(Sophie)
The house was quiet when we came back from court. Marcus was gone, Victoria had been sentenced, and the storm I had lived through had passed. I walked into the living room, and Alexander followed close behind me, setting his coat over the chair.
I sat down on the couch, sinking into the soft cushions. He came to sit beside me. His presence filled the room and for once I felt I could breathe without fear.
“You did well,” he said, his hand brushing mine.
“It feels strange,” I admitted. “Like I should still be waiting for something to happen. But it’s over, isn’t it?”
He nodded, smiling. “It’s over. Now it’s time to talk to you about something else.” He paused, his eyes watching me. “I want us to stop living between two homes. You and me. I don’t want to leave you here at night
