Page 124 of Say You're Mine

I grab the blade and drive it into her chest, a primal scream tearing from my throat. "This is for everything you've done. For every moment of pain."

Elaine's body convulses, then goes still. The room falls into a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of my ragged breathing and Onyx's cries.

"It's over," Dante says quietly, holstering his gun. "She's gone."

I collapse to my knees, my hands trembling. Judith rushes to my side, her eyes filled with tears. "June, are you okay?"

I nod numbly, the reality of what just happened slowly sinking in. "Yeah. I think so."

Cara approaches cautiously, still holding Onyx. "June... is it really over?"

I reach out, taking her hand. "Yes. It's over. We're safe now."

Judith stands, wiping her eyes. "I tried to call and warn you, but she must have cut the lines. I'm just glad I got here in time."

"Thank you," I say, my voice breaking. "You saved us."

Dante steps forward, his expression unreadable. "I'll call my people…and I guess we need to call the police too. This needs to be handled properly."

I nod, knowing he's right. But for now, all I can do is hold my family close, feeling the weight of the past lift off my shoulders.

The next few hours are a blur of police reports and questions. Judith and Dante handle most of it, their calm efficiency a lifeline in the chaos. Cara and I sit together, our fingers entwined, finding strength in each other's presence.

As the night wears on, exhaustion seeps into my bones. But with it comes a sense of peace. The nightmare is finally over. Elaine's shadow no longer looms over our lives.

When the police finally leave, and the house is quiet once more, I take Cara and Onyx to bed. We lie together, our daughter nestled between us, her tiny breaths a soothing rhythm.

Cara turns to me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "We made it, June. We're free."

I pull her close, my heart swelling with love and relief. "Yes, we are. And we'll never let anyone take that from us again."

The days that follow are a blur of rebuilding. We strengthen our security, ensuring our home is a fortress. But more importantly, we begin to heal.

Judith stays with us, her presence a reminder of the family we still have. Dante visits often, his friendship a steady anchor in the storm.

One evening, as the sun sets in a blaze of orange and pink, we gather in the living room. Onyx coos in her crib, her innocent eyes reflecting the fading light.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Cara murmurs, resting her head on my shoulder.

I nod, my heart full. "Yes. It really is."

Judith smiles, her eyes softening as she watches us. "I'm so proud of you both. You've come so far."

"Thanks to you," I reply, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "We couldn't have done it without you."

She shakes her head, her expression determined. "We're family, June. We face everything together."

Dante steps forward, his eyes reflecting the same determination. "And we'll protect this family, no matter what."

I look around at the people I love, feeling a profound sense of gratitude. We've been through hell and back, but we've emerged stronger.

"For Onyx," I say, lifting my daughter into my arms. "For our future."

Cara wraps her arms around us, completing our little circle. "For all of us."

The nightmares will fade, the scars will heal, and the memories of Elaine's cruelty will become a distant echo. We will build a life of love and strength, ensuring that Onyx grows up surrounded by the warmth and security we never had.

And in the quiet moments, when the world feels overwhelming, we will remember this night.

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