Chapter 8 - The Home She Never Thought She'd Have
A year later, Sadi moved into Leo's home.
Not as a guest.
As his partner.
She kept her diner.
Leo kept his legitimate businesses.
The criminal empire was dismantled.
He refused to rebuild it.
People thought he had become softer.
He hadn't.
He had simply discovered that power could mean something other than fear.
He used his money to fund shelters.
Legal clinics.
Programs for women leaving abusive homes.
Sadi helped design them.
Every time she saw a woman sitting alone with a bruised wrist or a frightened child, she remembered herself.
And she stayed.
One day, Sadi received a letter.
From Rey.
She almost threw it away.
Instead, she read it.
I am sorry.
Two words.
Nothing more.
She folded the letter.
Leo found her.
"What is it?"
"Nothing that matters anymore."
She handed it to him.
He read it.
Then returned it.
"You don't have to forgive him."
"I don't."
She burned the letter.
That was enough.
A few weeks later, Leo took her to the place where they had first met outside the diner.
The old building had been renovated.
The booth was still there.
He sat across from her.
"Why are we here?"
He pulled out a small ring box.
Sadi stared.
"No."
"That's not a yes."
"You're proposing?"
"I am."
She laughed.
"You proposed before I could prepare."
"That was intentional."
He opened the box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
"No giant stone?"
"No."
"Why?"
"I thought you'd prefer something that doesn't announce itself to the whole city."
She smiled.
"You know me."
"I do."
He stood.
"Sadi Bennett."
She looked up.
"You taught me that strength isn't about never being hurt."
Tears filled her eyes.
"It's about deciding what happens after."
He lowered himself to one knee.
"I love you."
She whispered:
"Yes."
He smiled.
"That's the first time you've made me wait."
She laughed through her tears.
They married six months later.
The wedding was small.
Her aunt came.
Dr. Ward came.
Donnie stood beside Leo.
Even Father Thomas attended.
Sadi wore a simple white dress.
No bruises.
No canvas apron.
No fear.
When she walked down the aisle, Leo looked at her as if the entire room had vanished.
After the ceremony, he leaned close.
"You look beautiful."
She smiled.
May you like
"I feel free."
That mattered more.
