Page 67 of Justice

"You're the strongest person I know, Elle," he says, his lips brushing against my temple. "You've survived so much, and you've come out the other side even more beautiful and resilient. I'm in awe of you, of your courage and your grace."

I cling to him, my fingers fisting in his shirt, anchoring myself to his solid presence. In his arms, I feel a glimmer of hope, a tiny spark of light in the darkness that threatens to consume me. Christopher is my rock, my safe haven, the one person who can chase away the shadows and make me believe in the possibility of a brighter future.

We stay like that for a long time, wrapped in each other's arms, the rest of the world falling away until it's just the two of us. Christopher's heartbeat is strong and steady beneath my ear, a soothing rhythm that gradually calms my racing pulse and eases the tightness in my chest.

When my sobs finally subside, Christopher gently cups my face in his hands, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. His eyes are filled with a fierce, protective love, a love that I know will never waver, never falter, no matter what storms we may face.

He leans in, pressing a soft, tender kiss to my lips. It's a kiss filled with promise, with hope, with the unshakable belief that together, we can overcome anything. I melt into the kiss, pouring all my love into it.

When we finally break apart, Christopher rests his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with my own. "I love you, Elle," he whispers, his voice raw with emotion. "I love you more than anything in this world.

My heart aches at the words he said to me, about me and Miracle. “It’s hard to believe—it’s hard to believe that I never thought it could have been him until this moment. I feel like I’m a failure.”

“Listen to me, Elle," he says, his voice low and intense. "What happened to you was not your fault. You did nothing wrong. That monster took advantage of your trust, your innocence. He was your teacher, why would you suspect him?”

Oh my God, he killed all of those girls too? He is insane.

I nod, fresh tears spilling down my cheeks at the conviction in his words. "I know," I whisper, my voice hoarse and raw. "I know you'll keep us safe. But, Christopher, the things he said… about Miracle…" I trail off, a shudder running through me at the memory of Mr. Evans's twisted, possessive words.

Christopher's jaw clenches, a flicker of rage sparking in his eyes before he tamps it down, focusing all his attention on me. "Miracle is our daughter, Elle. Yours and mine. She will never be his, no matter what sick delusions he harbors. We will protect her, raise her in a home filled with love and joy and laughter. She will know nothing but happiness and security, I promise you that." He has a fierce glint in his eye as he looks at everyone in the room. “Let's get the fuck out of here and get you home.”

Chapter 14

Christopher

LATER THAT DAY

As I watchElle cradle our daughter in her arms, a fierce, protective rage surges through my veins, threatening to consume me. The knowledge that the man she trusted, the teacher she looked up to, was the monster who violated her in the most heinous way possible fills me with a blinding, white-hot fury.

I clench my fists at my sides, my nails digging into my palms hard enough to draw blood. The urge to storm down to the basement, to unleash the full force of my wrath upon Mr. Evans, is almost overwhelming. I want to make him suffer, to inflict upon him a fraction of the pain and terror he subjected Elle too.

My focus needs to be on Elle right now. I approach the bed, my heart constricting at the sight of Elle's tearstained face and the way she keeps a hand on Miracle at all times, as if terrified that she too might be ripped away from her. Gently, I gather them both into my arms.

“I'm here, Elle," I murmur, my lips brushing against her temple. "I'm here, and I will never let anyone hurt you or our daughter ever again. I swear it on my life."

Elle smiles up at me for the first time since all of this shit has happened, Meadow keeps on peeking in the door to check on the both of them.

“You’re so brave, I love you so fucking much.”

She reaches up to cup my jaw. “I love you. It hurt me finding out that it was someone I knew that had done this, but it doesn’t change anything deep down. It was the shock.”

I clench my jaw trying to fight back the anger.

“I love you so much and I will not let this man tarnish this beautiful moment in my life with our daughter.” Her voice is strong and steady.

I kiss her forehead. “This fucker doesn’t deserve an ounce of your pain or despair.”

She closes her eyes, sinking into my arms.

“Sleep, baby, you need your rest and when you wake up, this fucker will be gone.”

She freezes for a moment, looking at me long and hard. “Make it hurt and make it last.”

I chuckle darkly. “That is a fucking promise.”

Let the fun begin.

Elle

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