Chapter 12 - The New Beginning
It’s been six months since the non-wedding.
A lot has changed.
Natalie was arrested for wire fraud. Because it crossed state lines to the Nevada LLC, the federal authorities got involved.
She avoided jail time by pleading guilty and turning state's evidence against the illegal gambling ring my father was involved with.
She has a felony record now, and she works at a fast-food drive-thru to pay off her massive legal fees.
My father wasn't so lucky.
Between the fraud and the illegal gambling debts, he was sentenced to three years in a minimum-security prison.
My mother had to sell the family house to cover the remaining debts and moved into a tiny one-bedroom apartment on the edge of town.
They haven't spoken to me since the diner.
I haven't reached out, either.
I kept my job. When HR heard the full story and saw the police report, they dismissed the complaints Natalie had sent.
Julian moved to Chicago. We text occasionally. He's doing well, dating someone new who doesn't lie to him.
As for me?
I got a promotion at work. I bought a small house with a huge garden.
I'm dating Marcus now.
It started slow—coffee dates, late-night phone calls about the case, and eventually, dinners that didn't involve spreadsheets or legal documents.
Tonight, we're having dinner in my backyard.
There are no expensive chandeliers. No fake smiles. No golden children.
Just a wooden table, some good wine, and someone who actually wants me there.
I look at the empty space by the garden shed where I keep the garbage bins.
May you like
I smile, raise my glass, and take a sip.
Sometimes, taking out the trash is exactly what you need to finally breathe.
