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The depth of Axel’s love hits me like a tsunami; a powerful wave of emotion that tears the floor out from under my feet and shakes up everything I thought I knew.
This house is not just a dwelling; it’s a love letter, a manifestation of dreams and desires. It’s been lovingly designedwith me in mind. From the reading nook and the secret garden – the nods to our childhood and my fondest memories – to the nursery and little girl’s room – my hopes for the future.
Thinking back to the day at Axel’s father’s home when they declared The Holy Trinity the winners of the Hunting Grounds, I decided to trust Axel in a split second decision. I knew The Trinity could give me the resources needed to get Rose back and take down their fathers. I planned to use them, and as much as it killed me, I was committed to hurting them too.
Now, I can see how foolish I was. So wrapped up in my hurt and anger, I was directing it at the wrong people. Yes, these boys hurt me. They’ve done me wrong. But understanding Axel’s reasons, knowing the parts each of them were forced to play, it changes things.
I could make him grovel. I’m sure if the girls knew the whole story they’d have alotto say about it all. I could probably guess what each of their opinions would be too. But it doesn’t change anything. They’ve hurt me. I’ve hurt them. But we love each other. And penance won’t change the outcome, it won’t change the past, the hurt, the trauma. Nor will it change the future. It just…prolongs the pain.
I’m ready.
I really want to forgive the three boys who each carved their names into my heart.
It’s time to move on. I deserve my happily ever after as much as I deserve my vengeance.
I sit on the rooftop terrace, surrounded by the embrace of the night, feeling a profound connection to this place that holds so much more than I could ever have imagined. My heart is light with joy but fit to bursting with love and gratitude, and I’m not at all surprised by the sound on the balcony below me, and a moment later it’s Axel’s face that appears.
“Can I join you, princess?” he asks softly.
“Of course,” I tell him evenly. After my rooftop epiphany, I’m glad to see him.
I hold my hand out in welcome, and he climbs up onto the terrace with poise, a blanket draped over his shoulder.
“I’m glad to see you,” I tell him softly.
A smile lights up his face and he laughs. “Because I come bearing blankets?”
“I don’t need a blanket.”
He frowns. “I don’t want you to get cold.”
“I meant because you’re here to keep me warm.”
“Oh.”
The expression on his face is comical as I scooch over on the lounger and pat the seat beside me. Without a word he comes and lies beside me, cramping the blanket over both of us. I turn into him for comfort, and he wraps his arm around me and pulls me to his chest.
“I see you’ve been exploring then,” Axel murmurs, his tone laced with amusement.
“Is that okay?”
“Odi, this is your home. Do whatever you want. If you don’t like something, change it. If you hate the place, we can tear it down and rebuild it brick by brick?—”
I cut him off with a fast but passionate kiss. “Axel, you have to know that I love it.”
“I didn’t know for sure. I hoped. But so much has changed in two years.”
“Not the foundations of who I am. Not the core memories you created for me to treasure.”
“So you like the house?”
“I love it. I love you.”
“Odi—”
“I mean it, Axel,” I urge. “There’s still so much between us, but love was never the problem. I love you so much my heartaches for what could have been. I can’t waste any more time pretending not to love you, pretending that I’m not thrilled to build a life with you in this beautiful love-house that you built for me.”
“Princess…Peony….” He swallows, unable to find the words.
