Chapter 86 The screen flickered, playing clips from the logo reveal party, each frame a stark reminder of my pain. My fingers curled around the glass of water, its coolness grounding me as I took a slow sip. My throat was rawânot just from speaking, but from reliving the agony I had buried deep inside.
I exhaled sharply, forcing myself to continue.
âI was a terrorâstricken, broken womanâbadly injured, helpless, and robbed of my child. I woke up after three months of coma to a world where my most precious relations were nothing but fading echoes.
I lost my baby. I lost my mind.â
A hush fell over the audience, an unspoken weight pressing down on the studio.
âIt is unclear to me why and how it is offensive for others that a grieving mother did. something to heal from trauma. But still, please forgive me if my innocent daughter hast caused any inconvenience to you.
And one more request: Please never draw conclusions without hearing a complete story, life is already a hell victims of marital abuse.
for th It requires significant efforts to recover and move on from depression and other mental illnesses. Please be kind and support others. Trust me, there are many people around us who are suffering silently.â
Then I presented the evidence provided by Henry to prove that it was Leoâs attempt to destroy my reputation, resting my case.
Wiping my teary eyes with a tissue paper, I heard the directorâs cut, the first one to startle me with her instant reaction was the host of the show.
âI am sorry, Miss Laura.â
She hugged me all of a sudden, âYou are indeed a survivor, Miss Laura. I can understand your pain.
Chapter Bu I lost my child a few months ago.â
Just like her, numerous women raised their voices, openly advocating for my choice. The NGOS and the female welfare movements deeply appreciated my courage to step up and share my story.
Within minutes, the direction of the storm changed, becoming fresh gusts of breeze, I was able to regain my honor.
But it didnât end well for Leo, that culprit fell into his own trap helplessly. The investors and sponsors were already hesitant to take him back due to his fraudulent activities. And now, they cut their ties off completely, withdrawing their money from his company.
Henry was exhilarated, the unadulterated joy was evident from his toothy smile.
âAs an ice hockey player, Leo has lost his sponsors, and fansâ sympathies; they have totally disowned him. And the business community has boycotted him as well.
Now, his sports company is nothing but trash, Laura.
We won!
Vengeance is served!â
Lauraâs P.O.V.
âVengeance is served!
This seemingly simple sentence holds so much power, I have never thought about it before.â
The feeling of accomplishment could only be experienced by winning a battle on the grounds. However, the euphoria one felt after dealing with all the emotional baggage was matchless.
I couldnât explain the bliss of coming clear from all the rubbish scandals in front of Bright and the media. My mistakes and vulnerabilities of the past took the shape of my biggest strength in a few days.
My life became exemplary, a role model for domestic abuse victims, and my fiancé was super cool about it. Moreover, my daughter was happy as well.
Chapter Se After a long period of curiosity and fake excuses I introduced her to Bright, her real dad.
âJane, do you like uncle Bright?â
Although we had discussed this matter at length the real deal was tougher than imagination. Speaking a delicate truth in front of a sensitive kid was nearly impossible.
Bright was unable to hide his grin, overexcited to be acknowledged as a father. Eventually, he mustered up some courage, and crouched down to be on eye level with Jane.
âJane, I am your dad. Would you like to be my princess?â
âReal one, or mommyâs husband?â
Janeâs response to Brightâs query made me feel guilty. I realized that she was confused only because of my inability to face reality.
My revenge spree occupied my mind all the time in the past, making me oblivious of Janeâs inner conflict. She was at the age where kids needed both their parentsâ love and care.
And unfortunately, my little girl was deprived of her fatherâs affection, living her life with at ghost named daddy. Her emotional struggle became apparent when she ran to hug Bright after my confirmation. She burst into tears.
âDaddy, I miss you a lot.â
Jane circled her tiny arms around Brightâs neck, hugging him cutely. He was in fears to feel the warmth of his blood.
âMy princess!â
He said this over and over again as if trying to believe this blessing of nature. It was indeed a miracle that Henry selected Bright among hundreds of players in the academy, his one decision had changed the course of my life. It was a sign that we were destined to be together.
Bright picked Jane up, spinning her in the air. Her laughter rang out, light and pureâa sound that washed away the remnants of past darkness.
In that moment, Leo ceased to exist in our world.
His name, his schemes, his presenceâall reduced to nothing more than a fading stain, a ghost of a nightmare that no longer held power over me.
And as the sun streamed through the windows, bathing us in warmth, I finally understood.
This was my victory. Not revenge. Not retribution.
But freedom.