Chapter 11
The next few months are a period of adjustment.
We move into Ethan's house permanently. I turn the guest room into my room, but most nights, I end up in Ethan's bed. We're taking things slow, both of us still healing from the trauma of the last seven years. But the love is there. Stronger than ever.
Lily starts seeing a child therapist, to help her work through her feelings about Victoria. She still cries sometimes, still asks about her. But slowly, she's starting to heal. She calls me "Mommy" now, without hesitation. And the bond between us grows stronger every day.
I get to know my daughter all over again. I learn that she loves horses and drawing and the color purple. That she's allergic to strawberries and hates broccoli. That she's smart and funny and kind, with a stubborn streak that comes from both of us.
I go back to school, studying early childhood education. I want to help other children who have been through trauma. I want to turn my pain into something good.
Ethan sells his company and starts a new business, one that gives him more time to spend with us. He says family is the most important thing now, and he's not going to miss another moment.
Victoria's trial is scheduled for six months after her arrest.
Mr. Henderson says she's pleading guilty to all charges, which means there won't be a long, drawn-out trial. She wants to take responsibility for her actions, he says. She wants to pay for what she did.
The day before the sentencing, I receive a letter in the mail.
It's from Victoria.
My hands shake as I open it.
Dear Elena,
I know you probably don't want to hear from me. And I don't blame you. I've done terrible things to you. Things that can never be forgiven.
But I needed to write this. To say I'm sorry. Truly sorry. Not just for getting caught, but for everything I put you through. For the seven years you lost with Lily. For the pain I caused Ethan. For the lies I told everyone.
I was a broken woman when I lost my baby. And instead of dealing with my pain in a healthy way, I took it out on you. On an innocent woman who had done nothing to me. I destroyed your life because I was jealous. Because I wanted what you had.
There's no excuse for what I did. I know that. And I'm ready to face the consequences.
I'm writing this because I want you to know that I'm not angry anymore. I'm not going to fight the sentencing. I'm going to take whatever the judge gives me. And I'm going to use that time to get better. To heal. To become the kind of person who doesn't hurt others.
Please tell Lily I love her. Tell her I'm sorry. Tell her that even though I'm gone, I'll always be thinking of her. Always loving her.
And Elena... thank you. For letting me say goodbye to her that night. For being the better person. For loving Lily the way she deserves to be loved.
Take care of her. Take care of Ethan. Build the life you all deserve.
With deepest regret,
Victoria
I sit there for a long time, holding the letter, tears streaming down my face.
Ethan finds me like that, and he reads the letter over my shoulder.
"What do you think?" he asks softly.
"I think she means it," I say quietly. "I think she's finally found peace."
The next day, we go to the sentencing.
Victoria looks different when they bring her into the courtroom. Calmer. More at peace. She's wearing a prison uniform, her hair pulled back simply. No makeup. No designer clothes.
She looks at us, and for a moment, our eyes meet.
She gives me a small, sad smile.
I nod back.
The judge sentences her to twelve years in prison, with the possibility of parole after eight for good behavior.
Victoria doesn't react. She just nods, accepting her fate.
May you like
As they lead her out of the courtroom, she looks back at us one last time.
And then she's gone.
