Victoria dropped to her knees.
“Elena deserved to die,” she spat before officers placed her in handcuffs.
One month later, the garden echoed with laughter.
Leo and Theo chased Damian across the lawn.
Mia ran after bubbles Sofia blew into the warm afternoon air.
Victoria faced life in prison.
The triplets were officially Leo Cross, Theo Cross, and Mia Cross.
Sofia received the deed to the guest house and a generous trust.
“You’re free,” Damian told her quietly. “If you want to leave.”
“And if I don’t?”
Their eyes met.
“Why would you stay?” he asked.
“Because I love them,” she said. “And because Elena didn’t just ask me to protect them. She asked me to help you find your way back.”
Mia ran toward them.
“Mommy! Daddy!”
And somehow… it didn’t feel wrong.
“Stay,” Damian whispered. “As a family.”
Months later, Leo asked one night before bed,
“Does Mommy Elena see us?”
Damian looked up at the sky.
“Yes, buddy. She does. And she’s proud of you.”
Sofia squeezed his hand.
For the first time in three years, Damian felt peace.
“More bubbles!” Theo shouted.
Damian blew gently.
The bubbles floated upward into a sky that didn’t seem so dark anymore.