Seven Years Later…

The courtroom was silent. Everyone waited for the verdict.

Kate Langley stood beside her client, poised, chin high, eyes fixed on the judge.

He reviewed the final documents, then spoke with a clear, steady voice.

"This court rules in favor of Mrs. Florence Davies. An immediate divorce is granted, along with full custody and financial compensation. The court acknowledges the emotional abuse inflicted by Mr. Davies and hereby dissolves the legal bond."

A soft murmur spread through the room. Kate allowed herself a small, satisfied smile as her client, now in tears, threw her arms around her.

"Thank you… I don't know how you did it."

Kate didn't answer. She simply returned the hug with quiet grace.

She wore a pearl-gray pencil skirt with a fitted white blouse, heels clicking confidently against the marble floor. Her blonde hair was tied back in a sleek ponytail, revealing a flawless face—composed, elegant, and unreadable.

She picked up her briefcase and walked out of the courtroom, calm and in control. Her assistant, a petite woman named Eva, followed closely behind, checking messages on her phone.

But just as they stepped into the hall, someone blocked her path.

"Langley."

She looked up. It was Malcolm Reid, the opposing counsel. Arrogant with a messy tie, and his ego came first.

"What now, Reid? Here to whine because I beat you again?"

Malcolm gave her a once-over, his sneer full of disdain.

"You don't win cases because you're talented," he spat. "You win because you're a bitter spinster with no life. A woman no man would ever want."

The words hit harder than she wanted to admit.

But her face didn't flinch. Instead, she smiled with effortless elegance.

"And even with all that? I still wipe the floor with you in every courtroom we share. Imagine what I could do if I were happy."

She brushed past him, head high, and Eva followed silently, visibly impressed.

But inside, Kate was bleeding.

Reid's words cut deeper than she'd ever let anyone see.

Not because they were completely true.

But because… they were partly true.

She'd been alone for years.

Seven, to be exact.

Since that night.

The night Grayson kissed her like a storm, touched her like he hated her… and then disappeared.

No calls. No letters. No explanation.

Just a lawyer, a week later, with papers in her name: the mansion, full bank accounts, and a signed contract from Grayson confirming that their marriage was still legally binding.

He didn't want to see her, but he made sure she lacked nothing.

Still, money didn't keep you warm. And cold walls didn't talk back.

As for her parents… they blamed her.

They said Grayson refused to help them because of her. They called her ungrateful, useless, and a disgrace. They said she ruined their only chance at salvation.

They crushed her. Again.

So she left and stopped calling them. Meanwhile Catherine never came back after she ran.

So Kate built a new life. Work. Silence. Insomnia. No dinners. No family. No love.

Only her career.

Only courtrooms, cases, and laws.

And she became the best lawyer in London.

But deep down, she was still the same girl who'd once signed a contract with a devil… and still wasn't sure if she hated him, or if she was still waiting for him.

"Kate…"

Eva's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

She blinked, untangling herself from the web in her mind, and turned with a smile.

"Yes?"

"You have the meeting with Bellingham & Co. at seven. You said it was important—"

"At seven?" Kate glanced at her watch. "Cancel it."

"What? But Kate… you waited weeks. They—"

"Cancel it, Eva." Her voice was soft, but firm. "Something more important came up."

Eva opened her mouth to argue, then sighed and nodded.

"As you say."

Kate winked at her, then headed straight to the parking lot. Her steps quickened. Her heart pounded—not with nerves, but with joy. A smile crept up without permission.

Then her phone rang.

She pulled it from her purse while still walking, and the moment she saw the name on the screen, her smile deepened.

"Hey, sweetheart."

On the other end, a seven-year-old boy's voice burst with excitement and warmth.

"Mommy! Hurry up! You're gonna miss the movie!"

Kate laughed softly as she opened the car door.

"What if I miss the first few minutes?"

"Nooo! You can't miss the beginning! That's the coolest part—when the dragon wakes up and breathes fire everywhere!"

"Then I'll step on it, mister dragon. We'll get popcorn too."

"Yes, Mommy! I love you!"

"And I love you, my love."

She hung up, then paused, resting her head against the seat for just a moment.

Took a deep breath.

Because she did have something to smile about.

Her son.

He was her greatest victory, her greatest secret, and the only thing in this world that truly belonged to her.