Page 87 of Merciless King
As I carry the boxes downstairs, I can still feel remnants of the negative energy. I can’t wait to be rid of this chapter in my life. It makes me realize that the answer I see is clear. Selling the house is the fastest way to end the past and focus on the future. I'll put a portion of the money into a trust fund for Elysse's education, a nest egg that will grow over the years until she's ready to pursue her dreams.
But the rest? I'll donate it to domestic violence charities, to organizations that help women and children escape the same hell I endured for so long. It's a way to turn my pain into something positive, something that could change lives.
I’m about to head out when I decide to go to my bedroom, the one I’d shared with Gabriel. There’s nothing there for me but bad memories. Well, not all bad. Elio made love to me here. I open the jewelry box on my dresser. I dig down to a hidden compartment and pull out the only item I want to take with me, leaving behind my engagement and wedding rings from Gabriel.
I return downstairs, carrying the last boxes to the car Elio provided for me. I get into the passenger seat, thinking about the last time I drove. Admittedly, it had been some time. Gabriel had slowly made my world so small, and I hadn’t realized it was happening until it was too late.
But now my world is opening up. I'm free. Free to build a new life with Elio and Elysse, free to heal and grow and love without fear. I drive to his home and am met by a few of his men who help me carry the boxes to Elysse’s room. I leave them there thinking she and I can deal with them together when she’s home from school and her dance class.
I move back down to the sitting room, opening up the computer to work on my homework for the creative writing class. I love it. The creativity, the connection to my professor and other writers even though it’s only online. For the first time in years, I feel like I'm finally finding my footing.
I pull out my notebook, flipping through the pages filled with scribbled notes and half-formed story ideas. There's something magical about the process of creation, of taking a spark of inspiration and nurturing it into a living, breathing story.
Later that evening, Elio comes home, spinning Elysse around and giving me a big kiss as he does every evening.
“Dress up, ladies. We’re going to dinner.”
“Yay!” Elysse jumps up and down, then zooms up to her room to change.
“What’s all this about?” I ask.
“I haven’t taken my ladies on a real date yet. We’re going to your favorite place. It’s not easy to get reservations there, but I have an in with the owner.” He winks at me.
I change into a nice dress and help Elysse with hers. Elio beams at us when he sees us descend the stairs. “I’ll be the envy of every man tonight.”
It’s silly, but I love how romantic he is. I’d nearly forgotten that part of him.
We're led to a private table in the back, candles flickering on the white linen tablecloth. Elio pulls out my chair, his hand brushing against the small of my back as he helps me sit.
“Help me, Daddy.”
“Of course.” He pulls out her chair and scoots her in. “I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of ordering for us.”
“Is it spaghetti? ’Cause I like spaghetti.”
“Yes. Plus a few other items I know your mother will enjoy.” He sits down, reaching his hands out so he’s able to hold mine and Elysse’s hands. “I love you both.”
“I love you too, Daddy.”
I smile. “I love you too.”
Wine is served, as is our dinner. It’s even more delicious than I remembered from when I was in high school.
When we finish and our dishes are taken away, Elio sips his wine and clears his throat.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Yes… well… a little nervous, maybe.”
“Why?” Elysse asks.
He leans close to her like he wants to tell her a secret. “Well, I’m about to ask your mom to marry me.”
Her eyes widen, as do mine.
“Yes, ask her. You’ll say yes, right, Mommy?”
I lean to her, my gaze on Elio’s. “Yes.”