Chapter 11 - Dominic Was Sentenced for His Crimes—And I Refused to Let Him Face Prison AloneDominic was sentenced.
But because he cooperated with federal authorities and dismantled the criminal network, the sentence was reduced.
He would still serve time.
Not decades.
But enough.
Before he left, he asked to speak with me.
“You don't have to visit.”
“I know.”
“You don't owe me anything.”
“I know.”
He smiled.
“You're really my sister.”
“Yes.”
“I've imagined this moment for twenty-one years.”
“What did you imagine?”
“You running toward me.”
I laughed through tears.
“That sounds dramatic.”
“I had a lot of time to think.”
I hugged him.
“Come back.”
“I will.”
Months passed.
I returned to nursing.
But I no longer felt like Grace Walker.
I was Elena Vale.
I kept both names.
Grace was the girl who survived.
Elena was the woman who chose what came next.
My mother moved closer.
My father surrendered his remaining evidence.
And Dominic served his sentence.
May you like
When he came home, he wasn't the same man.
Neither was I.
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