We got into the car, Mark’s hand squeezing mine as he drove us away from the chaos. I looked at Lily in the backseat, her eyes already drooping with exhaustion, and promised myself that I’d do everything in my power to protect her from the darkness that had consumed the night.

As we drove away, I realized that new beginnings wouldn’t come from toasts and parties, but from the love and resilience we’d forge together in the face of betrayal. Together, we would build the family we deserved — one filled with truth, love, and unwavering support.