Freddy’s POV

I tilted her chin up so our eyes met. “About?”

She smiled softly. “The future.”

A part of me tensed, as if preparing for her to say she wanted out completely. But then she turned fully toward me, pressing a hand against my chest.

“I choose this. I choose you.”

Something in me—something I didn’t even realize I’d been holding on to—finally let go.

I cupped her face, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her lips.

For years, I fought battles to survive.

Now, I was finally ready to live.

The morning after the party, the air was still heavy with the scent of celebration. The estate was...