Page 2 of Only Ever His

The words became my anchor, a mantra I clung to as I pushed the nightmare back into the shadows where it belonged.

I wasn’t that scared, silenced version of myself.

I wasn’t the woman who flinched at raised voices or second-guessed every decision, terrified it might be the wrong one.

I was safe now. I was free.

I had clawed my way out of that darkness, brick by brick, dollar by dollar, until I had built a life I could call my own.

A life I was proud of.

A life where his shadow couldn’t reach me anymore. And no matter what, there was nothing he could do to tear it down.

A hot shower was my first stop, and I let the water beat down, imagining it washing away every trace of the dream.

The steam fogged up the mirror, and as I wrapped myself in a towel, I saw myself as I was now—calmer, stronger.

My reflection looked me squarely in the eyes, as if daring me to let him haunt me again.

Not today,I thought, nodding back at my reflection.Not ever again.

After getting dressed, I slipped into my routine with the comforting ease of well-worn steps.

I went to Oakridge Grind, my favorite coffee shop just down the road.

The place was small, cozy, with hand-painted murals of oak trees winding along the walls and a barista who always greeted me with a smile.

“Morning, Tori! Usual?” Jamie, the barista, asked with a wink.

"Good morning. Yes, please," I said, grateful for the sense of familiarity.

She handed me a latte and a fresh blueberry muffin that warmed my fingers through the wrapper.

The simple comfort of it, the taste of the coffee and the sweetness of the muffin, grounded me in the here and now.

I wasn’t in some nightmare world where Marcus lurked in the shadows.I was in my hometown, surrounded by the life I’d made for myself.

The walk to my boutique, Velvet & Lace, was short and peaceful.

I loved this town and its quiet streets, the way the morning sun filtered through the trees lining the main road.

Velvet & Lace sat on a charming corner of Main Street.

The boutique was more than just a shop. It was the culmination of years of dreaming, planning, and relentless hard work.

Every detail carried a piece of my heart.

Even on my darkest days, when the world seemed heavy and hope felt like a distant memory, Velvet & Lace brought me joy.

It reminded me of how far I’d come, a tangible proof that dreams could become reality.

When I arrived, Candy was already there, setting out a new display with her usual enthusiasm.

Her bright red hair and matching lipstick were as bold as her laugh, which echoed softly through the quiet store.

“Morning, boss!” she called, giving me a smile as she fluffed the sleeves of a blouse on one of the mannequins. “Ready to make some magic?”

“Morning, Candy,” I replied, returning her smile. “Let’s open up and do this.”

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