Chapter 18 - The Verdict
Margaret Sterling was sentenced to life in federal prison.
Richard received forty years.
Daniel Reeves received thirty-two.
Marcus had died in the warehouse explosion after Richard betrayed him.
Vanessa was sentenced to twelve years.
The sentence caused national outrage.
Some believed it was too light.
Others believed her testimony had saved lives.
Bella never attended the sentencing.
She chose not to watch the people who hurt her receive punishment.
“That’s their story,” she said. “I want mine.”
Arthur and I married in the backyard of our coastal home.
No reporters.
No investors.
No diamonds.
Bella wore a blue dress and carried wildflowers.
My mother sat in the front row, healthy enough to smile through the entire ceremony.
When the officiant asked who supported the marriage, Bella raised both hands.
Everyone laughed.
Afterward, Arthur handed Bella a small velvet box.
Inside was Evelyn’s silver necklace.
Bella touched it gently.
“Mommy’s?”
Arthur nodded.
“She wanted you to have it when you were old enough.”
Bella looked at me.
Then she fastened it around her neck.
That night, while the guests danced beneath strings of warm lights, Bella pulled me aside.
“I remember the bathroom,” she said.
My heart tightened.
“I remember you running in.”
I knelt beside her.
“You were scared.”
She nodded.
“But you came anyway.”
I held her close.
Across the yard, Arthur watched us.
Once, he had believed strength meant controlling every danger.
Now he understood the truth.
Some things could not be controlled.
They could only be faced.
May you like
Together.
---
