NO MORE RUNNING
The police station was loud, crowded, and unforgiving.
Serena sat in a cold chair, hands cuffed, mascara streaking down her cheeks.
"This is harassment!" she screamed.
"You can't do this to me!"
An officer remained calm.
"You're being charged with fraud, false accusation, bribery, and identity theft."
Her breath hitched.
"This is all her fault!" she shouted.
"Elara stole everything from me!"
The officer didn't respond.
Her phone was taken.
Her designer bag confiscated.
For the first time… Serena Vale had nothing.
---
Elara Testifies
Elara sat across from a detective, hands folded.
"I never wanted revenge," she said softly.
"I just wanted my life back."
"Did Serena ever threaten you?" the detective asked.
"Yes," Elara replied.
"She humiliated me publicly. She framed me. She tried to destroy me."
Her voice shook—but she didn't cry.
"I'm done being scared."
Lucien stood outside the room, watching through the glass.
Pride filled his eyes.
---
Evan Faces Consequences
Evan was called in next.
"You helped edit the footage," the detective said.
"You'll testify or you'll be charged too."
Evan nodded quickly.
"I'll cooperate. I deserve whatever comes."
For once… he looked ashamed.
---
Lucien's Public Choice
Later that day, Lucien stood before reporters.
Flashes blinded him.
"Is it true you'll cut ties with the Vale family?" someone asked.
"Yes," he answered calmly.
"I choose my wife."
Gasps filled the air.
"Even if it costs your business?"
Lucien didn't hesitate.
"I'll rebuild.
But I won't lose her again."
Elara watched from the sidelines, stunned.
---
Quiet Moment
That night, they sat on the balcony.
The city lights glowed softly.
"You didn't have to do that," Elara said.
Lucien looked at her.
"I wanted to."
Silence fell between them.
Not awkward.
Comfortable.
For the first time… their marriage felt real.