Chapter 11
I stared at Randell, and though my voice was calm, there was an adamance to it. “Randell, regardless of everything, those five years are in the past now. Even if I were still ‘alive’, I… don’t think I’d choose you
anymore.”
Color slowly drained from his face as I continued, “Don’t force me to see everything in our past as a mistake. Or… do you wish for me to truly die before you’re able to completely let me go?”
“Don’t!” he yelled out abruptly, his eyes filled with agony.
“Jules, I’m sorry. I really am. As long as you’re safe, and you don’t leave me in that manner again, then… then I’ll remove myself from your life,” he said.
His gaze stunned me momentarily before I responded softly, “Alright. Then I hope you can truly let me go.”
He fell silent for a long while. Then, he lowered his head, as if finally realizing something. “I’m sorry,” he
said in a low voice.
He then turned around and walked away, looking broken and lost.
Damon reassured all the kids and made sure none of them were hurt before approaching me.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
I nodded. “I’m okay. Thank you.”
He gave a small smile and didn’t say anything else. After helping me get the studio back in order, he and
Finley took off.
Not long after, I saw a short news article about May. She had been charged with assault and multiple other offenses. The Riveras had tried everything, but they weren’t able to get all her charges dropped.
What surprised me the most was that Randell was the main driving force behind May’s assault case.
At the same time, he announced that he had officially entered the monastery and taken on the name of ”
Brother Jules”.
The photos posted in the news article were of him taking his vows and receiving his habit. His head was
bowed in prayer, and his expression was calm.
“Brother Jules…” I mumbled to myself.
My heart pricked in pain, but I quickly shoved that feeling down.
Right then, Finley leaped into my arms and said with a laugh, “Ms. Rivera! My uncle is looking for you.”
I gently ruffled his hair as I asked, “What does he want now?”
“He said he’s going to take us out to have some fun!” Finley exclaimed, his eyes glittering with
anticipation.
I raised my head and saw Damon standing by the door.
He gave me a small smile. Sunlight shone down on him as he continued to stand there, making him appear warm and secure.
“Then let’s go.”
I took Finley’s hand and walked out of the studio together. It felt like I was leaving all the darkness behind
This was my new life, and I could finally live for myself.
