Chapter 10: A New Reign
Chapter 10: A New Reign
A year later, the city’s skyline sparkled beneath us.
We were hosting our own gala, this one a charity fundraiser for survivors of domestic and financial abuse. I wore a backless crimson gown, the exact opposite of the demure, submissive colors Victor used to force me to wear. My wrist was fully healed, leaving only a faint scar that Damian kissed every morning.
I stood at the top of the grand staircase, looking out at the crowd. This time, the people in the room weren't laughing at me; they were raising their glasses in my honor. I had taken over the remnants of Victor's legitimate assets, restructuring the company to fund shelters and legal defense teams for women who found themselves trapped as I once was.
Damian approached from behind, slipping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder. "You look beautiful," he murmured, his voice sending a familiar thrill down my spine. "And terrifying."
"That is exactly the aesthetic I was going for," I laughed, leaning back into his embrace.
"They're calling you the Queen of the City," he noted, nodding toward a group of senators whispering respectfully in the corner.
"I don't need a crown," I said, turning to face him. I reached up, tracing his jawline. "I already have everything I need right here."
May you like
Damian smiled, a rare, genuine expression that belonged entirely to me. "The trap is officially closed, Serena."
"Yes, it is," I agreed, looking out over the empire we had built from the ashes of my abuser. "And this time, I hold the keys."
