Becoming my Ex's Mother-in-law

o," a gentle voice called, echoin

officer met her gaze. She had replayed this moment i

six long years, she wa

The weight of the past clung to her like a second skin. A whirlwind of r

never once come to visit. He'd left her to rot for a crime she hadn't committed, his promises of devotion nothing mo

ed over the years, Ava made her way to a sm

who had become her confidante, s

ng Ava's hands in her own. "Now is your chance to live for

nd her own lingering emotions. "I know," she whispered, thou

ighter, her gaze softening. "Then i

e sunlight hit her face, warm and unyielding-a stark co

ed different, brighter yet foreign, as though it had moved on without her. Her heart felt raw

mise of a new beginning. The city buzzed around her, filled with people

he had left behind and what lay ahead. Her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn'

up to see an older woman, her warm eyes crinkling at the edges as

s presence was nurturing, unthreateni

he began, her voice

her story-her wrongful imprisonment, her betrayal by the man

shoulder. "You deserve so much better than what you've been giv

meal in years, each bite filling her with a forgotten sense of peace. She was aware of her own gaunt reflection in the

. "It's modest, but it's yours for as long as you need," she offered kindly. Overwh

e thought of Mrs. Elizabeth's words, of leaving behind the man who had betrayed her trust so deep

e bathroom mirror-a woman transformed not by her circumstance

s, Ava allowed herself a small, hopeful smile. The road ahead

tian, the man for whom she had sacrificed her freedom and who, in turn, had disappeared without a trace. She ret

urroundings, hoping to see a glimpse of him, but there was no sign of Sebastian. A chill ran through her, bl

hat..

rom years ago. Relief washed over her as she recognized the w

e woman warmly, her hope reigniting as she asked, "Ma'am, do

responding. "Ava, my dear... Sebastian moved away some time ago. He's living in a lavish

bled. She steadied herself, masking her shock

"No, I don't have his address, but I do know the

motions brewing within her. She moved through bustling streets, her resolve hardened by each st

uilding. The sleek, imposing structure loomed above her, a testament to the life he had built while she lan

iosity as she noted Ava's unsteady demeano

Ava managed, her voice barely

nd gave a practiced smile. "I'm afraid

d, her voice barely a whisper. "Do you know

jotting down an address and sliding the paper across the desk. "This is his

the outskirts of the city. As they drove up the winding, tree-lined driveway, Ava's pulse quickened. The mansion

ath, she rang the doorbell, steeling herself for the confrontation she had waited years to hav

lp you?"

a replied, her voice steady des

sing the gravity of Ava's visit. "Please,

, leaving her to wait in silence. Ava looked around, taking in the e

shock as he saw her. The silence stret

rdered on fear. He quickly recovered, his expression hardening as he c

ked, his voice taut with barely conceal