The war had ended.
Gabby Armstrong was no longer a threat. Her empire had fallen, her name tarnished, and her hold over Wellington—Leo—was broken beyond repair.
Ariella had triumphed. Yet, this victory didn't feel like closure.
It felt like a fresh start.
Six Months Later
The gentle sound of ocean waves filled the air as Ariella stood on the balcony of her new home—a stunning coastal estate with a view of the sea. The warm breeze danced through her hair, and for the first time in years, she felt a true sense of peace.
No more struggles for survival.
No more glancing back in fear.
No more anxiety about being controlled.
Just her, the baby growing inside her, and the hope of a new life.
Ariella exhaled slowly, placing her hands on her belly. The pregnancy had been smooth, and soon, she would meet the child who would change her life forever.
But she wasn't alone in this journey.
She felt strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her into the warmth of someone she knew well.
Leo.
He pressed a gentle kiss on her neck. "You're up early," he whispered softly.
Ariella leaned back into him, closing her eyes. "I couldn't sleep."
Leo turned her to face him, his dark eyes searching hers. "Are you alright?"
She nodded, offering him a small smile. "I just… can't stop thinking about how much has changed."
Leo cradled her face, his thumb gliding over her cheek. "You've created a new life, Ariella. Our life."
Ariella felt the weight of those words settle in her heart.
After so long fighting to escape the darkness, she was finally standing in the light.
And she wasn't alone.
The past six months had been a time of healing.
After Gabby's fall, Ariella and Leo left the city, retreating to the quiet estate he had bought for them. It was a refuge, a place to begin anew—far from the noise and the past. Far from the gossips and most certainly far from the chaos they just stepped out of.
Leo changed his name back to Leo Carter, cutting the last link to the Armstrong family. He was no longer Wellington Armstrong—the man who had lived a life he never wanted.
He was free and for the first time, so was Ariella.
Yet, despite the calm, there was one thing Ariella couldn't shake off.
One last piece of unfinished business. Her final farewell.
Ariella stood outside the secure mental hospital, her heart racing. She had thought about this for weeks, wondering if she should come. If it was even worth it.
But she needed closure.
She needed to see Gabby one last time.
Leo had tried to talk her out of it, but in the end, he understood.
She had to confront the past to truly let it go.
Taking a deep breath, she walked inside.
The place felt cold and sterile, filled with a quiet emptiness that made her uneasy.
A nurse guided her down a long corridor and stopped in front of a room.
"She's been… quiet," the nurse said carefully. "But she agreed to see you."
Ariella nodded, preparing herself. "Thank you."
The nurse unlocked the door and stepped aside, letting Ariella enter.
And there she was.
Gabby Armstrong.
The once-mighty woman now sat in a chair by the window, staring blankly. Her blonde hair was messy, her usually perfect nails were chipped. She wore a simple hospital gown, her body eerily still.
Ariella's heart ached—not with pity, but with understanding.
Gabby had lost everything. In the end, this was all that was left of her.
Gabby finally turned her head, her blue eyes lacking any spark. But when she spotted Ariella, a flicker of recognition appeared.
"Well," Gabby said softly, her voice rough. "Look who it is—my favorite little nightmare."
Ariella took a deep breath, keeping her face steady. "I came to say goodbye."
Gabby chuckled lightly. "Oh, darling. Do you really think this is the end?"
Ariella held her gaze. "Yes, I believe it is."
Gabby examined her for a long moment before a hollow smile formed on her lips. "You took everything from me."
Ariella shook her head. "No, Gabby. You did this to yourself."
An uncomfortable silence hung between them.
Gabby leaned back in her chair, tilting her head. "And what happens now? You and Leo live happily ever after?"
Ariella placed a hand protectively over her belly. "Yes."
Gabby's eyes shifted to her stomach, and for the first time, her expression showed a crack.
Ariella noticed it—the regret, the loss, the emptiness.
Gabby had spent her life manipulating and taking, and now she was left with nothing.
Ariella took a deep breath. "I forgive you."
Gabby tensed.
Ariella continued, her voice gentle yet strong. "Not for you. For me. I refuse to carry your darkness any longer."
Gabby stared at her, unblinking.
Ariella turned toward the door, feeling lighter than she had in years.
As she reached the exit, Gabby spoke one last time.
"You'll never forget me."
Ariella paused.
Then, without looking back, she whispered, "No, I won't. But I won't be afraid of you anymore."
And with that, she walked away for good.
That night, Ariella sat on the balcony, gazing at the stars. Wondering what life holds in store for Gabby at the Mental Home.
Leo joined her, placing his warm hand over hers. "How did it go?"
Ariella exhaled slowly. "It's finally over."
Leo looked at her closely. "Are you alright?"
Ariella faced him, her gaze gentle. "I am."
For a long time, her life was shaped by her history, by hurt, by fear.
But now?
She was shaped by something new.
Love. Hope. Strength.
And soon, motherhood.
Leo held her face, giving her a tender kiss. "I love you."
Ariella beamed, leaning her forehead against his. "I love you too."
In that moment, beneath the soft light of the stars, she realized.
This was home. This was forever and nothing—not even the shadows of the past—could ever take that away.