ready to build something lasting.

I picked up my phone and texted Damien: “Got time for a drink? Need some advice.”

His reply was swift, “Always. Come over.”

Damien’s place was warm, filled with the comforting aroma of aged whiskey and old books. We sat by the fireplace, glasses in hand.

“I want to do more for Queenie,” I began. “Not just protect her, but make her life brighter. She has been through so much.”

Damien nodded. “Amelia loves when I surprise her with little things. Her favorite tea, a handwritten note, or just listening without trying to fix everything.”

I took a sip, pondering his words. “It’s the small gestures, then.”

“Exactly,” he said. “Show her she’s cherished every day.”

We clinked glasses, the fire dancing shadows around us.

“I should head towards her place soon. I really can't wait to see her, honestly.” I murmured.

“Ooh! Look who's obsessed now.” Damien teased.

Queenie was one of a kind. I never knew I'd fall for something so beautiful.

Michael Fisher was finally out of our lives. The man who made Queenie cry, who dragged her name through the dirt, who thought he could manipulate her and walk away without consequence, was gone. Arrested. Powerless. Exactly where he belonged.

I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, murmuring to myself, “It’s over now.”

It was the beginning for us, though.

Now that the storm had passed, it was my turn to give her peace, real peace. The kind where she didn’t have to look over her shoulder, or second guess her joy. I wanted to give her that. I would give her that.

“I’ll take care of her,” I whispered, as if saying it aloud would seal the promise. “No more battles. No more fear. Just love. Safety. Everything she’s always deserved.”

The truth was, I’d never fought for anyone like I fought for Queenie. Not just because I cared, but because she made me want to be better. Stronger. Softer. She never asked for a hero, but I’d be one for her anyway.

I thought of the way she had whispered on the phone, “Thank you… for everything.” The ache in her voice was still fresh in my ears. She had carried so much, alone, and now it was my job to make sure she never had to again.

“I’ll take care of you, Queenie,” I said to the night, my voice low but steady. “Even if it takes the rest of my life.”

I drove steadily to her apartment.