Beneath the mistletoe

chapter 17

As the judge banged his gavel, Emily’s heart pounded. The words echoed in her mind: “The marriage is dissolved.” She gripped the edge of the table, trying to process the moment. It was over. After years of torment, lies, and manipulation, Julian’s hold on her life was finally severed.

“Ms. Gray,” the judge said, addressing her directly, “as part of the settlement, you are entitled to 60% of Mr. Styles’ earnings, along with damages for the abuse you suffered.”

Emily nodded, her throat tight. But when the clerk handed her a pen to sign the agreement, she hesitated.

“I can’t accept this,” she said softly, her voice breaking the courtroom’s silence.

Her attorney leaned closer, whispering urgently. “Emily, this is your right. You deserve this compensation after everything he put you through.”

“I know,” she said, glancing at him before turning to the judge. “But I don’t want anything that ties me to Julian. Money will give him a reason to come after me when he gets out. I want to move forward, not keep looking over my shoulder.”

The judge studied her for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully. “Ms. Gray, your request is highly unusual, but I understand your reasoning. Your safety and peace of mind are paramount.” He glanced at Julian, whose face was a mixture of shock and fury. “Given Mr. Styles’ history, I will issue a permanent restraining order. He is not to contact you under any circumstances. Furthermore,” the judge added, “the court finds sufficient grounds to sentence Mr. Styles to six to ten years in prison for his assault and ongoing attempts to manipulate court proceedings.”

Julian slammed his fists on the table, his lawyer pulling him back as guards approached. Emily flinched but kept her gaze forward, refusing to let him see her fear.

“You’ll regret this, Emily!” Julian shouted, his voice echoing as the guards hauled him away.

Outside the courthouse, Emily’s family was waiting. Xander rushed to her side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “It’s over,” he said softly, his voice filled with relief.

Emily nodded, tears welling in her eyes. “It’s over.”

Karen pulled her into a tight hug, her tears soaking into Emily’s coat. “You’re free now, sweetheart,” she whispered. “Free to live your life.”

Luca stood a few steps away, his hands in his pockets. He offered her a small, encouraging smile. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, Emily felt the weight of everything lift just a little.

With Julian behind bars, Emily found herself in uncharted territory, she had control over her life. She decided to use the small portion of the settlement money she’d accepted not Julian’s earnings, but a modest amount designated for damages to buy her own house.

Her mom and Xander were skeptical at first, worried she might be rushing into a big decision too soon, but Emily insisted. “I need a place that’s mine,” she said one evening as they sat around the dinner table. “Somewhere I can feel safe and start fresh.”

Karen reached across the table, squeezing Emily’s hand. “If that’s what you need, then we’ll support you.”

Mama Ruby chimed in, her warm voice filled with encouragement. “A house is more than just walls and a roof, baby. It’s a foundation for the life you’re going to build. And you deserve a good one.”

Emily smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude for the unwavering support of her family.

The house she chose was modest but charming, a small bungalow on the edge of town with a wide front porch and a backyard that got plenty of sunlight perfect for setting up an outdoor studio. As she signed the final paperwork, she felt a sense of pride she hadn’t experienced in years. This house wasn’t just a place to live; it was a symbol of her freedom and resilience.

Moving day was a family affair. Xander carried box after box, while Karen and Mama Ruby busied themselves in the kitchen, stocking the cabinets with food. Charlotte popped in to help with decorating, and Luca showed up unexpectedly, claiming he couldn’t resist lending a hand.

“You didn’t have to come,” Emily said as she handed him a box labeled 'Art Supplies.'

“I know,” Luca replied with a shrug, his signature easy going grin in place. “But I wanted to. Plus, I couldn’t let Xander take all the credit for being the helpful guy.”

Emily laughed, the sound surprising even herself. It felt good to laugh, to feel light again.

As the day went on, the house slowly began to feel like home. Luca helped Emily set up her studio in a sunny corner of the living room, carefully unpacking her brushes and paints.

“You know,” he said as he held up a canvas, “I always thought your paintings were amazing, but seeing them up close… they’re really something special.”

Emily blushed, busying herself with arranging her supplies. “Thank you. I’m hoping to start selling them soon, maybe even have a gallery show someday.”

“You will,” Luca said with confidence. “I have no doubt.”

That evening, after everyone had left, Emily sat on the porch with a cup of tea, staring out at the quiet street. The air was crisp, and the stars were bright overhead. She felt a sense of peace she hadn’t known in years.

Her thoughts turned to the future. She was no longer the woman she had been with Julian fearful, small, and unsure of herself. She was stronger now, more determined.

As she sipped her tea, she thought about the life she wanted to build. She imagined filling her home with color and light, hosting family dinners, and creating art that spoke to her soul. She thought about love not the kind she had with Julian, but something real and kind, built on mutual respect.

Her thoughts drifted to Luca, and she smiled to herself. There was something about him that felt different, safe. But she wasn’t ready to jump into anything yet. And even if she was she thought he was with Lilly.

The next week, Emily began working on a new series of paintings. Inspired by her journey, the pieces were raw and emotional, each one telling a story of resilience and hope. She poured her heart into her work, often losing track of time as she painted late into the night.

One afternoon, as she was putting the finishing touches on a piece, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Luca:

Hey, how’s the studio coming along? Want some company?

Emily hesitated for a moment before typing back, Sure. Bring coffee.

When Luca arrived, he was carrying two steaming cups from her favorite café. “Figured you could use a caffeine boost,” he said with a grin.

“Always,” Emily replied, taking the cup with a grateful smile.

Luca wandered around the studio, admiring her work. “These are incredible,” he said, stopping in front of a piece that depicted a woman standing in a field of wildflowers, her face tilted toward the sun. “This one’s my favorite.”

Emily joined him, looking at the painting. “It’s about freedom,” she said quietly. “About finding yourself again after being lost for so long.”

Luca turned to her, his expression serious. “You’ve come a long way, Emily. You should be proud of yourself.”

“I am,” she said, meeting his gaze. “And I’m grateful for everyone who helped me get here. Including you.”

Luca smiled, his eyes warm. “I didn’t do much. You’re the one who did the hard work.”

“Maybe,” Emily said. “But it means a lot to have someone believe in me."

As the sun set that evening, Emily felt a deep sense of contentment. Her life was far from perfect, but it was hers, and that was enough.

And she started to accept the fact that Luca would only be there as a friend even though she wanted it to be more than a friendship, she was glad that he was there for her.