Chapter 58

Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions? Like the world around you is nothing but a blur, and everyone in it feels like a stranger? I looked it up. The internet called it dissociation—a coping mechanism for people who’ve endured childhood trauma. It’s like your mind builds a wall between you and the pain, leaving you numb.

After reading that, I realized Amelia might have been right. Maybe I did need professional help. Maybe therapy wasn’t such a bad idea. I had wounds that never healed, scars buried so deep I didn’t even know how to begin unraveling them.

With a heavy sigh, I stood and paced the room, my thoughts spiraling. I hadn’t spoken to anyone since that night when everyone crowded into my house. I ignored calls, shut out the world. I just wanted to be alone, to process everything without interference. But the weight of it all crushed me, leaving me hollow.

Then my phone rang, slicing through the silence. Gregory. Of course. Today was Daniel’s trial, and he wanted me to testify. But just like I couldn’t press charges, I couldn’t bring myself to stand against him.

I wasn’t excusing what Daniel had done. His actions were unforgivable. But every time I considered testifying, memories of the good moments flooded back—his laughter, the way he made me feel seen, the way he coaxed out a version of myself I never knew existed. And just like that, I’d retreat.

Daniel—the Daniel I thought I knew—had been kind to me. He made me feel alive, not just physically but in ways I hadn’t experienced before. That’s why his betrayal cut so deep.

With Ethan Blackwood, I always knew where I stood. Even as kids, he barely tolerated me because I was Isabella and Nathan’s sister. His cruelty hurt, but it wasn’t unexpected. His hatred was familiar, almost predictable.

But Daniel? His betrayal was a knife to the chest because I never saw it coming. I thought we understood each other. I thought his feelings were real. The pain came from the realization that none of it had been genuine.

I should’ve known better. Everyone in my life except Liam had hurt me. Now, I even doubted Amelia and my newfound parents. How could I be sure they weren’t playing me? The questions gnawed at me, driving me to the edge.

Tired of my own thoughts, I grabbed a hat, sunglasses, and my keys, then left without a destination. Somehow, I ended up at the courthouse, only realizing where I was after parking.

This is insane. I adjusted my disguise and stepped out of the car, hesitating before walking inside. I wasn’t here for justice. I was here to see him one last time.

Alexander and Eleanor Prescott had kept Daniel’s crimes out of the media—probably to protect their company’s image, though a small part of me wondered if they did it for him.

I slipped into the courtroom unnoticed, taking a seat in the back. The judge, a woman in her sixties, presided over the hearing. Daniel sat beside his lawyer, his expression unreadable. My parents were behind him. On the opposite side sat the prosecutor, along with Nathan, Amelia, and—surprisingly—Ethan.

I shouldn’t have been shocked. Ethan hated Daniel. Of course he’d want to watch him burn.

The judge asked for Daniel’s plea. His lawyer leaned in, then answered firmly: "Guilty."

Gregory testified first, explaining how Daniel had arrived months ago with forged transfer papers. No one questioned it—he seemed legitimate. Then came the other officers, Nathan, and finally Amelia, who recounted the kidnapping in chilling detail.

When the judge returned, she wasted no time. "Given the defendant’s guilty plea, I sentence Daniel Carter to two years for impersonating an officer, two for kidnapping, two for falsifying documents, and fifteen for attempted murder—with parole eligibility. Case closed."

Twenty-one years. The number echoed in my skull as I slipped out before anyone noticed.

But I wasn’t fast enough.

"Did you really think I wouldn’t recognize you, Sophia?"

I turned to find Ethan Blackwood staring at me, his grey eyes piercing.

I wiped my tears, stunned. How did he know?

"Are you okay?" His voice was softer than I’d ever heard it.

"No," I whispered.

He pulled me into his arms, his grip firm. "You’ll survive this. You’re the strongest woman I know."

I let myself cry, just for a moment, before pulling away as voices approached. "I need to leave."

Ethan studied me, then nodded. "I’ll drive you."

I handed him my keys without protest.

As I turned, I saw Daniel being led away in cuffs. Our eyes met—just for a second—before I looked away and got into the car.

It was time to say goodbye to a love that never had the chance to bloom.

Time to say goodbye to Daniel.