Chapter 210
One year later
The morning sun streamed in through the large windows of our house, illuminating the warm living room. The little giggle of our baby who can now hobble around, fills the air, warming my heart every time I see his smile.§
Leon sat on the floor, unfolding wooden educational toys while pretending he couldn’t put them together, making Ariel giggle every time Leon “misplaced” one.”
I sat on the sofa looking at them, unable to stop smiling. It felt… calm. After all the storms, this was like a morning I never imagined could have.
“I need a little tech help here,” Leon said, pretending to be confused about holding a wooden block, then glanced at Ariel. “I don’t know how to install it…”
Ariel, with cute little steps, approached Leon and tried to help. Although her hands were still too small, she patted the block with enthusiasm. Leon chuckled, then hugged her.
I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re more drama than child,” I said with a laugh.
Leon turned his head and grinned. “I’ll have to compete with Ariel if I want to be the cutest one in the house.“}
Our days were now filled with simple yet meaningful routines of making breakfast together, going to the park every afternoon, and reading storybooks before bed.
Leon never fails to pick me up from work or make sure I have time to rest. He knows past wounds don’t heal easily, and he chooses to be the healer not with sweet words, but with consistency.
His demeanor changed a lot. Leon, who used to be quiet and always felt guilty, is now more open, full of initiative, and always tries to be present, not only physically, but also emotionally. He became a warm, patient, and loving father.”
That afternoon, when Ariel fell asleep on my lap, Leon sat next to me and stroked my hair lightly.
“Thank you… for staying with me,” he whispered.
I turned to look at him. “Me too. Thank you for choosing to change and staying.“}
He took my hand. “I used to close my eyes for too long. But now I know, nothing is more important than you. You and Ariel… you’re my home.”
That night we sat together on the veranda, looking up at the stars in the sky.
“I still get scared sometimes,” I said honestly. “Afraid it’s all a dream.“}
Leon turned his head, kissing my forehead gently. “If this is a dream, then we’ll dream forever. But all I know is that as long as you and Ariel are around, I’ll keep fighting to make sure you guys are happy.”>
And I know he means it.
Our lives aren’t perfect. There will be new challenges and trials. But this time, I’m not alone. I had my little family, and I had a man who had truly learned from his mistakes.
T
Leon is no longer the person I once doubted. He has proven, with his attitude, that he can be a good husband and a wonderful father.”
And me?
I was Agnes. No longer the woman destroyed by betrayal, but the woman who rose up for myself, my son, and the new love I found on a journey I never expected.”
This is not the end of our story.}
It was the beginning of a new life we were building–with love, honesty, and hope that would never be extinguished.
A few years later…”
Our home was small, simple, but filled with warmth. My son’s laughter every morning is the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. He has now grown up to be a smart, inquisitive child with a gentle heart just like Leon.
Leon and I spend our days strengthening each other. No more shadows of the past haunting us every night. There was only the present, and the future we were creating together.
One afternoon, as the sun began to set, I sat in the backyard with my son on my lap.
Leon was grilling corn in the corner of the small garden we had made togeth
boy rested his head on my shoulder.
“Mommy…” he said softly, “Is Samuel’s father a bad person?”
The afternoon breeze gently swept my hair, and my little
His question made me pause for a moment. Leon, who had been listening from a distance, stopped his movements. His eyes looked straight at me, as if waiting for my answer.
I smiled, although my heart trembled slightly. “Samuel’s father has made many mistakes, son. But he’s also human, like all of us. I don’t want you to hate him.”
“But… he said you hurt him?”
I nodded slowly, hugging him tighter. “Yes, dear. He did hurt Mom in the past. But that doesn’t mean you have to hate him. Because even though he made a lot of mistakes, in the end he regretted it too. And most importantly, you are in this world because of him.”
My son looked at me for a moment, then gave a small nod. “Then… I should pray for Father?“!
I smiled fondly, kissing the top of his head. “Yes, dear. Pray for your peace there. It’s better than hate.”
could say those words so calmly.
he cor
I believe that
“You… are amazing, Agnes,” he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion.”
I looked at him and nodded. “I just want our child to grow up without the burden of hatred. Life is too short to hold on to past hurts.” Leon looked at me for a moment, then pulled me into his arms. “I’m grateful to be able to live this life with you. You are my strength… and now, our child’s strength too.”
The three of us embraced in silence. In the warmth of the twilight, in the peace we were slowly building from the ruins of the past.”
And as our son laughed again, running around the yard with joy, I knew the decision to forgive and not instill hatred was the best legacy we could give him.
Because the love that grows from wounds is far stronger than the love that is never tested.
And we… now truly live in peace.
