Chapter 10 - Crimson and GoldOne year later.
The grand opening of the Cross-Mercer Marina was the most celebrated event of the season in Seattle. The harbor was a sea of white yachts, vibrant flowers, and brilliant golden lights that danced across the calm, dark water of the bay.
I stood on the outdoor patio of the VIP pavilion, a glass of cold champagne in my hand, watching the warm, peaceful scene. My emerald silk gown caught the evening breeze, and the silver ring on my finger sparkled under the starlight.
Adrian walked out of the pavilion, a warm, proud smile on his face as he put his arm around my waist, pulling me close against his side. "It's beautiful, Evelyn. You've built a masterpiece."
"We built it, Adrian," I said, leaning my head against his shoulder. "Together."
He looked down at me, his blue eyes filled with a deep, infinite love. "A year ago today, I locked a door, ready to destroy a family of monsters. I never could have imagined that the woman standing inside that room would become my home."
"Sometimes, the best revenge is rebuilding what was broken," I whispered, turning in his arms to wrap my hands around his neck. "And building something that can never be torn down again."
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He leaned down, his lips meeting mine in a long, passionate kiss as the first fireworks of the grand opening erupted over the bay, painting the night sky in brilliant shades of crimson and gold.
The battle was over. The ledgers were balanced. And as I held my husband under the beautiful, shining sky, I knew that our family, built on truth and love, would always find a way to bloom.
