Amelia
In the days and weeks that follow, my body and mind gradually begin to heal, but it will still take time before I’m truly whole again, at least my soul. Talking about it is still difficult for me, which is why I see a therapist twice a week to help me process the years of violence I endured.
My nightmares have lessened, but they haven’t completely disappeared, just like the shame that clings to me like an oily film on my skin.
“What are you thinking about?”
I turn my head and see my best friend sitting down on the grass next to me. I’m visiting Phil’s grave again, because talking to him and coming here often helps me manage my grief and all this mess.
Richardson and Edward have caused so much suffering with their actions that it’s hard to fully comprehend.
The Harlington Post has since published a comprehensive report that refutes and corrects all accusations, rumors, and allegations against me. But the internet doesn’t forget—and neither do people. There are still plenty who hold a grudge against me, but by now I’m managing better.
“How do you manage to be so calm? I mean, after everything that happened?” I ask her, and Lizzy looks at me thoughtfully for a moment.
“You mean the fact that my father is a cheating asshole who roped in some sleazy reporter to help cover up his own secrets and schemes?”
I grimace at her question.
“I was trying to put it nicely, but yes,” I reply, and she laughs.
“Well, these are just facts, and just because it’s my father doesn’t mean I feel any responsibility for it.
He stopped being a real father and husband a long time ago.
Look at my mother, she’s blossoming, handling her role as queen beautifully, and the people adore her.
Nicolas is like a new man, and you, you’re finally starting to come out of your shell.
So why shouldn’t I be looking ahead too?
” She glances toward the graveyard entrance, her eyes growing wistful.
“I miss him. I miss him so much. But he would want us to be happy, Lia. Phil always hoped that Nic, me, and especially you would find our own happy ending. So far, it seems like at least two of us are on the right path.”
A bittersweet heaviness settles on my heart as she nudges me with her shoulder, and I look at Philipp’s picture.
“I think I’m in love,” I murmur with a smile, and Lizzy bursts out laughing.
“You think? I’m pretty sure you are,” she chuckles, and my cheeks warm up.
“You’re silly, you know that?” I grumble, and she puts an arm around me, pulling me close.
“Oh, come on, let me enjoy this little moment. I deserve it, I was the one who told you both it would happen.” Grinning, she pinches my cheek, and I laugh, then suddenly freeze as I notice movement behind Lizzy. Someone slowly steps into my view.
“Lizzy…” I’m on my feet before she even realizes what’s happening and take a few steps back, putting distance between me and my brother. My best friend doesn’t immediately understand what’s going on, but she still stands up and turns to see who’s behind her.
How did he get onto the grounds unnoticed? How?
“Oh shit,” she swears, reaching for her phone, but Henry is quicker. He rushes forward, surprisingly fast despite being drunk again. I can tell from his bloodshot eyes.
He grabs her, yanks the phone from her hand, and shoves her roughly, causing her to stumble and fall.
No. No. No.
“No. I… I just want to talk. I…” He stares down at Lizzy, who looks at him with wide eyes and slowly slides away from him.
“Get lost. Now!” I snap, struggling to breathe. My heart is racing, and a terrifying fear spreads rapidly inside me.
He’s here. He’s here.
Images flash chaotically through my mind as the pressure on my chest intensifies.
“Amelia, please… I… it was your fault…” He comes closer, and I back away, paralyzed.
Don’t come closer.
My body begins to tremble, and I don’t take my eyes off him for a second, Lizzy crawls sideways away from him, but he doesn’t notice, he’s completely focused on me now.
“Go away. Leave.”
I have to get out of here. Now.
Sweat breaks out on my neck as he keeps advancing.
“I… please, Amelia. I… you ruined me, you know. You destroyed everything. I… I need money… or they’ll kill me.” Desperately, he runs his hands through his hair, his eyes wild as he looks at me.
Dangerous. Now he’s dangerous.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Lizzy has gotten up and is running off. I know she’s getting help. Until then, I have to hold on.
“I did nothing. You did this to yourself,” I reply with a trembling voice, cursing myself for being so paralyzed by fear. My nails dig deeply into my palms, and suddenly Henry lunges at me.
My back crashes against the mausoleum as he grabs my throat and presses me against it. A pained moan escapes me as a burning pain shoots through my body, but I have to hold on.
“You have to listen… listen. You have to…” His grip tightens, and he stares at me almost maniacally.
Hold on. Hold on.
Gasping, I try to breathe, and spots begin dancing before my eyes. My body switches to survival mode as the pressure on my throat suddenly disappears.
“You fucking son of a bitch.”
Nicolas. He’s here. My husband is here.
