Page 89 of Broken Rivalry

“Always,” I reply seriously. “She’s the one for me, you know.”

She pats my hand. “I know.”

I lean on the counter and shake my head. “Is there anything you don’t know?”

She shrugs. “Probably—like I don’t know you are thinking about moving in together in September.”

“How—” I stop, biting my tongue. “We’re in the talking stage, and we’re not sure if we want to stay in the house I own or buy something else.”

Julia laughs. “Don’t worry, take your time, and I’ll act surprised, I promise.”

“But you don’t mind?”

She ponders that for a minute. “No, when you know, you know, and she’s clearly as in love with you as you are with her. I’m happy for you.”

Even if I know it, I’m happy to hear about Poppy’s love for me.

The sound of a car pulling into the driveway reaches my ears, and a sense of anticipation builds in me. Within a couple of minutes, the front door swings open, revealing Poppy in all her radiant glory. Her hair is mussed from the wind, and her face lights up when she sees me. She strides in, the worries of her day melting away, and with no hesitation, she wraps her arms around me, her lips finding mine in a sweet, familiar kiss. It’s short, but it carries all the love and longing of the day spent apart.

“Missed me?” she whispers against my lips.

“Always,” I reply, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

Julia clears her throat playfully, reminding us of her presence. Poppy turns to her, her face glowing. “Mom, tell me you didn’t spoil him with your cookies again.”

Julia chuckles, waving the empty cookie plate. “Just one. As a reward.”

But before Poppy can playfully chide her mother, Julia’s face lights up, and she says, “Speaking of rewards, I have some news.”

Poppy’s brows knit in curiosity. “What’s up?”

Julia takes a deep breath, her eyes shining. “I got a promotion today.”

Poppy’s eyes widen in delight. “Mom! That’s amazing!” She rushes over, enveloping her mother in a tight hug, both of them laughing joyfully. Their bond is evident, and it warms my heart to see it.

“Boys!” Poppy calls out, “get down here. We’ve got some celebrating to do.”

James and Billy thunder down the stairs, the latter still sporting his new haircut, and join in the group hug. This family, full of warmth and love, is everything I ever wanted. And they’ve accepted me as one of their own.

As we all gather our things, preparing to head out for our celebratory dinner, I take a moment to reflect. This family, Poppy’s family, is now my family too. It’s a bond I never expected but one I cherish deeply. Every laugh, every shared memory, every little moment—it all means the world to me.

I look at Poppy, her eyes shining with happiness, and it reinforces my resolve. I will move heaven and earth to ensure their happiness and well-being. They’ve given me a home, a place to belong, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect and nurture this newfound family.

As we head out, hand in hand, I realize that the future, though uncertain, is filled with promise. And with Poppy by my side and her family behind us, there’s nothing we can’t face together.

Epilogue

Poppy

Three years have flown by, and I’m hardly the same person anymore. As morning sunlight filters through our apartment’s curtains, illuminating the space Ethan and I call home, I take a moment to reflect. My mirror’s reflection showcases a changed woman. My hair, once short and stressed, now flows in shiny waves down my back. My chosen graduation dress accentuates the curves I’ve joyously regained, a testament to healthier and happier times.

Ethan’s voice disrupts my musings. “Pops! Hurry up, or we’ll be late!”

Chuckling, I adjust my dress one last time. “Ethan, we’ve still got an hour until graduation. Relax!” Today, I’ll graduate at the top of my class in social studies, on my path to becoming a social worker. And while Ethan, my multimillionaire boyfriend, might live in a world of corporate mergers and acquisitions, he’s been my biggest cheerleader.

My Ethan, having graduated last year, is now part of the prestigious corporation his grandfather once headed, and he’s been pioneering innovative approaches in their sports divisions. I’m proud of the man I love, and I am so proud to stand beside him.

I smile, holding the locket in my hand. That piece of jewelry holds as much significance for me today as it did back then, albeit for many different reasons. It’s a representation of Ethan, the man I love.

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