CHAPTER 5: THE LIFE THEY TRIED TO ERASE
Months later, there was no courtroom drama left.
Only consequences.
My parents and Vanessa were sentenced. Not long enough, not harsh enough—but enough to mark the truth permanently.
The house was sold.
The past was sealed.
And Lily?
She turned five in a small park, surrounded by people who actually showed up for her.
No chandeliers.
No perfect decorations.
No lies.
Just laughter.
Just love.
She wore a simple yellow dress—different from the one left behind that morning—and held my hand as she blew out her candles.
“What did you wish for?” I asked.
She smiled.
“I already have it.”
And for the first time since that morning—
So did I.
Because family isn’t who raises you.
It’s who protects you when it matters most.
May you like
And sometimes…
You have to survive one to finally find the other.