Overwhelmed with relief, my legs give out, and I slide down the wall. I gasp for air, trying to focus my gaze. Ced and Lizzy are immediately at my side, but I only have eyes for what’s happening in front of me. Nicolas is completely losing it.
He mercilessly pounds on my brother, again and again.
“Stop him. Please stop him…” I whisper, not wanting him to get punished for this. Not because of Henry.
Security arrives and intervenes, but ultimately Ced grabs Nicolas and pulls him away from the now unconscious Henry.
“That’s enough, man. He’s had it. You don’t want to do this, buddy. You don’t want to make yourself and your wife unhappy.” Ced grabs him by the face with both hands, pleading with him.
The police arrive, but I no longer pay attention as Nicolas turns his head to me and his gray eyes bore into mine.
He is here.
I am here.
Nothing happened to me.
I breathe heavily and automatically touch my throat, and before I can blink, my husband kneels down in front of me, his eyes blazing with anger.
“Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?” he asks tightly, scanning me from head to toe, lingering on my throat again. “I’ll kill him. I’ll kill him,” he growls dangerously low, while his fingers stroke my throat so gently it sends shivers through me.
“No, you won’t. He’s not worth it,” I say hoarsely, and he clenches his fist, closes his eyes briefly. He leans in and cups my face, resting his forehead against mine.
“You’re worth it, Goldilocks. You,” he whispers against my lips and kisses me softly. Then he adds, “Can we agree to slow things down and keep things a little less intense for a while? My nerves can’t handle much more,” he says with effort, and I let out a hoarse laugh.
“I can’t help that our family is a little bit crazy. But yes, we can agree on that.” Nicolas looks relieved and presses another kiss to my forehead before slipping his hand under my knee crease and trying to lift me up.
“I can walk myself. I…”
“Please. I need this now. You might not, but I do,” he whispers, and my throat tightens with emotion. So I just nod, and he lifts me up, holding me close.
A police officer remains on the scene as the others, along with the guards and the stretcher carrying my brother, head toward the ambulance waiting at the park entrance.
“How did he get in?” Nicolas’s voice is harsh, and the officer looks almost remorseful.
“A staff member let him in. They apparently had an affair, and she covered for him. He’s being treated now, and afterwards, he’ll go into custody.
I’ll contact you tomorrow to take a statement.
” With that, he turns and walks away, while Nicolas carries me over to Cedric, who is holding his sister in his arms.
“Everything okay, sis?” he asks, looking down at her worriedly, but she nods and leans against Ced.
“Everything’s fine. The asshole got what he deserved and can rot in hell for all I care. And now, I need a drink—you’re buying, dear brother.” She taps him on the chest, and Ced smiles down at her.
“You heard the lady, drinks for everyone.”
My brother is on trial for illegal gambling and domestic violence. My father-in-law also has to face justice, and we won’t be seeing him for a long time.
“It’s beautiful here.” In awe, I gaze at the glittering city lights spread out before us, taking in the breathtaking view while nestled safely in my husband’s arms. I’m seated in front of him on his motorcycle, his embrace firm around me, his head resting gently on my shoulder.
“Phil loved it here. And he would…” he kisses my neck gently “…love this too.”
I have to smile, because yes, he would have.
“I wish he were here. I miss him,” I murmur quietly, and Nicolas sighs.
“I miss him too. But we honor his memory by fulfilling what he would have wanted for our country, when the time comes.”
I smile, because yes, we have big plans. But for now, we’re letting his mother take center stage. She’s a wonderful queen, and that gives Nicolas and me the time we need to prepare for the enormous task ahead of us.
“Damien is coming tomorrow.” My husband interrupts my thoughts, and I turn to him in surprise.
“You’re finally ready to talk to him? I’m proud of you, Your Majesty.” I grin at him, because he still struggles with Damien. But they’re best friends, and they have to work it out. Even if it never goes back to how it was, maybe it will become something new—something better.
“A clever, cheeky little woman once told me I need to do it for both our peace of minds—otherwise, I’ll end up a bitter old Grinch. Though honestly, I still don’t get why his peace of mind should matter. He’s the one who screwed up.” He pokes my nose, and I grin widely.
“She must be very, very clever,” I giggle playfully, and he simply presses his lips to mine.
“She is. I love you, Goldilocks,” he murmurs against my lips, and my heart skips a beat.
“I love you too.”
Sometimes, hatred and resentment turn into something completely different. Sometimes, you just have to look a little closer, see behind the facade, and you might find happiness waiting for you.
Mine began with tragedy and hatred, and it ends with love and joy. Nicolas of Harlington is the happy ending I never thought I’d find.
But now that I have it, I will never let it go.
The End