Chapter 11 - Moving Forward
Six months passed.
The trial was brief, as my family eventually took plea deals to avoid a longer sentence.
I didn't attend the sentencing hearing.
Instead, I spent that day painting the living room of my grandparents' house a bright, warm yellow.
I had decided to turn the property into something beautiful.
Using a portion of the inheritance, I started a small foundation in my grandparents' name.
We provided financial literacy classes for young adults.
I wanted to ensure no one else could be manipulated the way my family tried to manipulate me.
One afternoon, while I was tending to the garden, a familiar car pulled up.
Marcus stepped out, wearing casual clothes instead of his usual suit.
"Agent Vance," I smiled, wiping dirt from my hands.
"Just Marcus today," he smiled back. "I was in the neighborhood."
He walked up to the fence, looking at the blooming flowers.
"The place looks incredible, Clare."
"It finally feels like mine," I told him honestly.
He leaned against the wooden gate.
"I was wondering if you might want to get a cup of coffee. As a civilian."
May you like
I felt a sudden, warm flutter in my chest.
"I'd love that, Marcus."
