Chapter 25
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Chapter 25
Two years passed in a blur, but Gigi showed up like clockwork every week to see Rylan.
Just like every other visit, she sat quietly next to him. The sunlight spilled across her face, highlighting the quiet strength she had grown into.
She started, “Catherine was sentenced to life, Rylan. She is never getting out.”
Her voice was calm and steady, her eyes now free of the anger and fear that once lived there.” All those art awards she stole from me have finally been returned to my name. I’ve been pouring my heart into painting these past two years. I held a few exhibitions and got a lot of recognition for my work.”
She paused for a moment, then added, “I’m also marrying Wesley. He’s treated me well. Over the past two years, he’s been there for me through everything, giving me love and support.”
Gigi’s gaze softened, her thoughts wandering down memory lane. “Back when I was living at the Hart residence, I got pushed around a lot. You were the only one who would be a little nice
to me sometimes.
“Lately, I keep having dreams. One time, I was in the garden and took a tumble. I scraped my knee, and the pain had tears filling up my eyes.
“Everyone else in the Hart family either ignored me or barely looked at me before turning their attention back to Catherine. You were the only one who ran over and gently helped me up.
“You looked at me with so much care in your eyes as you told me not to cry. You even reassured me you would put some ointment on me, and the pain would go away soon.
“Being in your arms back then made me feel safe. It was the first time I knew what it felt like to be cared for. I guess that is why I leaned on you so much and slowly fell for you.
“But later I found out that most of the kindness you showed me was really because of Catherine. You don’t know how much that broke me. I really hated you back then, and I kept asking myself why you would hurt me like that.”
Her voice trembled slightly, as if a shadow of the past still clung to her. “But all that is behind me now. I’ve moved on from the love and hate. My heart is finally at peace.”
With a deep breath, Gigi gazed at Rylan’s peaceful face. “I won’t be coming anymore, Rylan. I’m ready to start fresh. You should wake up and start your own journey too.”
A tear rolled down her cheek and fell onto his hand. After gently wiping it away, she stood up, glanced at him one final time, and slowly walked out of the room.
She walked away with her head held high, as if she were saying goodbye to the person she
Chapter 25
used to be and prepared to embrace whatever came next.
212
Gigi left the hospital and returned to the place she and Wesley called home.
He was in the kitchen, busy cooking her favorite dinner. When she came back, he walked over with a smile and gave her a warm hug. “How did it go? You went to see Rylan, right?”
She nodded and nestled into his embrace. “I said everything I needed to. It’s time to leave the past behind and look forward to the life we’re building.”
He pulled her close. “You’re right, Gigi. We’ve got a bright and happy future waiting for us.’
A soft smile played on Gigi’s lips as she looked out the window at the moon hanging in the night sky.
The days of everyone adoring Catherine and forgetting Gigi were over. Now, Gigi was the one they cherished.
